College Football Picks 2021: Week Thirteen (Rivalry Week)

Blake Corum, Michigan

Current Picks Record: 73-35

Upset: 6-6

Superdogs: 7-5

(#2) Ohio State Buckeyes @ (#5) Michigan Wolverines

Although there is plenty of football on Thursday and Friday this week, "Rivalry Week" really gets rolling with this year's iteration of "The Game". There are plenty of reasons to tune in; not only is the rivalry one of the greatest in sports, but the Big Ten East and a possible Playoff berth are on the line in Ann Arbor. Is this the year Michigan finally gets back on top and beats Ohio State for the first time since 2011?

The Ohio State offense is playing at a terrifying level right now, fresh off two consecutive weeks of dropping 50-plus points. They made it look easy against Michigan State last weekend, with QB C.J. Stroud likely asserting himself as the Heisman favorite with a dominant 432-yard, six touchdown performance. It helps that Stroud has the best collection of receivers in the country and perhaps one of the best we've seen in recent college football memory. The trio of Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a load to handle for any secondary, but even guys further down the Buckeye depth chart have proven they can make plays, such as Julian Fleming and Marvin Harrison Jr. The explosive OSU aerial attack is not only a pain to stop, but it does a great job opening up the ground game for TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams, who are operating behind a strong offensive line. As I mentioned last week, you add in one of the game's best play-callers and offensive minds in Ryan Day, and you have the nation's best offense that can legitimately go toe-to-toe with the fearsome units boasted by 2020 Alabama and 2019 LSU. With all that being said, this Michigan defense may be the best defense they've seen all season, with Oregon coming in as a close second. New DC Mike MacDonald deserves a bunch of credit for turning around this group, which plays with an aggressiveness and confidence they didn't have during the shortened 2020 campaign. Not only do they have a fearsome pass rush, led by future high NFL Draft selection Aidan Hutchinson, but Michigan's pass defense has been vastly improved. I'm not sure if they can completely shut down the Buckeyes in this one, but they have the best shot of anyone on OSU's schedule.

Offensively, Michigan clearly plays a different brand of football than Ohio State. This remains a power-run, physical offense that will occasionally take a shot or two to keep defenses honest. Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum have been an overpowering 1-2 punch all season, with Haskins providing the thunder and Corum the lightning. Corum has been beat up as of late, missing the last several weeks and is listed as questionable. The Wolverines absolutely need him to play in this game, even if he's not 100 percent, as he's one of the few consistent big-play threats on the roster. The passing game is what it is; it's never going to throw for 400 yards per game, but QB Cade McNamara has been steady and has taken care of the football all year. Junior Cornelius Johnson has stepped up and emerged as the team's most consistent weapon on the perimeter, as has tight end Erick All and veteran Mike Sanristil. However, it's the young playmakers that might be the most critical for the Wolverines here. Freshman Andrel Anthony and sophomore Roman Wilson have been two of their most explosive weapons all season and may be the type of players necessary to open up this offense. Anthony had a huge game in the tight loss to Michigan State and has superstar potential. However, most critical for Michigan is their offensive line, which absolutely has to hold up if they want to survive this one. Ohio State dominated at the point of attack all last Saturday against MSU; Michigan's O-Line has been a strength all season, but can they handle all the athletes the Buckeyes can throw at you? They need to not only keep McNamara upright, but open up new lanes for Haskins, Corum, and youngster Donovan Edwards.

Michigan has been a superb story in 2021, as they've responded to last season's disappointment with a nearly perfect season up to this point. At some point, they're going to turn the tide in this rivalry, even if it's just for one season. This is not going to be the year, as Ohio State is just playing too well and has too many weapons to slip up. A close game is a possibility in Ann Arbor, but the Buckeyes come out on top once again.

The Pick: Ohio State, 34 Michigan, 24

(#10) Oklahoma Sooners @ (#7) Oklahoma State Cowboys

"Bedlam" has earned a reputation as one of the craziest rivalries in the entire sport, but rarely has the series had this important of implications. Both Oklahoma and Oklahoma State sit on the outside of the CFB Playoff field right now, but if one were to sweep the series, they could sneak their way into the four-team field. With so much on the line and two teams with different strengths, it should be a thriller in Stillwater.

Oklahoma has been shaky all season long, but they still enter this game 10-1 with a legitimate shot at another Playoff berth. The switch at quarterback to Caleb Williams has dominated the headlines, but the key for the Sooners will be getting more production elsewhere. Williams has had his ups-and-downs, as you would expect from a freshman QB, but so too have Oklahoma's other top skill position talent. Tailback Kennedy Brooks has had moments where he looks like an All-American, but has had a quiet few weeks before a nice day against Iowa State. Marvin Mims is always a threat to go yard, but he's had just three catches for 39 yards in their last two games. Supporting players such as Eric Gray, Mario Williams, Jeremiah Hall, and more have had their flashes in 2021, but simply have not put it together for consecutive weeks. The offensive line has been playing better, which will be crucial against the Cowboys, but the offense has to develop some consistency. They face an Oklahoma State defense that is disciplined, physical up front, and great at tackling in space. This is one of the best defenses Oklahoma has seen during the Lincoln Riley era; I'm not sure how confident I am this is the week they put it all together.

As streaky as Oklahoma's offense has been in 2021, Oklahoma State's has arguably been even more inconsistent and uneven. To be fair, the Cowboys have dealt with a rash of injuries at both quarterback and receiver, but the long-time strength of Mike Gundy-coached teams just has not been there. The Cowboys average roughly 31 points per game and while they have a decent ground game, the aerial attack has been pedestrian all season. This may just be the game QB Spencer Sanders needs to finally put it all together, as he faces an Oklahoma secondary that is beat up and has been decimated all season long. Sanders has always had a big arm, but his decision-making has been suspect at times. If he can take some deep shots but still not give Williams and the Sooners extra chances, OSU will be in good shape. It helps that Cowboy back Jaylen Warren has been a revelation all year. The workhorse has essentially been Oklahoma State's entire offense at times this fall, but needs to get back on track after a quiet game against Texas Tech last weekend.

This rivalry series over the last two decades has become synonymous with high-scoring, up-tempo affairs. Don't expect to be the case in 2021; both offenses are much more methodical and conservative than past groups they've had and both defenses are some of the best each program has had in awhile. There will some shots down the field and a few big plays, but the X-factor may be who controls the line of scrimmage. I think Oklahoma is the more talented team top-to-bottom, but that talent hasn't shown up this year. I think the best bet is that these two evenly matched foes split the series, with one winning here and the other taking home the Big 12 Title. Considering the game is at Boone Pickens, the Cowboys seem like the smart bet for this initial meeting.

The Pick: Oklahoma State, 28 Oklahoma, 25

(#3) Alabama Crimson Tide @ Auburn Tigers

"Rivalry week" is full of intense hatred between opposing programs, but they don't come a lot more heated than the Iron Bowl. This game means more to the state of Alabama than just about anything else and despite the Crimson Tide's dominance over the last decade, it's been fairly evenly matched. The Tide once again enter as the favorite, but don't be surprised if the Tigers give them another tough one in Bryan Harsin's debut in the series.

Alabama's offense continues to operate as it has all season long, with a core group of players leading the charge. QB Bryce Young remains in serious Heisman consideration after going for 559 yards and five touchdowns against Arkansas last Saturday. Nobody has ever questioned Young's arm talent, but his growth as a complete quarterback has made him lethal. He's making better decisions with the ball and playing with significantly more poise than previously. Along with Young, the core of back Brian Robinson Jr. and wide outs Jameson Williams and John Metchie remain the only consistent sources of offense. Tight end Cameron Latu has also proven to be an effective piece to the puzzle, particularly as of late. They face an Auburn defense that isn't elite, but is solid across the board. The Tigers aren't as physical up front as past teams, but are really strong in the back seven and tackle well. They're unlikely to get killed by the big play the way that past Auburn teams occasionally have in this series. A point I raised last week that will be worth a watch is Alabama's lack of depth. This not an Alabama team that can boast four and five-stars off the bench in much the same way they have in past years. You have to wonder if that begins to be a factor late in the year against a rival, especially after a hard-fought meeting with a tough Arkansas team last weekend.

Auburn jumped out to an impressive 6-2 start with Harsin at the helm but the offense has ground to a halt over the last three weeks without starting QB Bo Nix. His replacement, former LSU transfer T.J. Finley, hasn't been terrible but can't create with his legs quite the way that Nix can, or doesn't have the chemistry with the Tiger receivers. Auburn has been forced to lean particularly heavy on their ground game in recent weeks, especially with talented tailback Tank Bigsby. Bigsby has done his best, but the one-dimensionality of the offense is a real problem. The Tigers desperately need new faces to emerge on the perimeter and strike some fear into the Tide defense, whether it be Shedrick Jackson, Demetris Robertson, Kobe Hudson, or somebody else. Hudson has been one of their most consistent weapons all season but is listed as questionable in this game. If he isn't able to go, the Auburn aerial attack becomes even more of a concern. It's an interesting matchup with the Alabama defense, which simply has not lived up to expectations this year. While the front seven, particularly the linebacker corps, is full of talent and has All-SEC pieces in Henry To'o To'o and Will Anderson, the secondary has not been very good. They allowed over 300 passing yards to K.J. Jefferson and the pedestrian Arkansas passing attack, which doesn't bode well for potential future matchups in the SEC Championship or CFB Playoff. 

A fully healthy Auburn team would be a stiff challenge for this Alabama squad, especially at home. But with Nix out and the receiver corps a little thin, I'm not sure they have the offense to compete with the Tide over four quarters. However, it is the Iron Bowl and the intensity of this game should create sixty minutes of compelling football.

The Pick: Alabama, 30 Auburn, 21

Other Picks

(#14) Wisconsin, 21 Minnesota, 17 --  P.J. Fleck has beaten Wisconsin just once during his tenure in Minneapolis. This Badger team is definitely beatable, but the Gophers just don't have the offense to get over the top.

(#23) Clemson, 38 South Carolina, 24 -- This Clemson-South Carolina game could be one of the most competitive in recent series history. Clemson still finds a way to come out on top, as their ground game leads the way offensively once again.

(#15) Texas A&M, 27 LSU, 21 -- The Aggie offense has been struggling as of late, but their stingy defense helps them finish off an LSU sleepwalking towards the conclusion of their season.

(#11) Oregon, 34 Oregon State, 30 -- The Ducks are looking to not only get back on track after last week's debacle, but get vengeance against Oregon State after losing in 2020. The Beavers will be a tough out, but Oregon's superior depth gives them the advantage.

Upset: Penn State, 28 (#12) Michigan State, 27 -- Michigan State is a better team than what we saw last weekend, but Penn State is better than their 7-4 record may indicate. Sean Clifford and Jahan Dotson pick apart the nation's worst pass defense.

Superdog (covers > 21 spread): Duke +21.5 vs. Miami -- Neither of these teams have a ton to play for at this point in the season. This may be the final game for David Cutcliffe at Duke, and the emotions surrounding that likely departure could galvanize the Blue Devils.

College Football Picks 2021: Week Twelve

C.J. Stroud, Ohio State

Current Picks Record: 66-33

Upset: 6-5

Superdogs: 7-4

(#7) Michigan State Spartans @ (#4) Ohio State Buckeyes

Michigan State has been one of the best stories in college football this season, making the jump to 9-1 on the season and in serious CFB Playoff contention. Now comes their toughest test of the entire fall, as they travel to Columbus to square off against the fourth-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. The Buckeyes have been unstoppable since an early-season loss to Oregon and are fresh off a four-touchdown domination of 19th-ranked Purdue.

