College Football Preview 2014-2015: Previewing the Big Ten

Christian Hackenberg

The Big Ten 2013 Review: Throughout the bulk of 2013, the Ohio State Buckeyes were rolling through the Big Ten, starting off the season 12-0 with victories over Michigan, Wisconsin and the rest of the Big Ten's top contenders. It earned them a date with the scorching hot Michigan State Spartans, who hadn't lost since Connor Cook had taken over at quarterback. The Spartans shut down Braxton Miller and the Buckeyes, costing Ohio State any shot at the national championship, while MSU earned a berth in the Rose Bowl, a game they won over Stanford. Meanwhile, Michigan struggled to a 7-6 mark with a pretty embarrassing loss to Kansas State in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl. After an 11-2 start to his coaching career in Ann Arbor, Brady Hoke's win total with the Wolverines have decreased to eight and then seven a year ago. Northwestern, many people's dark horse pick inside the conference, began the year 4-0 before injuries hit and they fell apart, losing seven straight before a victory over Illinois in the season finale.

 Ranking the Big Ten: Click on name of Top 25 teams for complete in-depth previews.
East

1. Michigan State Spartans (13-1 in 2013) National Rank: 5
The Spartans' offense was a real issue last season, but it could be improved in big ways in 2014. Junior quarterback Connor Cook really improved as last season went on and should be more comfortable in MSU's offense in his second year as starter. Running back Jeremy Langford ran for 1,422 yards in 2013 and is a dark horse Heisman threat, while Tony Lippett could turn into a dangerous receiver. Defensively, a lot of leadership and talent is gone, but defensive end Shilique Calhoun is a monster and the secondary should be strong, with senior safety Kurtis Drummond returning. Even if the Spartans lose to Oregon in early September, a win against Ohio State at home on November 8th could push them to the Big Ten Championship Game and into the College Football Playoff.

College Football Preview 2014-2015: Previewing the ACC

Duke Johnson

The ACC 2013 Review: The Florida State Seminoles absolutely rolled through the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2013, dominating anybody who dared stand in their way. They would go on to win the 2013-2014 National Championship, giving the ACC their first national champ in a long time. While FSU ran all over the conference, Clemson managed to stick in contention. Although their blowout loss to Florida State knocked them out of conference championship contention, the Tigers would go 11-2 and beat Ohio State in the Orange Bowl. Duke was the feel good story of the conference last season, winning the Coastal Division after years of floundering inside the division. The Blue Devils would get crushed by FSU in the ACC Championship Game and lost to Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, but still went 10-4. UNC, which looked doomed halfway through the season, finished the season winning six of seven games to go 7-6 and post a 4-4 mark inside the ACC. Miami, which was as high as No. 7 at one point in the season, fell apart late due to injuries, and finished 9-4.

Ranking the ACC: Click on name of Top 25 teams for complete in-depth previews.
Atlantic

1. Florida State Seminoles (14-0 in 2013) National Rank: 1
The Seminoles have a ton of talent returning from last year's national champion. Jameis Winston, the reigning Heisman trophy winner, will engineer one of the nation's most explosive offenses. Karlos Williams leads a dangerous ground attack, while Rashad Greene and Nick O'Leary will be Winston's top options in the passing game. The defense loses a number of key contributors but still returns some playmakers. Cornerback P.J. Williams can pick off a lot of passes, while Mario Edwards could dominate at defensive end. Even special teams is stacked, with sophomore kicker Roberto Aguayo returning and electric Kermit Whitfield at returner. Although the non-conference slate is tough, the 'Noles should dominate the ACC once more and win the conference.

College Football Preview 2014-2015: 1. Florida State Seminoles

Jameis Winston

1. Florida State Seminoles 


Coach: Jimbo Fisher (5th year)
2013-2014 Record: 14-0 (8-0 ACC)
Schedule:
August 30th vs. Oklahoma State (in Arlington)
September 6th vs. The Citadel
September 20th vs. Clemson
September 27th @ NC State
October 4th vs. Wake Forest
October 11th @ Syracuse
October 18th vs. Notre Dame
October 30th @ Louisville
November 8th vs. Virginia
November 15th @ Miami
November 22nd vs. Boston College
November 29th vs. Florida

Florida State ran through everyone in their way en route to a national title, in an exciting game in which they needed a miraculous comeback to beat Auburn. Other than that, the Seminoles dominated, their closest game coming in the form of a 14-point victory over Boston College. They wrecked two Top 10 opponents (Clemson and Miami) and would beat Duke in the ACC Championship Game by nearly 40 points. With the return of Heisman winner Jameis Winston and a bulk of last year's national title team, Florida State is nearly everyone's favorite to win the championship.