Few offenses in college football can match Ohio State's talent and their balance makes them especially tough to contain. Quarterback C.J. Stroud leads one of the nation's best aerial attacks and is helped out by a host of characters on the perimeter, chief among them Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Stroud has proven himself to be more than just a capable QB or game manager; his play over the last two months has pushed him to the forefront of the Heisman conversation. On the ground, freshman TreVeyon Henderson has exceeded the lofty expectations placed on him preseason, as he has already eclipsed 1,000 yards and is looking for more. He's joined by big-play threat Miyan Williams in the backfield, who averages 7.5 yards per carry. The vast amount of playmakers Ohio State can throw at you is overwhelming, and made even more dangerous by having one of the nation's best offensive minds, Ryan Day, calling plays. Michigan State's defense has been decent this season, but they're one of the worst in the country in pass defense. They're not necessarily a very aggressive defense, but they still get pressure on the opposing quarterback and play downhill. Do they have the defensive backfield they need to slow down this receiver group? Oregon managed to do just enough to survive, but no team has done it since. With the way the Buckeyes are rolling, I'm not sure the MSU defense will be able to slow it down for an entire four quarters.

Considering what Ohio State can do offensively, the Spartans are going to have to counter. They have the pieces to put up points, as this big-play offense has shown considerable growth from Year One to Year Two under Mel Tucker. The star of the offense is undoubtedly Kenneth Walker III, who is hopeful that a huge day against the Buckeyes will be just what he needs to take home the Heisman. He's been dominant just about every game this season, crossing the 100-yard threshold seven times and hitting 200 nearly three times. The Buckeyes do have a strong defensive line, but the linebacker corps is fairly susceptible, which could give Walker the opportunity he needs to make a huge impact. The passing game is inconsistent but effective, as Payton Thorne has been a major improvement at the quarterback position. On the outside, the trio of Jayden Reed, Jalen Nailor, and Tre Mosley will test the Buckeye secondary, as will matchup nightmare Connor Heyward underneath. This is an aerial attack that absolutely relies on the big play, as both Reed and Nailor average nearly 19 yards per catch. However, Ohio State has done a good job stopping the home run balls this season, a notable improvement over the 2020 edition. 

Ohio State and Michigan State enter the weekend both 9-1, but those records don't tell the whole story. MSU has been a tremendous story, but their ability to win tight games and rely so heavily on huge plays doesn't seem sustainable. On the other hand, OSU is decimating their competition right now and looks like the best National Title bet not named Georgia. The Spartans still have the weapons to keep things interesting, but you'd be a fool to bet against OSU in Columbus right now.

The Pick: Ohio State, 38 Michigan State, 24

(#3) Oregon Ducks @ (#23) Utah Utes

Ranked third nationally and with an impressive victory over Ohio State still to their credit, Oregon has a legitimate shot at their second CFB Playoff appearance in program history. However, they get one of their toughest matchups of the entire season as they travel to Salt Lake City to face Utah. The Utes started off the year 1-2 but have now won six of their last seven and present a stiff challenge to the Ducks.

You can never be quite sure what offense you're getting from Oregon week-in, week-out. Quarterback Anthony Brown has been a source of great frustration amongst Oregon fans; he has had some moments this season but overall, the aerial attack has been lacking. Brown did have a strong finish to October, but has struggled in the month of November, which have accelerated questions about whether he really is the best signal-caller to lead the program. At the very least, Oregon needs him not to turn the ball over against a hungry Utah defense and add playmaking with his legs. Obviously, the offense would flow quite a bit better if they could get some big plays through the air, but that just doesn't seem like much of an option given the limitations of the current scheme. Instead, the Ducks will lean heavily on the ground game, where Travis Dye has stepped up in a huge way since the injury to C.J. Verdell. He ran for over 200 yards against Washington several weeks ago and remains their best source of offense. More and more, the Ducks have also featured freshman Byron Cardwell in the offense, their best source of big plays on the season. He's averaging nearly eight yards per rush, which they're hopeful can give them some electricity they need to move the ball against the Utes. Utah is a notoriously well-coached defense that fills gaps extremely well and tackles in space. It's going to be a real tough time for Oregon if they can't find some fresh sources of offense in this one.

Since the slow start to the season, Utah's offense has been among the most efficient in the Pac-12. They've been particularly strong as of late, hitting 38 or more in three straight weeks. Quarterback Cam Rising is not the most accurate QB the Utes have had, but he's effective. He can fit throws into tight windows, doesn't turn the ball over often, and can make things happen with his legs when needed. It's an interesting cast of characters surrounding Rising in this offense. The backfield has three players that can lead the way, but Tavion Thomas has emerged as the team's top weapon. He's not only averaging over six yards per carry but also has 14 touchdowns on the season and is a beast when he gets near the goal line. Unfortunately, he's been beat up over the last several weeks, which may mean more of former Oklahoma transfer T.J. Pledger and veteran Micah Bernard. Thomas is officially listed as doubtful and did not play last weekend in the win over Arizona. The group of pass-catchers doesn't have a signature star but several guys who can make things happen, including tight end Brant Kuithe and ultra-veteran Britain Covey. It will be interesting to see how the Ute offense matches up against the Ducks. Oregon has had a rash of injuries in the back-seven, but they still have one of the premier defenders in college football in Kayvon Thibodeaux. It's an incredibly talented defense that does a lot of creative things, which should be a good test for Rising and the Utes.

I've gone back-and-forth on my pick for this game. Salt Lake City is one of the toughest venues to play anywhere in the West and the Utes are no joke. With that being said, Oregon has proven they can win ugly games and talent-wise, they have a clear advantage. I lean Utah here in the upset (they technically are favored), but the Ducks are good enough to come out on top as well.

The Pick: Utah, 31 Oregon, 28

(#21) Arkansas Razorbacks @ (#2) Alabama Crimson Tide

Even though a three-game losing streak in early October cast a shadow over the season, Arkansas has still been an awesome story in 2021. They've already tied for their most wins in a season since 2016 but are looking to add even more to the resume. They won't get a better shot at doing so than taking down the mighty Alabama Crimson Tide, who are hoping to fight their way to an SEC Championship Game meeting with Georgia equipped with just one loss.

It's all about the run game for the Arkansas offense, as they are Top 10 nationally in rushing yards per game. What's fascinating about their ground attack is that they really don't have a feature guy; while Trelon Smith leads the Razorbacks in yardage, there are as many as three to four other tailbacks who can handle the load. This keeps the Arkansas offense fresh deep into games, which is a massive advantage in the physical SEC West. It also gives them a nice mix of speed and power on the ground, and it helps that QB K.J. Jefferson has proven he can break games open with his legs when needed. Jefferson leaves a lot to be desired as a passer, but he doesn't turn the ball over and has proven to be a to pain to bring down when running. If there is one particular player Alabama has to be concerned about, it's wide out Treylon Burks, who has had a marvelous 2021 campaign. Although he's been held in check the last few weeks, Burks is the type of playmaker that can change the game every time he touches the ball. I'm sure Nick Saban and defensive coordinator Pete Golding will have a game-plan specifically to focus on Burks, while being creative with how they choose to deal with Jefferson. The thing is, this Tide defense has been a major disappointment this year. Sure, there have been injuries, but beyond superstar Will Anderson, Alabama has not produced defensively the way we expected heading into the year. They do match up very well against this Arkansas offense, but the defense has to get rolling if this team wants to repeat as National Champions.

Alabama's offense this season is certainly quite a bit different than the veteran-laden unit that dominated college football in 2020. Obviously, there's no shortage of talent, but this offense is much more methodical and controlled in what they do than last season's group, which decimated anything that stood in their way. Quarterback Bryce Young continues to have a marvelous season in his first full season as starter and remains in the Heisman conversation. He has several trusty playmakers around him, mainly wide outs Jameson Williams and John Metchie, as well as workhorse back Brian Robinson Jr. That trio has led the Tide offense all season and remains a real problem for opposing defenses. With that being said, there are two notable differences between this Alabama offense and past editions; for one, the depth just isn't there. The receiver corps is talented but lacks much proven commodities beyond Williams, Metchie, and the ultra-versatile Slade Bolden. The running back situation is even worse; beyond Robinson, there's the oft-injured Trey Sanders and then two emergency backs, converted linebacker Demouy Kennedy and converted wide out Christian Leary. Usually a position of strength for the Tide is the thinnest it has ever been in the Saban era. Then there's the offensive line woes; this unit is full of future NFL blockers, including potential Top 10 selection Evan Neal, but it just hasn't performed. You get the feeling that Doug Marrone, who was hired as their OL coach after coaching the Jacksonville Jaguars, will probably only spend one season in Tuscaloosa. The lack of depth and the inconsistency on the O-Line is actually worrying, not just long-term but in this matchup. Arkansas has the type of physical defense that wears you down over the course of four quarters and Alabama doesn't have the usual four and five-star phenoms coming off the bench they typically have.

Alabama is still a good bet to finish the regular season with one loss and give Georgia a game in the SEC Championship Game, but this team is clearly beatable. Arkansas matches up nicely against them, and Sam Pittman will have the boys fired up. In a road or neutral setting, I would be very intrigued by the upset potential, but in Tuscaloosa it's a different story. I see 'Bama adding to their win streak against Arkansas, which will extend to 14 after this one.

The Pick: Alabama, 30 Arkansas, 20

Other Picks

(#13) Oklahoma, 34 Iowa State, 27 -- I like Oklahoma's chances to rebound in Norman if they can get their run game figured out. Iowa State's offense just hasn't been good enough and doesn't have the explosiveness needed to sink the Sooners.

Clemson, 35 (#10) Wake Forest, 34 -- This is an absolute coin flip for me. Wake Forest continues to chug along, but Clemson is the far and away more talented team. I think the Clemson defense finds a way to slow down Wake just enough to secure the home win.

(#5) Cincinnati, 31 SMU, 24 -- For much of the season, SMU has looked like the greatest threat to Cincinnati in the American Athletic. However, they've slowed down considerably as of late and the Bearcats get them at home.

(#6) Michigan, 27 Maryland, 17 -- Underrated upset potential here as Michigan travels to College Park, but the Terrapins have no answer for the physical Michigan ground attack.

Upset: Texas Tech, 27 (#9) Oklahoma State, 24 -- Don't be surprised if Oklahoma State is already looking ahead to their huge "Bedlam" tilt with Oklahoma and this is not a bad Texas Tech team. They pull off the stunner in Lubbock.

Superdog (covers > 21 spread): South Alabama +28 @ Tennessee -- South Alabama was my superdog pick last week and came up just short against Appalachian State. I like their chances in Knoxville, but they need to find a way to slow down Hendon Hooker.

Coaching Carousel 2021: Who Takes Over At CFB's Vacant Positions?

Billy Napier, Louisiana-Lafayette

There's little denying the obvious: college football is big business, and with big business comes the inevitably of high pressure and turnover. It seems like that has only been taken up a notch following the ramifications of COVID, NIL, and potential CFB Playoff expansion. We typically see a few jobs open up during the season, but never before have we seen this many in-season, at some of the most notable programs in college football. USC, LSU, Washington, Washington State, and TCU have already opened, and there's a chance more could be added to that docket with Miami (FL), Florida, and UCLA possibly changing hands soon. Where do these respective programs turn in the midst of such a busy coaching carousel? Coaching searches are rarely linear, but these names make the most sense moving forward at each opening. 