Backfield: A year after Johnny Manziel rocked the college football landscape by becoming the first freshman (he was a redshirt) to win the infamous Heisman, "Famous Jameis" was incredible. Winston threw for 4,057 yards and 40 touchdowns and playing better in the Seminoles' bigger games. Winston is gifted with incredible size for a quarterback, standing at 6'4", 235 pounds and a huge arm that can make all the deep throws. He is also gifted with impressive mobility and is so hard to bring down because of his great size. Consider this: Winston threw for those huge numbers, while sitting much of the second half because the 'Noles were killing their opponent. His return gives Florida State a superstar, but he isn't the only playmaker on this offense, not at all. Former defensive back Karlos Williams takes over as FSU's feature back with the departures of Devonta Freeman and James Wilder. Williams is a powerful runner who has proven his versatility. He ran for 730 yards in 2013, averaging eight yards per carry. He could easily be a workhorse this year in the Florida State backfield who will be exceptionally dangerous in short yardage and near the endzone. Sophomore Freddie Stevenson returns as a fullback who will help lead the way for Williams and a blocker who is very strong in pass blocking situations. True freshman Dalvin Cook is the nation's No. 3 running back in the 2014 class and he has a real chance to see a lot of carries in his first season in Tallahassee. Cook is a change of pace to the more powerful Williams as he is extremely dangerous because of his quickness and ability to make defenders miss.

Receivers: Give Jameis Winston a ton of credit, he deserves it. But, also give these receivers a ton of credit for how dominant the redshirt freshman was a season ago. Returning to help lead the passing game is senior Rashad Greene, the Seminoles leading receiver. Greene was an All-ACC receiver who mixed explosiveness with great hands to pick up 76 receptions for 1,128 yards and 9 touchdowns. His experience and leadership should make him Winston's favorite target for the second straight year. The loss of massive Kelvin Benjamin, a huge threat in the red zone, leaves the No. 2 receiver to senior Christian Green. Green, who picked up 13 receptions and 157 yards, has always had the talent but it hasn't necessarily translated into success. Green is another explosive athlete who has all the potential to put up some big numbers this season. Returning is speedster Kermit Whitfield, a talented sophomore who has proven his worth in special teams but is looking to make a larger impact as a receiver. Whitfield has the chance to be a real deep threat this season and could make a number of huge plays with defenders focusing on Greene and others. At tight end, senior Nick O'Leary is one of the best in the nation. O'Leary suffered a scary motorcycle incident before last season, then went on to catch 33 balls for 557 yards and seven touchdowns. He has proven to be extremely reliable, no matter where he is on the field. He isn't the quickest tight end in the nation but he just finds ways to get open and make important plays. Jimbo Fisher and his staff reeled in a number of receivers who are ready to make an impact. Florida prospect Ermon Lane has the potential to be an absolute monster in 2014, while four-star Travis Rudolph is an underrated player who is rated as a Top 5 receiver by many scouting services. Four-star tight end Mavin Saunders was great pickup from Houston who could be a dangerous backup tight end behind O'Leary.

College Football Preview 2014-2015: 2. Alabama Crimson Tide

T.J. Yeldon and Brian Vogler

2. Alabama Crimson Tide 


Coach: Nick Saban (8th year)
2013-2014 Record: 11-2 (7-1 SEC)

Schedule:
August 30th vs. West Virginia (in Atlanta)
September 6th vs. Florida Atlantic
September 13th vs. Southern Miss
September 20th vs. Florida
October 4th @ Ole Miss
October 11th @ Arkansas
October 18th vs. Texas A&M
October 25th @ Tennessee
November 8th @ LSU
November 15th vs. Mississippi State
November 22nd vs. Western Carolina
November 29th vs. Auburn

The first 11 games of last season, no team appeared up to the challenge to beat Alabama. The Crimson Tide were 11-0 and had pummeled everyone in their path, with the exception of a 49-42 victory over Texas A&M and Johnny Manziel. Then, in the Iron Bowl, Chris Davis returned Alabama's missed game-winning field goal attempt and the landscape of college football changed. Suddenly, the Tide were out of the SEC Championship Game and landed in the Sugar Bowl against Oklahoma in a so-called "consolation game". There, Trevor Knight threw all over the Tide defense and gave the Sooners a huge upset over 'Bama. Although those last two games were massive disappointments and four-year starter A.J. McCarron is gone, it is Alabama and that means there are players ready to step up and lead this team back to a championship.