USC Trojans

Out: Clay Helton

Replacement: James Franklin, Penn State HC

One of the longest "hot seats" in recent college football memory wrapped up in the month of September when USC finally decided to move on from Clay Helton. It was an understandable move given the slip in recruiting and declining on-field product, but it was interesting timing so early in the season. Helton has since taken the job at Georgia Southern, but 'SC could go any number of directions with his successor. My guess? None other than James Franklin, who has been rumored to have interest in this job for some time now. Although Penn State is now 6-4 and out of the Big Ten East race, there's plenty of reason for the Trojans to be interested in Franklin. Overall, Franklin is 66-32 at Penn State with a Big Ten Title to his credit, and before that he reached unprecedented heights while at Vanderbilt. It's not the on-field success either; Franklin is a dominant recruiter who would be even more terrifying at a school with the resources and pipeline of USC. This is a move that has been rumored for awhile and it just takes too much sense for it not to happen. Franklin's decision to move agents to Jimmy Sexton, one of the most well-known in the college football universe, seems to indicate he's also ready to move on from PSU.

Other Possibilities: Urban Meyer (Jacksonville Jaguars HC), Luke Fickell (Cincinnati HC), P.J. Fleck (Minnesota HC), Jay Norvell (Nevada HC), Chris Petersen (former Washington HC)

LSU Tigers

Out: Ed Orgeron

Replacement: Billy Napier, Louisiana-Lafayette HC

Nobody is a better example of the volatility of college football coaching than Ed Orgeron. Less than two years ago, he was on top of the college football world and couldn't make a wrong decision, renovating a once-stagnant LSU offense by bringing in a transfer QB, Joe Burrow, and a pass-game coordinator, Joe Brady, that put up record-setting numbers. In under two full seasons, with one of them in the midst of a global pandemic, Orgeron has found himself ousted in Baton Rouge. He will still get a chance to finish the season, but it's obvious LSU felt the program desperately needed a new direction before things really fell off the rails. While there will continue to be be big-name jobs discussed, don't be surprised if LSU instead decides to stay inside the state of Louisiana and roll with UL-Lafayette head man Billy Napier. 

Napier has already proven himself to a valuable commodity, openly flirting with both the Auburn and South Carolina jobs last off-season before deciding to stay put with the Ragin' Cajuns. There are numerous reasons why Napier has earned so much interest. For one, he's 37-12 at ULL and is likely to deliver his third consecutive Sun Belt West Division Title. Secondly, he has spent time at several major college football programs, including working with Nick Saban at Alabama, as well as working at Clemson and Arizona State. Lastly, Napier is known as a strong recruiter and great evaluator of talent, which is the name of the game in the ultra-competitive SEC West. I've seen him described as a "safety" option if LSU swings at other big names and misses, but that seems to be selling Napier short. He's a candidate well worthy of this spot and the fact he didn't take an SEC job last year makes me wonder if he knew there was a good chance LSU was bound to open in 2021.

Other Possibilities: Mel Tucker (Michigan State HC), Dave Aranda (Baylor HC), Joe Brady (Carolina Panthers OC), Mike Elko (Texas A&M DC), Marcus Freeman (Notre Dame DC)

Washington Huskies

Out: Jimmy Lake

Replacement: Joe Moorhead, Oregon OC

Replacing a coach like Chris Petersen is always a difficult task, but Jimmy Lake looked about as sure of a thing as you could get as a successor. He had already spent several years on the Washington staff and proven himself to be an elite developer of talent, especially in the secondary. But, Lake seemed to rub people the wrong way during his very short tenure as head coach and Washington didn't waste much time, firing him after just 13 games. Lake will undoubtedly get another shot as a defensive coordinator or position, but the move leaves UW at somewhat of a crossroads. This is a program with obvious potential that had a lot of success under Petersen, but they play in a rapidly improving Pac-12 North, and there isn't an obvious replacement waiting in the wings.

Washington may choose not to go far for their next head coach but instead turn to division rival Oregon and offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead. Moorhead's had a fascinating career path; he's long been known as an East Coast guy who was head coach at Fordham, but saw his light really begin to shine while offensive coordinator at Penn State. His success with the Nittany Lions allowed him to land the Mississippi State gig, but he was always a strange fit in the SEC West and was let go after just two seasons. Following that, he landed at Oregon, where he has done an excellent job guiding a Duck offense that has been hit hard not only by COVID, but injuries and bad luck. Putting together a Broyles Award-esque season for Oregon, Moorhead is likely to be a hot name. While he doesn't have ties to Washington, he now knows the area and has proven he can run high-flying offenses, which was the one of the most significant reasons why Lake was let go.

Other Possibilities: Jonathan Smith (Oregon State HC), Kalen DeBoer (Fresno State HC), Jay Norvell (Nevada HC), Kellen Moore (Dallas Cowboys OC)

TCU Horned Frogs

Out: Gary Patterson

Replacement: Sonny Dykes, SMU HC

It's rare anywhere in college football to see a head coach last at an institution for two decades, but that was the case with Gary Patterson. Patterson oversaw TCU transition from a WAC program, to the Mountain West, and then eventually the Big 12. He won 181 games in two decades with the program and helped deliver some of the most memorable seasons in program history, but things had begun to fall off lately. The Horned Frogs had gone 7-6, 5-7, 6-4, and were in the midst of another down campaign before TCU administration opted to move on mid-season. It felt unceremonious to dump Patterson in the middle of the season when he has meant so much to the program, but the Frogs clearly felt they needed to get a head start on their next coaching hire.

Much like LSU and Washington, I don't envision the Frogs straying too far for their next head coach. Instead, they simply turn to Texas native and current SMU head coach Sonny Dykes. Dykes has been head coach at Louisiana Tech, California and now SMU, and generally speaking, has done a good job. With the Mustangs he is 30-16 and aiming to deliver their second double-digit win season under his leadership (went 10-3 in 2019). Additionally, Dykes not only has great familiarity with the state of Texas, but he served on the TCU staff as an offensive analyst in 2017. It makes all the sense in the world for TCU to turn to Dykes to run the program, as they look for a brand new direction after so many years under Patterson's leadership.

Other Possibilities: Jeff Traylor (UTSA HC), Dana Dimel (UTEP HC), Mike Elko (Texas A&M DC), Jim Knowles (Oklahoma State DC), Jeff Grimes (Baylor OC), Justin Fuente (Virginia Tech HC)

Washington State Cougars

Out: Nick Rolovich

Replacement: Troy Taylor, Sacramento State HC

At the time of his hiring, Nick Rolovich looked like the ideal head coach to replace Mike Leach in Pullman. Much like Leach, he was known as an eccentric figure, but also a great offensive mind who guided explosive units at Hawai'i. But, after just 11 games with the Cougars, Rolovich was fired, due to his refusal to comply with the state of Washington's COVID-19 vaccine candidate for all state employees. His decision leaves Washington State at an interesting spot; the program had a renaissance under Leach, but it's a difficult spot to win. They are the less-heralded program in the state and also compete in a division that includes a school pumped full of Nike cash (Oregon) and flagship universities (Cal & Stanford).

My guess is that Wazzu turns to either the Group of Five or FCS ranks for Rolovich's replacement. There are several Mountain West coaches that will likely get looks, such as Brent Brennan from San Jose State or Jay Norvell from Nevada, but I think an interesting name to watch is Troy Taylor. Taylor is in his second full season with Sacramento State and is 16-6 with the program, including a 7-2 mark in 2021. Taylor is also a coach with Pac-12 ties; he's a California native who went to school at Berkeley, and has previously served as offensive coordinator at Utah. He even has coached in the state of Washington, as the co-offensive coordinator and QB coach at Eastern Washington during the 2016 campaign. Even though he doesn't have any direct ties to the school, Taylor seems to be a name rising up the ranks. It could be the type of out-of-box hire that Washington State feels is necessary after all the drama surrounding Rolovich.

Other Possibilities: Brent Brennan (San Jose State HC), Kalen DeBoer (Fresno State HC), Alex Grinch (Oklahoma DC), Jeff Banks (Texas AHC/ST Coordinator)

Virginia Tech Hokies

Out: Justin Fuente

Replacement: Jamey Chadwell, Coastal Carolina HC

Justin Fuente was tasked with replacing a living legend at Virginia Tech, but the former Memphis head coach seemed to up to the task early on. In his first two seasons in Blacksburg, Fuente won 19 games and led the Hokies to an ACC Championship Game appearance. But over the next four-plus seasons, the Virginia Tech program slipped significantly under his leadership. They would go 24-23 over the next 47 games and in addition to the ailing on-field results, the recruiting and player development dropped off. Frankly, it was pretty shocking VT decided to bring Fuente back at all for 2021, and after a 5-5 record, they decided it was time to make the move.

The thing is, this Virginia Tech job could be one of the better in the ACC, especially now that the shadow of Frank Beamer isn't quite as strong. The Hokies have regularly proven they have the resources and capabilities to win big inside the conference, and while Virginia has improved, they are still the power program inside the state. It's an attractive job for any coach looking to make the jump to the Power Five, such as Coastal Carolina's Jamey Chadwell. Chadwell has been head coach at four different schools, but saw his stock really shoot up in 2020, when he led Coastal to a near-undefeated campaign. He has proven that 2020 was no "one-hit wonder", as the Chanticleers have followed it up with an 8-2 season. It just feels like now is the time he's going to make a leap, and the fit is nice, as Chadwell has spent his entire coaching career in the Southeast/East Coast. 

Other Possibilities: Shane Beamer (South Carolina HC), Hugh Freeze (Liberty HC), Warren Ruggiero (Wake Forest OC), Jeff Lebby (Ole Miss OC), Will Healy (Charlotte HC)

Other Big-Name Jobs  to Watch

California: Justin Wilcox

Colorado State: Steve Addazio

Duke: David Cutcliffe

Florida: Dan Mullen

Miami (FL): Manny Diaz

Temple: Rod Carey

UCLA: Chip Kelly

West Virginia: Neal Brown

College Football Picks 2021: Week Eleven

David Bell, Purdue

Current Picks Record: 60-30

Upset: 6-4

Superdogs: 7-3

(#8) Oklahoma Sooners @ (#13) Baylor Bears

Despite being one of the few remaining undefeated Power Five teams in the country, Oklahoma remains well outside the current CFB Playoff field at No. 8. However, they have three great opportunities to boost their resume as they wrap up their regular season, beginning with Baylor. The Bears have been one of the league's biggest surprises after a strange 2020, but they need to get back on track after losing to TCU last weekend.

The Sooners have looked night-and-day offensively since Caleb Williams took over for Spencer Rattler at quarterback. There's something magical about the way Williams is able to sling the ball over the field in a controlled manner, and his running ability adds another element to the Oklahoma offense. The fact that defenses have to keep him honest have opened up other avenues for the Sooner offense; their ground attack has been more potent in recent weeks and the offensive line has been playing better with a more mobile QB to protect. This has always been an extremely talented offensive group, but Williams has been able to unleash it in different ways. Marvin Mims is one of the best receivers in the nation, Mario Williams is a threat to score every time he touches the ball, and under-appreciated players like H-back Jeremiah Hall and steady veteran Drake Stoops can have their presence felt. What's been particularly impressive about Williams is not just his ability to get everybody in the offense so involved, but how smart he's been with the ball despite being a true freshman. He has an extremely impressive 14-1 TD-INT ratio, while completing nearly 72% of his passes. The thing is, you always wonder how sustainable those types of numbers are. At the end of the day, true freshman quarterbacks are true freshman quarterbacks; even superstars like Williams will have off days. Could the Baylor defense be the one to capitalize? It's an experienced Baylor secondary, but they're coming off a week in which they were absolutely obliterated by Chandler Morris and TCU. Perhaps that was a wakeup call for the entire group, but how quickly can they pull a 180 this weekend?