Backfield: Things looked bleak in Tuscaloosca with the loss of record-setting McCarron until the off season transfer of Florida State backup Jacob Coker. Coker really impressed Florida State coaches during his time in Tallahassee and he has the chance to arrive in Alabama and take over the QB job. The 6'5", 230 pound junior is gifted with excellent mobility and senses pressure very well. He was so impressive last spring in Tallahassee he gave eventual Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston a serious run for the quarterback job while at FSU. But, Nick Saban warned people not to just assume Coker was going to Alabama's starter. Senior Blake Sims has been great in mop up duties and a reserve role and will benefit from learning underneath McCarron the last couple years. Redshirt freshman Cooper Bateman is also a possibility, though he appears to be a longshot in the race. Coker or whoever takes over the quarterback gig won't have to do too much, Alabama will always be a run-first team under Saban. Saban and new offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin will have a plethora of options at running back, including junior T.J. Yeldon, rising sophomore Derrick Henry and underrated playmaker Kenyan Drake. Yeldon led the Tide in rushing last season, rushing for 1,235 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging six yards per carry. Though, fumbles continue to be an issue for the junior and there have been questions about his durability. Henry was pretty quiet for much of 2013, getting just 36 carries. But, he was very effective in those 36 carries, rushing for 382 yards (10.6 average) and three touchdowns. His performance in the Sugar Bowl was extremely impressive and proved he is a star in the making. He ran all over Oklahoma, recording 282 yards and two touchdowns. Even with him being a backup to Yeldon, he could have a breakout season and possibly compete for a Heisman. Kenyan Drake is a versatile runner who ran for eight scores in 2013 and is definitely a big play threat.

Receivers: After a huge freshman season, Amari Cooper's stats and productivity took a major dip last season. But, he still was the Tide's leading receiver, picking up 45 receptions for 736 yards and four touchdowns. His struggles can be credited to injury issues and the fact defenses finally figured out how to stop him after his dominant 2012. Cooper is a tremendous athlete who brings versatility and a smart, effective route runner to the table. Defenses won't be able to just focus on Cooper and double team him, because 'Bama is stacked at receiver. Senior DeAndrew White can reel in any throw that is in the general vicinity and he should be very reliable. Also returning is special teams demon, senior Christion Jones, who could have a special season. Jones makes defenders miss with his crafty moves and has excellent vision. He had 36 receptions for 349 yards, numbers that could go up big time this season. Sophomore Chris Black was pretty quiet throughout 2013, picking up just 8 catches for 79 yards, but did manage to grab two touchdowns. Black has electrifying playmaking ability and is super shifty. Add to those four the return of redshirt freshman Robert Foster, a pretty good pickup a season ago in the recruiting cycle and the addition of Monroe, Louisiana product Cameron Sims and Alabama has all the weapons to help out Coker whoever does start at QB. Tight end could be a real strength for the Tide, who return rapidly improving sophomore O.J. Howard along with reliable senior Brian Vogler. Howard made some mistakes in his true freshman season but really seemed to improve as the season went on. With Cooper and others stretching defenses deep, Howard will be able to work the middle of the field and make a lot of plays. Vogler is more of a blocker but he can really make an impact in the red zone.

College Football Preview 2014-2015: 3. Oregon Ducks

Marcus Mariota

3. Oregon Ducks 


Coach: Mark Helfrich (2nd year)
2013-2014 Record: 11-2 (7-2 Pac-12)

Schedule:
August 30th vs. South Dakota
September 6th vs. Michigan State
September 13th vs. Wyoming
September 20th @ Washington State
October 2nd vs. Arizona
October 11th @ UCLA
October 18th vs. Washington
October 24th vs. California (in Santa Clara)
November 1st vs. Stanford
November 8th @ Utah
November 22nd vs. Colorado
November 29th @ Oregon State

Throughout much of 2012, Oregon appeared to be the team to beat in the nation until Stanford stunned them late in the season. In 2013, Oregon once more appeared destined for a spot in the national championship game before a loss to Stanford once more ending their national title hopes. Once more, expectations are high in Eugene, especially with the return of quarterback Marcus Mariota, who spurned the NFL. But, is this team talented enough to fight through the Pac-12 and make their way into the College Football Playoff?