Baylor is a run-first offense, even though quarterback Gerry Bohanon has impressed me with how well he has played for a first-year starter. Bohanon's solid play is overshadowed by the two-headed monster the Bears have in the backfield in Abram Smith and Trestan Ebner. Smith has already surpassed 1,000 yards on the year and is looking for more, while Ebner is not only a great runner, but has proven in the past he can make plays out of the backfield as a receiver. Add in Bohanon, who is pretty nimble for being 6'3", 220 pounds, and Baylor's rushing attack is enough to keep Alex Grinch and the Oklahoma defense up at night. But, the larger concern for the Sooners is unquestionably their pass defense. With their secondary banged up, Oklahoma has been getting absolutely killed through the air over the past month and if something is going to keep them from finishing the year undefeated, it will be the pass defense. It's not in Baylor's nature to take too many deep shots, but you get a feeling that they have to be aggressive if they want to pull off the upset in this one. Tyquan Thornton and R.J. Sneed are an effective 1-2 punch out wide, and Thornton's deep threat ability is a real concern. If the Bears are able to play ball control and then take and make the occasional home run, you have to be very intrigued about the upset potential.

Going into McLane Stadium in Waco is never easy and it's particularly rowdy when the Bears are playing well. Obviously, Dave Aranda and the Bears would love nothing more than to play spoiler to Oklahoma's undefeated campaign. It's one with serious upset potential, but I'm wary about going with Baylor just one week after their performance against TCU. The Horned Frogs might have played inspired football, but it was shocking to see just how terrible the Bear defense looked. I'm not sure they can figure it out in just one week when they have to face Caleb Williams and this fearsome Sooner attack.

The Pick: Oklahoma, 37 Baylor, 28

(#19) Purdue Boilermakers @ (#4) Ohio State Buckeyes

Purdue has beaten two Top 5 teams en route to a 6-3 start, and they're looking to add another prize to their collection in Ohio State. It's a really concerning matchup for Ohio State, even in "The Shoe" and will be the first time the two programs square off since 2018, when the Boilermakers pounded the Buckeyes by four touchdowns.

After a relatively slow start to the season, Ohio State's offense has been humming over the past month-and-a-half. C.J. Stroud in particular is playing with a lot more confidence running the Buckeye offense and has not shied away from taking the down-the-field shots he seemed hesitant about early in the season. It does help that Ohio State has the nation's best receiver corps top-to-bottom. We entered the year knowing all about Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, but it is second-year phenom Jaxon Smith-Njigba who is leading OSU in receiving yardage. Smith-Njigba is fresh off a 15-catch, 240 yard showing in the win against Nebraska and will be at the front of every Purdue defender's mind. True freshman TreVeyon Henderson leads the Buckeye ground game, and is on pace so smash countless Ohio State freshmen records. He's been one of the best running backs anywhere in the country the last few weeks, let alone freshmen. It will be an interesting battle between this Ohio State offense and the Purdue defense. Quietly, the Boilermakers' improvement defensively has been one of the better stories of the Big Ten season and is a big reason why they're bowl eligible in mid-November. They've been particularly good against the run, but does the pass defense have the pieces in place to hold up? It's one thing to shut down an Iowa or Michigan State offense, but the athletes Ohio State can throw at you are completely different.

Purdue obviously doesn't trout out the same athletes as Ohio State, but David Bell is one of the best receivers anywhere in the nation and is a serious candidate for the Biletnikoff Award. He's had a couple of games this season where he was so clearly the best player on the field it was tough to keep your eyes off of him. His play, along with continued growth from QB Aidan O'Connell, has evolved the Purdue offense into one of the more explosive in the Big Ten. The Boilermakers are currently averaging over 330 yards of passing per game, which is Top 10 nationally. That's a real concern for a Buckeye secondary that is still awfully talented, but hasn't quite lived up to that potential over the past year-and-a-half. Bell could be in store for a field day, but the X-factors for Purdue lie in tight end Payne Durham and their ground game. Durham hasn't been 100 percent and was barely on the field for the Michigan State upset, but it's hard to explain his value to the offense. He's a dangerous possession receiver underneath, and his work in the blocking game is pivotal to what Purdue wants to do on offense. The Boilermaker run game has lagged behind for years at this point, but they have to bring some balance to the table if they want to hang with the Buckeyes. They don't need 200-plus yards of offense from the ground attack, but they need something to keep OSU honest. 

Despite the fact Purdue is playing great football right now, Ohio State enters this one as a three-touchdown favorite. The fact the game is in Columbus obviously plays into that, but the assumption is that Ohio State is playing too well at this point to avoid this type of slip-up. I'm not entirely sure about that; the Buckeyes have looked very beatable over the last two weekends, albeit against quality foes. Purdue has the tools to give OSU a game, but will need to create turnovers and probably engineer some luck to win. It's too much to ask for me to pick Purdue outright, but I definitely like their chances at covering.

The Pick: Ohio State, 38 Purdue, 24

(#16) NC State Wolfpack @ (#12) Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Although they match up every single year, it's been awhile (perhaps never) that this game between in-state rivals NC State and Wake Forest meant this much. With both teams first and second in the ACC Atlantic, this game essentially operates as a de-facto Atlantic Division Title Game, especially since Wake Forest's loss last weekend didn't count against their conference record. 

Even though the Demon Deacons came up short against North Carolina last Saturday, their offense remains one of the funnest to watch anywhere in college football. It's an aggressive, fast-paced offense with playmakers at every single level and a quality veteran QB, Sam Hartman, leading the way. Hartman is coming off a five-touchdown performance against UNC, but his two interceptions in that game proved to make all the difference in a three-point defeat. Considering he did throw the ball 51 times against the Tar Heels, a pair of turnovers isn't anything to be very disappointed about, but he has to prove he can take care of the ball against a ball-hawking NC State defense. Hartman is joined by a trio of efficient tailbacks in Christian Beal-Smith, Justice Ellison, and Christian Turner and two of the ACC's best wide outs in Jaquarii Roberson and A.T. Perry. Roberson is the possession receiver that will be a pain to stop, but it's Perry that could blow the game wide open; he leads Wake with 10 touchdown receptions on the season, and he's averaging over 20 yards per reception. With so many different weapons, the Demon Deacons can pound you with a physical run attack or a short passing game, but they'll take the necessary shots down-the-field when they want to. As long as they don't turn the ball over, they should be set up nicely against this NC State defense. This is a veteran-laden Wolfpack defense, but one beat up throughout their entire roster. It's tough to imagine them being the ones to slow down Hartman and company enough.

NC State's offense isn't quite as explosive as Wake Forest, instead leaning on a more balanced approach that uses QB Devin Leary's strengths. Leary has been a great story after missing most of 2020 with a leg injury, as he's thrown for 2,475 yards and 25 touchdowns, with just three interceptions. He's been especially impressive as of late, crossing the 300-yard threshold in three consecutive games, with a 10-1 TD-INT ratio in that span. Joining him are running backs Zonovan "Bam" Knight and Ricky Person Jr., a powerful 1-2 combo, as well as a solid receiver corps that includes Emeka Emezie, Thayer Thomas, and Devin Carter. There's not quite as much pure speed in the lineup as Wake, but it's still a productive group that has proven it can move the ball. Knight and Person are a load to handle over four quarters and it's hard to imagine this atrocious Wake Forest secondary being able to handle the trio out wide, particularly if Carter can get back on track after a quiet few weeks. 

This game has all the makings of a shootout, and should be a fun one. Wake Forest has a slightly better offense than NC State, but they can't stop absolutely anyone. The Wolfpack offense isn't quite as aggressive as Wake's, but Leary's play over the last several weeks allows them to compete with anyone. Their defense also happens to be one of the better units Wake Forest has seen so far in 2021, even if they are dealing with injuries. Top to bottom, I think NC State is probably the best team in the division, and they've put together a strong season for head coach Dave Doeren. However, they've also had bouts of maddening inconsistency, such as in losses to Mississippi State and Miami and a stinker against Louisiana Tech. Wake Forest at home makes a lot more sense to me than NC State, even if they lost last weekend. As I said previously, this Wake team isn't a Playoff-good team, but one I believe capable of winning the weakest ACC we've seen in awhile.

The Pick: Wake Forest, 49 NC State, 40

Other Picks

(#1) Georgia, 35 Tennessee, 21 -- At some point, Georgia's going to get a real test from somebody this season and why that can't be the Volunteers? They at least have the offense to make things interesting, but their terrible defense erodes any upset chances.

(#15) Ole Miss, 42 (#11) Texas A&M, 34 -- Can A&M keep their magical run going? Even though Ole Miss isn't fully healthy, I still think Matt Corral gives them a clear upper hand, as does getting the Aggies in Oxford.

(#18) Wisconsin, 24 Northwestern, 10 -- Don't look now, but Wisconsin looks like they're going to play themselves back into another Big Ten West Title. The 3-6 Wildcats officially lose out on a bowl with a road loss here.

(#20) Iowa, 21 Minnesota, 13 -- Fresh off a frustrating loss to Illinois, can the Gophers rebound? Iowa's not exactly playing good football right now, but they've absolutely owned this series for some time now. I just don't see this Gopher team going into Iowa City and flipping the script.

Upset: Penn State, 31 Michigan, 28 -- This might not be much of an upset, but I like the chances of a fully healthy Sean Clifford leading Penn State to a win over sixth-ranked Michigan. These are the types of games Jim Harbaugh has lost too often at Michigan, and it's in Happy Valley.

Superdog (covers > 21 spread): South Alabama +22.5 @ Appalachian State -- Kane Wommack has had a solid debut campaign with South Alabama, who is off to a 5-4 start and searching for bowl eligibility. They won't go into Appalachian State and pull off the upset, but they should be able to keep it close deep into the second half.

College Basketball Preview 2021-22: Top 25 & All-America Teams

Johnny Juzang, UCLA

 

1. Gonzaga Bulldogs

After coming agonizingly close to the first perfect college basketball season in decades, Gonzaga should be back with a vengeance in 2021-22. They have an ideal blend of returning experience and highly touted newcomers, much like last year's team. Forward Drew Timme is the most notable returnee, coming off a 2020-21 in which he averaged 19.0 PPG, but guard Andrew Nembhard may be the most important. Nembhard is an ultra-efficient combo guard who will have to take over primary playmaking duties in the backcourt now that Jalen Suggs and Joel Ayayi move on. Other returnees included forward Anton Watson and guard Julian Strawther, two guys who could see a major increase in minutes this year.

As for the highly touted newcomers, they don't get a lot larger than Chet Holmgren (literally). The lanky seven-footer is the top player in the Class of 2021 and a dynamo on both ends of the court. He will pair with Timme to immediately create one of the most fearsome frontlines anywhere in America. Also coming in is freshman Hunter Sallis, who was a consensus five-star recruit. Sallis is a pure scorer, and the type of player that you can run an offense around. Rounding out a dazzling freshmen trio is Nolan Hickman, a former Kentucky commit who is a natural point guard. He might not start right away, but it will be difficult for Mark Few to keep him off the court. Add in Iowa State transfer Rasir Bolton, who totaled 15.5 PPG for Iowa State, and the Bulldogs bring ample reinforcements.

Prediction: National Title

Few has now brought Gonzaga to the National Championship Game twice, and come up short both times. I don't envision that happen a third time; this Gonzaga program is operating at an incredible level right now, in terms of both player development and recruiting. Winning a National Title is the only thing they have left to do to go from lovable "underdog" to a truly elite national power.

2. Kansas Jayhawks

It was an uncharacteristic season last winter for Kansas, in a variety of ways. It wasn't just the obvious wackiness of the COVID year, but the fact that the Jayhawks went 12-6 in the brutal Big 12 and didn't win either the conference regular season nor tournament title. The "down" campaign for the Jayhawks should provide plenty of motivation for a program that is still one of the true blue bloods left in the sport. It also helps that just about everyone is back in Lawrence, with the notable exception being veteran Marcus Garrett.

The Jayhawks will be feisty up front, as senior David McCormack, sophomore Jalen Wilson, and swingman Ochai Agbaji all return. McCormack is a load to handle underneath who has displayed steady progress throughout his KU career, while Agbaji is probably their most complete offensive player. Wilson has the potential to be a really tremendous combo forward, but an off-season arrest for suspicion of DUI has put his future in question. Expect longtime veteran Mitch Lightfoot to also see minutes, as he enters his sixth season in Lawrence.

Kansas has long had a tradition of at least one dominant guard, going back to Sherron Collins, Devonte Graham, Frank Mason, and more. They lacked that in 2020-21, but are hoping Arizona State transfer Remy Martin can be that guy. Martin isn't your typical Bill Self guard; he's an electrifying scorer who sometimes gets himself into trouble with poor shot selection or ball-handling. He was an All-Pac-12 player twice at ASU and flirted with the NBA before moving on to Kansas. Another transfer, Joseph Yesufu, will also play an important role. Yesufu is a powerful offensive player who averaged nearly 13 per game with Drake a year ago. Providing much-needed floor spacing will be Christian Braun, who came on strong in the season's second half in 2020-21. Braun can defend multiple positions and moves incredibly well without the ball.

Prediction: National Runner-Up

Despite being one of college basketball's most consistent programs, Kansas has not hoisted a National Title since Mario Chalmers and company back in 2008. This team is talented enough to do so, but they don't quite have the depth of Gonzaga, which could hold them back in a hypothetical 40-minute showdown. However, I still like their chances to return to their first National Championship Game since they came up short against Anthony Davis and UK in 2012.

3. UCLA Bruins

UCLA just barely snuck into the Field of 68 last spring, and then proceeded to go on a magical Final Four run that was ended by a miraculous buzzer beater by Jalen Suggs. That taste of success has Mick Cronin and the Bruins thinking big this season, as they return most of the core that came up just short in a quest for a National Championship berth.

Former Kentucky transfer Johnny Juzang is one of the sport's superstars. He entered his name into the NBA Draft and seriously looked like he might leave, but instead decided to return at the last minute. He's a fearless offensive player with a knack for hitting tough shots. Don't be surprised if he plays his way into NBA lottery consideration. While Juzang is more of the finesse scorer, fellow guard/forward Jaime Jaquez is all about power. Jaquez loves fighting through contact and finishing at the rim, although his shooting numbers are better than most would assume. That 1-2 combination gives UCLA one of the best pairings anywhere in the country.

In addition to Juzang and Jaquez, Tyger Campbell, Cody Riley, and Jules Bernard all played big minutes on last year's Final Four team. Campbell is one of the best distributors in college basketball who runs the offense expertly, while Riley is the necessary paint punisher this team needs. Bernard came on strong down the stretch in 2020-21, and may be one of college basketball's best players. In addition to those three, expect two newcomers, Myles Johnson and Peyton Watson, to see huge minutes. Johnson comes over from Rutgers and is an instant impact rim protector, while Watson is a five-star prospect with jaw-dropping athleticism.

Prediction: Final Four

Was last March a fluke? The Bruins are hoping to show that the program has returned on a national level, and they have all the tools they need to do so. With that being said, this team was fairly underwhelming for most of 2020-21 until the March run. Can they carry that magic into the regular season this time around?

4. Michigan Wolverines

Juwan Howard continues to prove himself as a tremendous hire, as he delivered a Big Ten Title and Elite Eight berth in Year Two. Now, his Wolverines are looking for even more, and the return of Big Ten Player of the Year frontrunner Hunter Dickinson puts them in a good spot.

Dickinson briefly considered the NBA but instead decided to return for his sophomore season after notching 14.1 PPG and 7.4 RPG in '20-'21. He's a skilled offensive big with a versatile game, but his defense doesn't get enough attention. He regularly had to go up against the elite big men of the Big Ten as a freshman and played well. Dickinson does have a healthy amount of production returning alongside him, including guard Eli Brooks and forward Brandon Johns. Brooks is an elite shooter who can run the offense when needed, while Johns had a great NCAA Tournament and fearlessly attacks the rim.

In addition to the solid crop of returnees, Howard went out and landed the top group in the Class of 2021 (they were recently passed by Memphis due to several players reclassifying). Four freshmen could see big minutes right away, but none were more important than Caleb Houstan. Houstan is one of the most hyped recruits in Michigan history, and brings immediate scoring punch. He's joined by big Moussa Diabate, guard Frankie Collins, and four-man Will Tschetter. Plus, Howard and staff landed Coastal Carolina transfer DeVante' Jones, who can also score in a hurry.

Prediction: Final Four

Few programs in college basketball are as consistent as Michigan has become, but can they break through? They've played for the National Title twice in the last decade, only to come up short. This year's edition has the blend of talent and experience to do so, but surviving the rugged Big Ten is hard enough. A Final Four trip, which would be the first of the Howard era, would be a success. 

5. Texas Longhorns

The Longhorns made one of the splashiest hires in recent college basketball history when they lured Chris Beard away from in-state rival Texas Tech. Beard had completely transformed the Red Raider program in a short amount of time, and now sets out to do the same in Austin. He has plenty to work with, as the Longhorns were a No. 3 seed before a shocking first-round loss to Abilene Christian.

Texas is absolutely loaded in the backcourt, as they return their top two scorers from last year in Andrew Jones and Courtney Ramey. Jones is a tremendous story as a leukemia survivor who has become one of the best guards in the Big 12, while Ramey showed significant improvement last season and flirted with the NBA. That pair will be helped by two big-name transfers, as Marcus Carr arrives from Minnesota and Devin Askew comes over from Kentucky. Carr averaged 19.4 PPG and nearly five assists per as the Gophers top player last year and is one of the most clutch players in college basketball. Askew is slightly unproven after making 20 starts as a freshman in Lexington a season ago, but he has star talent.

There will be reloading to do in the frontcourt, as the Longhorns lost their top three bigs in Greg Brown, Jericho Sims, and Kai Jones, who are all playing in the NBA. The additions of Timmy Allen from Utah and Christian Bishop from Creighton were huge. Allen is a potent scorer who is only getting better, while Bishop is active around the rim and plays larger than his 6'7" frame. However, Texas is still looking to identify a true center or forward they can play through in the post. Perhaps UMass transfer Tre Mitchell could acclimate quick, or Vanderbilt transplant Dylan Disu.

Prediction: Elite Eight

Beard didn't just come in and add a transfer or two. He dominated on the transfer portal over the off-season, with Allen, Carr, and Askew being some of the most sought-after names on the market. That trio, along with Jones and Ramey, give UT enough to seriously contend for a Final Four. The key will be finding a big or two that can help the Longhorns compete with Kansas and the other names in the Big 12.

6. Villanova Wildcats

Villanova's 2020-21 season took a massive turn when star guard Collin Gillespie tore his MCL at the very end of the regular season. Gillespie was the heart-and-soul of the Wildcats and unquestionably a massive loss. Villanova still fought valiantly to reach the Sweet 16, but you felt like this program had so much more to offer with a healthy Gillespie. Good news, the veteran point guard is back for one more season with the 'Cats, and has enough talent around him to once again win the Big East.

In addition to a stat-line of 14.0 PPG, 3.3 RPG, and 4.6 APG, Gillespie has proven his worth as a knockdown shooter and excellent leader. His return immediately gives Villanova a star to carry them wherever they need to go. Joining him in the backcourt is junior Justin Moore, oft-injured Bryan Antoine, and senior Caleb Daniels. Daniels and Moore are steady contributors who can shoot and defend, but Antoine is really fascinating. He was a former five-star recruit who came in with plenty of fanfare, but he simply hasn't been able to stay healthy. If he could this season, the Wildcats have a bouncy athlete who can defend multiple positions. Also back is Chris Arcidiacono, the younger brother of former 'Nova great Ryan. Arcidiacono filled in for Gillespie last season and was solid, likely increasing his role this winter.

Villanova will need to find a new face of the frontcourt now that Jeremiah Robinson-Earl is in the NBA, but this should still be a strong frontline. Brandon Slater, Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree, and Jermaine Samuels are a quality trio with different skill sets. Cosby-Roundtree will be eager to get back on the court after missing all of last season with a stress fracture. While those three will play major minutes, all eyes are on freshman Trey Patterson. Patterson enrolled early last year and got valuable practice time against the Villanova forwards. That should serve him well as he prepares to break into the ultra-physical Big East.

Prediction: Elite Eight

Villanova remains the class of the Big East, and Jay Wright has another National Title contender on his hands in Philadelphia. This isn't a roster filled with big-name recruits or future NBA superstars, but is instead a typical Wright lineup. There's experience, shooting, defense, and plenty of depth in both the backcourt and frontcourt. With Gillespie leading the charge, a Final Four berth is a real possibility.

7. Baylor Bears

Prior to last spring, Baylor and Scott Drew had earned somewhat of a reputation as a quality Big 12 program, but one that struggled to breakthrough and "get over the top". That all changed with the 2020-21 team, as the Bears lost just two games on the year and dominated en route to their first National Title in decades. As they prepare for their title defense, they lose several key cogs, but still have a roster that can carry them to a Final Four berth.

The backcourt loses three key characters in Jared Butler, Davion Mitchell, and MaCio Teague. Butler and Mitchell in particular are big losses; Butler was their best pure scorer and a clutch contributor, while Mitchell was a pesky on-ball defender. Baylor will now rely on junior Adam Flagler, and returning sophomores L.J. Cryer and Jordan Turner. Flagler is their top returning scorer and a great shooter, but will have to adjust to a new role in the offense. Cryer and Turner didn't see a ton of playing time last season, but learned quite a bit from watching Butler and Mitchell before them. Expect a pair of newcomers, Arizona transfer James Akinjo and freshman Kendall Brown, to also feature heavily. Akinjo began his career at Georgetown before a pit stop at Arizona, and now begins work on his third basketball program. Brown was a highly touted recruit who can contribute at multiple spots. 

There is more returning experience in the frontcourt, as holdovers like Matthew Mayer, Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua and Flo Thamba are back in Waco. Mayer in particular is a major returnee; the senior showed significant improvement over the course of last season and at  6'9" with a smooth jumper, he's a tough guard. Expect two second-year players, Zach Loveday and Dain Dainja, to also see an increase in minutes. Loveday played in 13 games as a freshman, while Dainja redshirted. 

Prediction: Elite Eight

It's always tough to go from the "hunters" to the "hunted", but Baylor still has a chance to be a real factor on the national level. They have a solid core of returnees that gained valuable experience in the NCAA Tournament run and Scott Drew's underrated recruiting efforts continue to lure names to Waco. They seem a step below Kansas and Texas right now, but the gap isn't very wide.