Backfield: Mariota could possibly have been the No. 1 pick by the Houston Texans if he had put his name into the 2014 NFL Draft. But, instead he decided to stay for at least one more season in Oregon, to help the Ducks win a national title. Mariota has proven he can make superb plays throwing the ball and running. He has proven to have elite accuracy and he can make all the fantastic throws on the run. He was the Heisman frontrunner before the Ducks lost to Stanford, and he could begin 2014 as the favorite. Joining Mariota in the backfield will be Oregon's usual fair share of talented running backs. Junior Byron Marshall ran for 1,038 yards in 2014 along with 14 touchdowns, while averaging 6.2 yards per carry. Marshall is a little bit more powerful than anyone Oregon has had at running back the past couple years but still is fantastic in the open field who has great speed and agility. Sophomore Thomas Tyner also returns, giving the Ducks a nice complement to Marshall. While Marshall is the thunder, Tyner is the lightning, making big plays with crazy athleticism and he can make defenders miss. Tyner recorded 711 yards and nine touchdowns while really being the third option in the Oregon backfield. Add to the equation four-star running back, Royce Freeman a very dangerous weapon from Imperial, California, who was stolen from a number of other Pac-12 schools. Freeman has great size for a running back, standing at 6'0" and 230 pounds but still gifted with great speed and good hands.

Receivers: This could be the big issue for the Ducks, who will lose playmaking Josh Huff and speedster Bralon Addison, who was likely lost for the season after injuring his knee this spring. That means that senior receiver Keanon Lowe, who should be Oregon's top No. 1 option in the passing game. Lowe proved to be pretty dangerous in 2013, recording 18 receptions for 233 yards and three touchdowns. Not surprising, he is gifted with electric speed but he doesn't fit the mold of a top option in the passing game. He is small and will get pushed around by bigger defensive backs and he doesn't have ideal hands. The receivers beyond Lowe are extremely unproven, with redshirt freshman Darren Carrington likely being the top option. Carrington has loads of potential but is still young and will need some time to adjust to the Oregon offense. Joining the receivers will be versatile Jalen Brown, who will make a big impact in Eugene from the get-go. Brown, a four-star talent from Phoenix, could also spend some time as a running back, in the slot or on the outside. With De'Anthony Thomas ditching to the NFL a year early, Brown could help take over Thomas' role as an offensive weapon, who will constantly be moving around. The tight end is a real strength for the Ducks as returning is sophomore Evan Baylis, sophomore Johnny Mundt and junior Pharoah Brown all return. All three of those guys saw significant time last season after athletic Colt Lyerla left the team. Mundt was probably the most dangerous receiving threat of the trio, as he recorded 16 receptions for 281 yards, while also reeling in three touchdowns. All three are very athletic but present big size to the table and should really help keep the running game strong as blockers. Portland product Henry Mondeaux is rated as the nation's No. 11 tight end by ESPN and a three-star talent. He could be heading for a redshirt year but was a nice pipeline find for coach Mark Helfrich and staff.

College Football Preview 2014-2015: 4. Oklahoma Sooners

Trevor Knight

4. Oklahoma Sooners 


Coach: Bob Stoops (15th year)
2013-2014 Record: 11-2 (7-2 Big 12)

Schedule:
August 30th vs. Louisiana Tech
September 6th @ Tulsa
September 13th vs. Tennessee
September 20th @ West Virginia
October 4th @ TCU
October 11th vs. Texas (in Dallas)
October 18th vs. Kansas State
November 1st @ Iowa State
November 8th vs. Baylor
November 15th @ Texas Tech
November 22nd vs. Kansas
November 29th vs. Oklahoma State

The way the Sooners ended 2013 was so fantastic, fans and coaches have big expectations for Oklahoma this season. After a season that was filled with injuries and turnover at the quarterback position, the Sooners put it all together, beating archrival Oklahoma State on the road and then absolutely dominating Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. With a ton of talent returning on both sides of the ball and a pretty favorable schedule, Oklahoma has a legitimate shot at winning the Big 12 and competing in higher games.

Backfield: QB was a major issue throughout 2013 for Oklahoma until Trevor Knight unleashed a four touchdown, 348 yards in the Sooners' two touchdown victory over 'Bama. His bowl performance was so impressive last season that backup Kendal Thompson transferred to Utah and Blake Bell, OU's leading passer last year, moved to tight end. Knight didn't look confident in his arm and struggled to make the deep throws last season. But, suddenly against one of the nation's most dominant defenses, he could make all the pre snap adjustments and he was making all the great reads. Entering his redshirt sophomore campaign, many just don't know what to expect from Knight, especially after he was average this spring. The good news is the running back position could be the strongest it has been since Demarco Murray was on campus a couple years ago. Sophomore Keith Ford will take over the running back duties with the departures of leading rusher, Brennan Clay and important contributor Damien Williams. Ford ran for 134 yards in very little action a season ago and he has all the talent to put together a big year. He has excellent burst through running lanes and but also be punishing. Unfortunately fumbles have been a real problem for Ford in his short time in Norman. Joining Ford will be two freshman ready to make a major impact. Joe Mixon has been given the five-star status by a number of scouting services but has had a spring and summer full of controversy. He is currently being investigated by police on assault allegations and he has not been practicing. No matter what happens with Mixon, the addition of lightning quick Samaje Perine should help this ground attack. Sophomore Alex Ross returns to give Oklahoma another option at back who is more dangerous than Ford.