8. Purdue Boilermakers

2020-21 was supposed to be a rebuilding year in West Lafayette, but instead the Boilermakers went 13-6 in the nation's toughest conference and earned a four seed. The eventual NCAA Tournament loss to North Texas showed there was work to be done, but it was an impressive showing by Matt Painter and the entire program. With nearly everybody back for another run this winter, Purdue is thinking bigger than a four seed.

Trevion Williams made the decision to return for one more year with the Boilermakers, ensuring Purdue has one of the best bigs anywhere in the country. Williams is an absolute bully around the basket with great instincts for the ball, but does he have the stamina to continue to play big minutes at a high level? Having a quality big next to him like Zach Edey will prove to be huge for Williams. Edey is the next in a lone line of Painter mammoths, and the 7'4" center is more skilled than most that have passed through Purdue. He could be a serious breakout candidate, as he sees a likely increase in minutes.

There's a lot to like about the Purdue backcourt, with a nice blend of experienced, shooting, and depth. The biggest name is sophomore Jaden Ivey, who is an electrifying scorer who showed immense potential last season. Ivey has to become more efficient, but he has the physical gifts to be a dominant top scorer. Also back are veterans Eric Hunter Jr., Sasha Stefanovic, and Isaiah Thompson. Expect Brandon Newman, who had a strong first half last year but tailed off down the stretch, to see a larger role.

Prediction: Elite Eight

Painter is one of the best coaches anywhere in America, and it isn't often he has a team with this much raw talent. Williams and Edey may be the most imposing frontline in the nation, and the Boilermakers have plenty of scoring punch in the backcourt. They definitely have the potential to go toe-to-toe with Michigan near the top of the Big Ten.

9. Duke Blue Devils

Coach K begins his farewell tour at an interesting time for Duke basketball. The Blue Devils shockingly missed the Big Dance after going .500 in the weakest ACC in recent memory a season ago, and now lose four contributors from that team. However, the Blue Devils might end up getting better, if their big-name additions prove to be worth the hype.

The backcourt is razor thin, which doesn't give Coach K and this Duke staff much room for error. Sophomore Jeremy Roach proved to have potential a year ago, but he was incredibly inconsistent. He now becomes the alpha in this backcourt, which could prove to be a transition for a guard without a ton of games under his belt. Outside of him, the roster doesn't have very much experience at the guard spots. Jaylen Blakes and Trevor Keels arrive as highly touted freshmen, but how fast will they adjust to the college game? Keels has serious two-way potential and could move around a bit positionally.

The frontcourt is in much better shape, with a couple proven commodities and plenty of other big names. Wendell Moore, Mark Williams, Joey Baker, and Marquette transfer Theo John all bring experience to the table. Williams may be the most important of the quartet as an elite shot-blocker and quality rebounder who seemed to really come into his own at times last year. John will contribute as well after a lengthy and productive career with the Golden Eagles. Joining John on the list of newcomers is Paolo Banchero and A.J. Griffin, two combo forwards with superstar upside. Banchero might be the most highly hyped freshman not named Chet Holmgren, while Griffin should see major minutes right away.

Prediction: Sweet 16

This Duke team should be better than last year's group, but you have to wonder if the Coach K farewell will end up being a major distraction. Even if it is, the pure talent on this roster should keep them in the ACC Title hunt, but the lack of proven guards will inevitably hurt them come March. A National Title Hollywood send-off for Coach K just doesn't seem to be in the cards.

10. Oregon Ducks

Even as they suffered through a brutal injury bug all 2020-21, Oregon still managed to finish first in the Pac-12 and earn a trip to the Tournament's second weekend. It was yet another reminder of what a program Dana Altman has built on the West Coast, and the staying power of the Ducks. Another group of defections hit over the off-season, but the stability around the program should keep the Ducks atop the league.

Senior wing Will Richardson is the team's most identifiable star now that Chris Duarte is in the NBA. Richardson has shown real growth in his game over the last few seasons, going from a pure athlete into a productive all-around scorer. Can he take the next step and develop into a Pac-12 Player of the Year candidate? Two notable newcomers surround Richardson in the backcourt, in former Rutgers Scarlet Knight Jacob Young and Oklahoma Sooner De'Vion Harmon. Harmon averaged 12.9 PPG for the Sooners, while Young averaged over 14.1. Both of these players have proven experience in top-tier conferences, and they should have no trouble adjusting to the pace of play out west.

There are losses in the Duck frontcourt, but also a key major returnees. Chief among them might end up being junior center N'Faly Dante, who started the first six games of last season before tearing his ACL. At 6'11" with a powerful frame, Dante could be a really dominant force in the low post. Also back up front is senior Eric Williams Jr. and sophomore Franck Kepnang. Williams is a superb rebounder despite being undersized for his position, while Kepnang filled in nicely for Dante and is a constant around the rim. Add in big-name recruit Nathan Bittle, and Oregon has more than enough to have an elite frontcourt.

Prediction: Sweet 16

Chris Duarte might have been one of the country's most underrated players, but Altman's ability to reel in Young and Harmon should be able to replicate that production. With a whole host of other characters back in the fold, Oregon could challenge UCLA for Pac-12 supremacy.

11. Arkansas Razorbacks

It was a banner year for Arkansas in 2020-21, as the Razorbacks won 25 games, went 13-4 in the SEC, and made their first Elite Eight appearance in over two decades. Can they keep the momentum going? The Razorbacks do have significant losses throughout the roster, but Eric Musselman's work in the transfer portal brought in numerous capable replacements.

The backcourt is a nice mix of returning production and talented newcomers. Expect Davonte Davis, J.D. Notae and Khalen Robinson to see major minutes this season. Davis in particular will play a leading role, as the combo guard is an elite defender and great rebounder for his position, and showed an improved shooting stroke to end the year. A trio of transfers should also compete for minutes right from the get-go, including Miami transplant Chris Lykes. Despite being undersized for an Division I guard (5'7") Lykes is a crafty, proven playmaker who should acclimate quickly to SEC play. Fellow transfers Au'Diese Toney and Stanley Umude, who hail from Pittsburgh and South Dakota, were also impactful additions.

The Arkansas frontcourt doesn't have as many big names, but should still be an imposing group. They don't come a lot more intimidating than 7'3" Connor Vanover, who averaged 6.3 PPG a season ago. Despite being so massive, Vanover moves fairly well and can shoot the three-ball, which is an absolute nightmare for opponents. The key for Vanover will be improving his stamina and staying out of foul trouble, as he was taken out of numerous games last year. Fellow frontcourt mate Jaylin Williams is quite a different player; he's an elite athlete who does most of his work around the rim, but he'll occasionally step out beyond the three-point line. Also likely to see minutes is Wichita State transfer Trey Wade, who can play and defend multiple spots. Wade's not a huge scorer, but he's a good passer and elite rebounder for his size.

Prediction: Sweet 16

Replicating last year's success won't be easy, but Musselman and this program appear to have staying power. They've recruited well in both the high school ranks and transfer portal, and have a nice collection of talent in place. Don't be surprised if they once again finish near the top of the SEC standings and push for a long NCAA Tournament run.

12. Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State has become one of the nation's most consistent programs, winning at least 20 games each of the past four seasons. However, their shocking loss to 15th-seeded Oral Roberts in the first round of the NCAA Tournament last spring showed the program still has a bit to go if they want to compete for even higher honors. The good news is that there's a bunch back from last year's team, and head coach Chris Holtmann continues to be an underrated recruiter.

Duane Washington Jr. is a massive loss, as the electrifying scorer averaged 16.4 PPG and wasn't afraid to take games over. With that being said, his absence could diversify this Ohio State offense a little more, opening up new opportunities for others. One player likely to benefit is Justice Sueing, who had a productive campaign last season but is looking for even more. Sueing can play on the wing or even run point if needed, and he's an excellent shooter. Other names to watch in the OSU backcourt include Penn State transfer Jamari Wheeler, former Bucknell transfer Jimmy Sotos, and sophomore Meechie Johnson Jr. Sotos was expected to play a role on last year's team but never really got going before a shoulder injury ended his season. Johnson left high school early and played Big Ten basketball essentially as a high school senior. Despite his youth, he showed real promise and should be in store for a massive improvement.

There aren't a lot of big men better than E.J. Liddell, who is coming off a 2020-21 in which he averaged over 16 points per game and nearly seven rebounds. Even though he's only 6'7" consistently playing against longer big men, Liddell is a punishing forward who showed improved shooting touch last year. He could be a serious candidate for Big Ten Player of the Year. There are several other key Buckeyes returning alongside Liddell, including glue guy Kyle Young, sharpshooting Justin Ahrens and powerful big Zed Key. Young's absence in that Oral Roberts loss was notable, while Ahrens and Key are important role players. Two more names to watch are former transfers Seth Towns and Joey Brunk. Towns wasn't ever consistently healthy last year but still showed real promise, while Brunk comes from Indiana and brings much-needed size.

Prediction: Sweet 16

This is a really quality program that brings back a lot of experience, plus some star power. They seem a slight step below Michigan and Purdue in the Big Ten, but the gap is not a large one. They're talented and experienced enough to push for a league title and compete for an NCAA Tournament run, perhaps a year later than expected.

13. Kentucky Wildcats

Last season was not kind to the traditional blue bloods of the sport and nowhere was that more true than in Lexington. The Wildcats went just 9-16 overall and finished sub-.500 as they missed the NCAA Tournament by a mile. It was a wakeup call for John Calipari and the entire program, which hopes a different core will result in more success this season.

Davion Mintz was Kentucky's most consistent offensive threat in 2020-21 and he is back to lead the backcourt this year. Mintz isn't necessarily an elite athlete, but has a smooth offensive game and a great jump shot. His experience should also be huge for a team that is always very young. Joining Mintz in returning was Dontaie Allen, who played very well down the stretch last year. He's an excellent shooter, but is hoping to grow more parts of his game in 2021-22. Calipari went out and got a host of reinforcements for this backcourt, including C.J. Fredrick from Iowa and Kellan Grady from Davidson. Fredrick shot 47% from three during his Hawkeye career and will be a key floor spacer, while Grady scored over 2,000 points in his Davidson career but is ready for the spotlight of playing at Kentucky. That pair, plus highly touted newcomer TyTy Washington, will give Mintz and Allen plenty of supporting help.

The frontcourt has slightly more questions than the backcourt, with less proven commodities and a big question mark in the form of West Virginia transfer Oscar Tshiebwe. Tshiebwe left WVU mid-season in 2020-21, and there were reports of him not being focused on the game or in the right head space. He's an extremely talented forward, but could become a distraction if he isn't able to get things right this winter. The good news is that UK still has a pair of returnees in Jacob Toppin and Keion Brooks Jr. who showed real promise even in the midst of a frustrating season. Toppin is the younger brother of former Dayton star Obi and is an insane athlete, while Brooks is a versatile wing with serious scoring potential.

Prediction: Sweet 16

Kentucky was probably a better team than their 9-16 record indicated last season, as they lost close game after close game. However, that didn't stop Calipari from going out and flipping most of the roster. His ability to land Fredrick, Grady, and Tshiebwe, along with several key freshmen, greatly improves this roster in just about every conceivable way. It will be difficult to from eighth in the league to a conference title, but the Wildcats should be in the hunt.

14. Illinois Fighting Illini

In many ways, 2020-21 was a golden year for the Illinois Fighting Illini. They went 16-4 in the nation's toughest conference and earned a No. 1 seed for the first time since 2005. But, the Illini simply ran into a tough matchup in the Tournament's second round, as they dropped to an under-seeded Loyola-Chicago foe. It left the team with a bad taste in their mouth, and plenty of motivation for an improved showing this season.

Ayo Dosunmu was one of the best players in college basketball, so replacing him will not be easy. However, sophomore Andre Curbelo was extremely impressive as a freshmen last year and should be in store for a monster campaign. He's the type of skilled guard that can control the entire pace and flow of the game; players like that don't come around in Champaign often. Illinois also got a nice surprise when veteran Trent Frazier decided to come back for one more season. The long-time guard is an elite defender and strong shooter whose leadership will be needed even more now that Dosunmu is gone. Also back is Da'Monte Williams, a terrific spot-up shooter who could see an expanded role this season.

Kofi Cockburn flirted with the NBA and transferring elsewhere before making the surprising decision to come back to Champaign. At seven-feet and weighing 285 pounds, Cockburn is an absolute giant, but he's looking to grow his overall game. If he can develop a mid-range game or become even more efficient around the hoop, he's an All-American. Aside from him, the Illini will also lean heavily on returnees Jacob Grandison and Coleman Hankins, as well as Florida transfer Omar Payne. Grandison isn't much of a scorer but he does the little things well, and Hankins has serious upside. Expect Payne to operate as the team's backup center now that Giorgi Bezhanishvili is gone.

Prediction: Sweet 16

Much like Ohio State, Illinois is trying to prove their early NCAA Tournament loss was a one-time thing. This year's group isn't quite as talented at the top, but the return of Cockburn, Curbelo, and Frazier keeps them in the Big Ten Title hunt. Depth might be a slight concern, but this team does have Final Four potential.

15. Houston Cougars

There is absolutely no denying what a job Kelvin Sampson has done at Houston. He's taken over a program that was mired in mediocrity for a long time and has turned them into one of the premier mid-majors in the country. Last season, the Cougars showed just how dangerous they could be, playing themselves into their first Final Four in nearly four decades.

The backcourt loses two familiar faces in Quentin Grimes and DeJon Jarreau, but there are reinforcements waiting in the wings. Marcus Sasser was an All-AAC pick last season and will likely take over as the team's primary scoring threat this winter. He is joined by Tramon Mark and Texas Tech transfer Kyler Edwards, both who should start. Mark came on as a freshman during the weirdest time in recent college basketball history and still played well, while Edwards was a multi-year contributor at Tech and played in a National Championship Game. Add in UC-Santa Barbara transfer Taze Moore, and there's more than enough in this backcourt to keep the Cougars rolling.

There's loads of depth and experience in the frontcourt, headlined by senior Fabian White Jr. White was expected to miss most or all of the 2020-21 campaign with a torn ACL but returned early and was a huge piece down the stretch. He has the talent to earn All-AAC recognition this season. Fellow senior Reggie Chaney and UConn transplant Josh Carlton are also expected to see heavy minutes. Chaney is slightly undersized for a center but plays inches larger than he is, while Carlton is a proven back-to-the-basket scorer. Freshman Ja'Vier Francis is also going to play a role in some way. He's a long and athletic forward who could become a dominant two-way force.

Prediction: Sweet 16

There's no team in the American Athletic Conference that has been able to match up with Houston the last several seasons. Even with Memphis on the rise, the Cougars are still the team to beat in the league, particularly with so much experience back. Getting back to the Final Four is obviously a tall order, but the Cougars should be able to get to the Tournament's second weekend.

16. Memphis Tigers

Even though Memphis missed the NCAA Tournament last season, few teams enter 2021-22 with as much hype or intrigue as the Tigers. Head coach Penny Hardaway landed two of the biggest recruits in the country in Emoni Bates and Jalen Duren and also loaded up his coaching staff with big names, including legendary NBA head coach Larry Brown and former player Rasheed Wallace. The question is, will it all come together and result in wins?

The backcourt might not have a huge name like Bates or Duren, but has several key pieces returning from last year's team. Junior Lester Quinones, point guard Alex Lomax, and combo guard Landers Nolley II are all back in the fold. Quinones is a rock solid floor general, while Lomax is an elite distributor who is looking to get healthy again after an ankle injury late in '20-'21. Two transfers, Earl Timberlake and Tyler Harris, will also see major minutes. Timberlake was a former prized recruit who comes over from Miami, while Harris began his career at Memphis, took a pit stop at Iowa State, but is now back in town.

All eyes will be on Bates and Duren this winter. Both were highly ranked members of the 2022 Class before deciding to reclassify and instead play this season. Bates is a combo forward with electrifying scoring potential who has been a big name for years, while Duren is your prototypical modern big. He's long and athletic, but also a proven scorer around the basket. The pair may need some time to adjust to the college game (they're extremely young freshmen), but the talent is off the charts. Senior DeAndre Williams may be lost in the spotlight of Bates and Duren, but his return was important for Hardaway and Memphis. When healthy, he's among the best forwards in the American Athletic. Junior Malcolm Dandridge may begin the year as the starter while Duren gets his feet wet. He's not an elite scorer, but operates as a solid rim protector.

Prediction: Sweet 16

With several future NBA stars on this roster, there's loads of hype surrounding Memphis. It may be their most talented team since the group that went toe-to-toe with Kansas in the 2008 National Championship, but there will be an adjustment period. Expect the veteran leadership to carry the team early, while Bates and Duren acclimate. 

17. North Carolina Tar Heels

Roy Williams' decision to retire at the conclusion of last season wasn't necessarily a shock, but it was surprising how quickly it all went down. Now, longtime assistant Hubert Davis will be tasked with building back a North Carolina program that has always has talent, but had slipped a bit in the waning years of the Williams tenure.

Guard Caleb Love runs the backcourt, fresh off a debut season in which he displayed significant upside. Love is a great ball handler and explosive athlete, but to reach his ceiling he has to become a better shooter. If he does, he has a chance to be one of the best guards in the ACC. Along with Love, veterans R.J. Davis and Leaky Black return, as does sharpshooting sophomore Kerwin Walton. Walton seemed to really come into his own down the stretch in 2020-21 and could be one of the more underrated wings in the nation as he enters this season. The wild card in the backcourt is sophomore Anthony Harris, who tore his ACL in 2019 but has been an effective playmaker when healthy. 

The frontcourt loses three key pieces in Garrison Brooks, Day'Ron Sharpe, and Walker Kessler, but the Heels dipped into the transfer portal for help. Marquette transfer Dawson Garcia and Oklahoma transfer Brady Manek are two major additions. Garcia has an extremely high ceiling as a scorer and put up 24 against UNC when they played against each other. Manek is a proven veteran who is the perfect forward for the modern game. He can shoot the ball, defend multiple spots, and crash the glass. Veteran Armando Bacot also remains in town and is hoping this is the year it all comes together. Bacot has repeatedly shown star potential, but has dealt with inconsistency his entire career. With Garcia and Manek, he won't have to do it all, but you'd like to see him make even more improvement this season.

Prediction: Second Round

Replacing Roy Williams is no simple task, but Davis has a lot of talent on his first roster. Love, Walton, and Bacot give this team a fighting chance in the ACC no matter what, but their ceiling will be determined by how quickly the transfers gel.

18. Virginia Cavaliers

Virginia remains a model of consistency under Tony Bennett, as they won the ACC regular season title in 2020-21. With that being said, this season could be a real challenge for Bennett and the Cavs, as they replace a bunch from a team that lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. 

Senior guard Kihei Clark is the perfect player to run Bennett's system. Although he's undersized, he's a superb passer, plus defender, an incredibly efficient floor general. It will be interesting to see how he does this year; he's going from more of a support role into their best overall player. Likely to start next to him is sophomore Reece Beekman, who is a skilled defender but must become a strong shooter to reach his full potential. Also to feature this backcourt is senior Kody Stattmann and Indiana transfer Armaan Franklin. Franklin brings much needed offense to this roster after averaging over 11 PPG for the Hoosiers, while Stattmann missed most of 2020-21 but brings upside.

With Sam Hauser and Jay Huff moving on, along with Justin McKoy transferring, Virginia has a thin frontcourt. Luckily, Bennett managed to land East Carolina transfer Jayden Gardner, who finished second in the AAC in scoring last year. It will be a transition for Gardner, who played in a much different system at ECU than the one Bennett and UVA runs. Sophomore Kadin Shedrick and big man Francisco Caffaro are the only other bigs on the roster. Shedrick is a former prized recruit who is ready to show what he can do, while Caffaro is a seven-footer who should become an elite shot-blocker. Behind this trio, Virginia really doesn't have much else on this roster, which could become a problem late in the year.

Prediction: Second Round

The return of Clark and the addition of Gardner should keep Virginia in the ACC Title conversation, but it won't be an easy year. The lack of depth on the roster could haunt them the deeper they get in their ACC schedule, and Gardner will need time to acclimate. But, since this program has been so consistent this past decade, a Top 20 ranking still seems warranted.

19. St. Bonaventure Bonnies

If you're looking for a team outside the mainstream to believe in this winter and spring, look no further than the St. Bonaventure Bonnies. After winning the Atlantic 10 last year, the Bonnies bring back all five starters and have one of the game's most under-appreciated coaches in Mark Schmidt. 

Senior guard Kyle Lofton leads a deep and experienced backcourt, coming off a '20-'21 in which he averaged 14.4 PPG and over five assists per. He's a crafty, intelligent player, but is looking to further grow his game. If he can improve his shooting and get to the free throw line more frequently, he's a serious A10 Player of the Year favorite. Along with Lofton, St. Bonaventure also brings back senior Jaren Holmes and and Dominick Welch. Welch is probably the best shooter on the team, while Holmes is a strong finisher and proven defender. Add in former Miami Ohio transfer Jalen Adaway, and there's no shortage of proven, quality playmakers. In fact, all four averaged double digit points last year and can take over the offensive load when needed.

The Bonnie frontcourt is not as proven, as they'll likely role with four starting guards this season. Senior Osun Osunniyi will operate as the starting center and is already one of the best shot-blockers in the country. He averaged nearly three per game last year and supplemented that by nearly averaging a double-double with points and rebounds. Beyond him, St. Bonaventure will lean on Pitt transfer Abdoul Karim Coulibaly and several freshmen. Coulibaly started 20 games for Pitt last season and shouldn't have too much difficulties adjusting to life in the A10. 

Prediction: Second Round

In this day and age of one-and-dones and transfers, it's rare to see a team with five senior starters. Schmidt has done an insanely good job of building and maintaining stability, and it feels like this could be a special season. There's nobody in the Atlantic 10 that can match St. Bonaventure, but NCAA Tournament success is their goal.

20. Florida State Seminoles

Leonard Hamilton keeps churning out winning teams in Tallahassee, as the Seminoles have been to three straight Sweet 16 appearances. They once again sent several players to the NBA over the off-season but still return enough to battle for an ACC crown.

The backcourt loses several players from the ACC's top scoring offense, namely Scottie Barnes and M.J. Walker. Expect junior Anthony Polite to step up and become one of the team's top offensive weapons after averaging 10.1 PPG last year. Along with him is senior RayQuan Evans and two big-name newcomers in Matthew Cleveland and Caleb Mills. Cleveland is a five-star recruit who could theoretically start right away, while Mills comes over from Houston. Mills was the preseason AAC Player of the Year prior to last season but transferred mid-season. He now brings immediate scoring punch and the ability to play multiple positions. Another name to watch is sophomore Cam'Ron Fletcher, who comes over from Kentucky. Fletcher was a prized recruit but struggled in Lexington, and had issues with the coaching staff that were well documented. If he can figure things out, he should be a very welcome addition.

The frontcourt isn't quite as proven or deep, but there's still enough here to feel good about the Seminoles. Junior Malik Osborne should take on a leading role as a strong scorer and elite rebounder, while junior Wyatt Wilkes is an absolute sharpshooter who should handle wing duties. The name to watch is probably senior center Tanor Ngom, who will become the starting center now that Balsa Koprivica moves on. Ngom is a load to handle at 7'2" and has regularly flashed potential, but can he put it all together this year? Freshman John Butler will also see minutes at the center spot, considering the lack of depth elsewhere.

Prediction: Second Round

Florida State has become an underrated NBA factory, as they sent several more 'Noles to the Association this off-season. Even so, there's still a lot to like about this roster, with a healthy amount of experience and some big-name additions. Fighting for the ACC crown will be difficult, but I expect Florida State to be firmly in the hunt.

21. Michigan State Spartans

It was an uncharacteristic season for Michigan State in 2020-21, as they needed a late run just to gain entry into the Field of 68, where they were promptly dispatched by UCLA. They then watched as several notable pieces either went pro or hit the portal, including Aaron Henry, Josh Langford, and Rocket Watts. However, Tom Izzo has enough returning, and is too good of a coach to stay down for long.

The Spartans were never able to identify a true natural point guard last season, flipping between Watts and Foster Loyer, who are both better off-ball. Now that both are gone, expect Izzo to turn to Northeastern transfer Tyson Walker. Walker was the Colonial Athletic Association's Defensive Player of the Year and brings a proven pedigree to East Lansing. He'll also be supported by sophomore A.J. Hoggard and newcomer Jaden Akins, a talented combo guard. At the two-guard spot, the Spartans will lean on several untested, but talented, young pieces. Max Christie is one of the most highly touted freshmen arriving in the Big Ten this year, and should see big minutes from the get-go, while Pierre Brooks II was Michigan's Mr. Basketball. Overall, the backcourt lacks a ton of experience, but could see legitimate improvement if the newcomers can come together quickly.

Michigan State's frontcourt is an interesting collection of bigs and forwards hoping to reach their full potential. The two best weapons are Joey Hauser and Gabe Brown, who both played big minutes last winter but will be expected to do even more. Hauser was tremendous after coming over from Marquette early on, but seemed to lose confidence over the course of the season. If he can regain his shooting stroke, he has All-Big Ten talent. Beyond those two, center Mady Sissoko, veteran Malik Hall, and senior Marcus Bingham Jr. will fight for minutes. The trio has all shown upside, but it just hasn't all come together just yet. Hall seems like the closest right now, but Sissoko might have the highest ceiling.

Prediction: Second Round

Michigan State is out to prove they're still the premier basketball program in the state, which won't be an easy task. The good news is that they should have more stability on their roster this year, and the frontcourt is talented enough to make a jump. A Big Ten Title is too much to ask, but finishing over .500 in the league and gaining entry to the Tournament's second weekend seem like reasonable goals.

22. Alabama Crimson Tide

It was not Kentucky, Arkansas, or any of the other traditional SEC powers that went 16-2 and took home the conference crown last season. No, it was the league's football powerhouse, Alabama, who showed they still have a lot to offer as a basketball school. They're hoping to follow it up with another strong showing, and with three starters back, that seems doable. 

The Crimson Tide will have one of the SEC's best backcourts, thanks in large part to the return of former Villanova transfer Jahvon Quinerly and Jaden Shackelford. Quinerly is a tremendous floor general that doesn't turn the ball over and hits threes at an efficient clip. He's hoping to round out his game in 2021-22 and become an NBA Draftee next summer. Shackelford initially entered the transfer portal, but had a change of heart and returned to Tuscaloosa. He averaged 14.0 PPG in '20-'21 and can score any way necessary, whether it be from three-point territory, or at the rim. Also sure to see playing time in the backcourt is senior Keon Ellis, who is back, and newcomers Nimari Burnett and J.D. Davison. Burnett comes over from Texas Tech after one injury-riddled campaign, while Davison is one of the highest-rated recruits in program history. 

Nate Oats will primarily run a three or four-guard lineup, although this Crimson Tide team will have more size than past editions. Alex Tchikou was expected to play a role on last year's team but missed the entire year due to a torn Achilles. At 6'11", with surprising mobility, he fits the Oats system perfectly. Sophomores Darius Miles and Juwan Gary are two holdovers looking to break out with more opportunities this season. Both are wings with different skill sets, but Miles' shooting could be a tremendous asset in 2021-22. Also expected to play a role is seven-footer Charles Bedlako, who has a raw offensive game but the tools to be a real force. With a 7'2" wingspan and good instincts, he should be a great shot-blocker.

Prediction: Second Round

It's always hard to follow up such a magical year, but Alabama was no one-hit wonder last winter. They have legit NBA talent throughout their backcourt and while the frontcourt isn't super experienced, there are pieces ready to step up. I don't see them going 16-2 in the conference this year, but shouldn't have too much troubles returning to the Big Dance.

23. Oklahoma State Cowboys

It really is a sign of the great job head man Mike Boynton has done that Oklahoma State loses the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Cade Cunningham, and is still considered a contender in the rugged Big 12. That's what happens when you return four starters from a team that went 21-9 and finished tied for fourth in the league last year.

Obviously, Oklahoma State won't be able to replace Cunningham, but the backcourt still has a lot of pieces to like. Senior Isaac Likekele is the type of player that doesn't come around too often in Stillwater. He won't go out and score 20 a night, but he's a tremendous distributor, quality defender, and an elite rebounder for his position. He will once again play a key leadership role, while junior Avery Anderson III will evolve into the Cowboys best pure scorer. He took a backseat to Cunningham at times in 2020-21, but Anderson should have the full green light this year. Junior Chris Harris Jr. is also returning after missing most of last season due to injury, while newcomer Bryce Thompson has brought plenty of attention with him. Thompson was a big-name recruit at Kansas coming into last season, but struggled with the Jayhawks before deciding to head elsewhere in the league.

Two brothers, Keylan and Kalib Boone, lead a strong Oklahoma State frontcourt. Kalib is the better of the two, as he set the OSU school record for single-season shooting percentage while averaging 9.4 points per game. He's natural at either forward spot, but will likely operate as the team's power forward this year. Keylan can play multiple spots with his 6'9" frame and had his best game of the season when Oklahoma State needed it most in the NCAA Tournament against Liberty. Along with the Boone brothers, sophomore Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe is returning after a solid campaign in which he totaled nine points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Then there's the big transfer, Memphis transplant Moussa Cisse. The former five-star recruit thought about going pro but instead decided to head south to Stillwater. He's the most naturally talented big Oklahoma State has had in years and years.

Prediction: N/A (Ineligible)

The prognosis for Oklahoma State's entire season changed when the NCAA struck down their appeal of a previous NCAA Tournament ban. Now, a team that could've been an interesting dark horse contender in the Big 12 realistically has nothing to play for. Boynton should still be able to keep them focused and they'll be a tough out, but any hopes of a Tournament run go out the window.

24. San Diego State Aztecs

Brian Dutcher and San Diego State enter 2021-22 seeking their third straight Mountain West Championship, fresh off a season in which they went 23-5 overall and 14-3 in the league. It won't be an easy task considering the threat of Colorado State and others, but the Aztecs remain the league's most talented team top to bottom.

The Aztecs have not just one, but two, guards who could compete for Mountain West Player of the Year honors this season. The big name is Matt Bradley, a transfer from Cal who finished third in the Pac-12 in scoring last season, averaging 18 PPG. Bradley should remind SDSU fans of another recent Pac-12 transfer, Malachi Flynn, who helped the Aztecs put together a magical season in 2019-2020 before the season was cancelled. Along with Bradley, holdover Trey Pulliam should be in store for a monster season. He's not as big of a scorer as Bradley, but is a tremendous passer and always finds a way to get his hands in passing lanes. Pulliam's numbers might not jump off the page at you, but his importance to this team can't be overstated. Along with that pair, SDSU also retains sophomore Lamont Butler and Keith Dinwiddie Jr., who is a serious breakout candidate. Dinwiddie didn't get a ton of playing time as a freshman due to the deep Aztec backcourt, but flashed long-term potential when he did play.

San Diego State doesn't have quite as big names in the frontcourt, although senior Nathan Mensah was a massive returnee. Mensah finished third in the league in blocks last season and is your prototypical, back-to-the-basket big man. Along with him, the Aztecs have several rotational players back, and Dutcher also did work in the transfer portal. Seniors Joshua Tomaic and Aguek Arop, along with junior Keshad Johnson, give SDSU plenty of different options to try out together on the court. Veteran Jaedon LeDee, who comes over from TCU, has experience playing in big-time college basketball and should find a way to see minutes.

Prediction: Second Round

San Diego State has won 31 of 35 league games the last two seasons and has more than enough to once more be the MW favorite. Again, they'll face more resistance from others than in the past, but it's hard to imagine them not once again finishing at the top or near the top of the conference standings.

25. Colorado State Rams

Colorado State has not made the NCAA Tournament since 2013, but after narrowly missing the Field of 68 last season, that is undoubtedly their goal in 2021-22. It's certainly not an unrealistic one, as the Rams return just about everybody from a team that went 20-8 overall and made it to the semifinals of the NIT.

There's plenty to like about this backcourt, with a nice blend of experience and star power. Veteran Kendle Moore will run point guard duties after a productive '20-'21 campaign. He really is the type of steady lead guard that any college coach would love to have, and he showcased improve shooting potential a season ago. Juniors Isaiah Stevens and David Roddy are also back and will likely lead Colorado State in scoring. Roddy edged Stevens with a 15.9 PPG average in 2020-21 and is also a beast on the glass, while Stevens is even more terrifying because of how efficient he is from three-point and at the free throw line. There's not a team in the Mountain West that can match this 1-2 combo in the backcourt. Add in junior John Tonje, who does so many of the little things for the Rams, and head coach Niko Medved has an abundance of weapons in this backcourt.

Colorado State is hopeful that their rebounding and interior defense improves this season, which held them back in numerous close games a season ago. That will mean more from returnees James Moors and Adam Thistlewood, as well as others. Moors was a fairly big surprise as a productive freshmen in the wacky COVID year, while Thistlewood is a multi-year starter who can step out and hit the three-ball when needed. Junior combo forward Discon Thomas is also returning after making seven starts last year, but the  more intriguing frontcourt piece is likely sophomore Jacob Jennissen. The 6'11" center is still awfully raw, but showed enough last year to be a factor in 2021-22.

Prediction: Second Round

This has the feelings of a potential special season in Fort Collins. Not only do the Rams return just about everyone, they have two of the conference's best in Roddy and Stevens. Now, the goal is clear: put it all together and don't just compete for an NCAA Tournament berth, but finish the job this year.

Just Missed the Cut

Auburn Tigers

Colorado Buffaloes

Indiana Hoosiers

UConn Huskies

Syracuse Orange

Richmond Spiders

USC Trojans

Maryland Terrapins

All-America Teams

First Team

G Max Abmas, Oral Roberts

G Collin Gillespie, Villanova

G/F Johnny Juzang, UCLA

F Drew Timme, Gonzaga

F/C Kofi Cockburn, Illinois

Second Team

G Marcus Carr, Texas

G Buddy Boeheim, Syracuse

G/F Paolo Banchero, Duke

F Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga

F/C Hunter Dickinson, Michigan

All-Freshmen Team

G TyTy Washington, Kentucky

G Max Christie, Michigan State

G/F Paolo Banchero, Duke

F Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga

F/C Jalen Duren, Memphis