Receivers: Junior Sterling Shepard has quietly emerged as one of the Big 12's most productive targets and should definitely be Knight's top option in the passing game. Last season, he recorded 51 catches for 603 yards and seven touchdowns. Although pretty small, Shepard has turned into such a dangerous weapon because he is very quick and possesses impressive acceleration. He also has great, soft hands and shouldn't drop much. A number of others will compete to complement Shepard, including sophomore Derrick Woods, junior Durron Neal and redshirt freshman Jordan Smallwood. Woods may be the most talented of the trio; he has the tools to put together an extremely impressive 2014. He is more of a deep threat than Shepard who could really end up stretching defenses thin. Tight end has been an issue since Jermaine Gresham left years ago but sophomore Taylor McNamara could emerge as a standout. McNamara  is a large, strong option who is an exceptional receiver who can definitely move the chains for Oklahoma. Bell, who struggled as passer with his time at QB, has proven he can be a very powerful runner near the red zone. It will be interesting to see what he can do as a tight end after being a package quarterback so far throughout his time with the Sooners. Versatile freshman Michiah Quick has proven he can play a number of different positions. He should spend some time at wide receiver but he could also play a large role at defensive back. The speedster ran a very impressive 4.48 40 and while raw, he should have a big impact.

College Football Preview 2014-2015: 5. Michigan State Spartans

Connor Cook

5. Michigan State Spartans 


Coach: Mark Dantonio (8th year)
2013-2014 Record: 13-1 (8-0 Big Ten)

Schedule:
August 29th vs. Jacksonville State
September 6th @ Oregon
September 20th vs. Eastern Michigan
September 27th vs. Wyoming
October 4th vs. Nebraska
October 11th @ Purdue
October 18th @ Indiana
October 25th vs. Michigan
November 8th vs. Ohio State
November 15th @ Maryland
November 22nd vs. Rutgers
November 29th @ Penn State

In 2012, the Spartans were hoping to take the next step and become an elite program, but they fell right on their face and would go 7-6 without Kirk Cousins. But, last season with lowered expectations, Michigan State had one of their best seasons in school history, going 13-1, winning the Big Ten and also winning the Rose Bowl. Much of that talented 2013 team returns, giving Michigan State lofty expectations for this season. But, can Mark Dantonio and MSU succeed with all eyes on them and the fact they won't sneak out on anyone?

Backfield: Junior quarterback Connor Cook won the job over incumbent starter Andrew Maxwell before last season and proved he deserved it, throwing for 2,755 yards and 22 touchdowns with just six interceptions. Although he struggled with efficiency, completing just 58.7 percent of his passes in 2013. He is a smart quarterback who will make important adjustments and has fantastic arm accuracy. The Michigan State offense really struggled last year before running back Jeremy Langford starting turning on the jets. Now a senior, Langford has the chance to be one of the conference's best, after rushing for 1,422 yards and 18 touchdowns. Langford has proven to be a powerful runner between the tackles who is so dangerous inside the red zone. He isn't necessarily the most explosive back you have ever seen but he is shifty and very tough to bring down. Also joining him in the backfield is senior Nick Hill, a more explosive option than Langord who should get a big chunk of carries. Along with effective blocker Trevor Pendleton, who returns for his junior year, this backfield is extremely gifted and stocked with experience. That is great, considering the Spartans won't throw the ball much, they have always been a run-first team under Dantonio.

Receivers: A ton of production returns in the receiving corps, including 2013's second-leading receiver, senior Tony Lippett. Lippett was a great option in the passing game who really was fantastic late in games. This spring, Lippett easily looked like the best receiver on this MSU roster, improving coaches with his deep speed and the ability to come down with anyone that is thrown near him. He really should be the No.1 option for Cook, as the Spartans will miss reliable receiver Bennie Fowler, who led the team with 622 yards and six touchdowns. Along with Lippett, Cook will have a number of other options to throw too, including juniors MacGarrett Kings and Aaron Burbridge. Kings is a dangerous weapon who can hurt defenses in a variety of ways. Offensive coordinators Dave Warner and Jim Bollman are happy to welcome back Kings from a spring suspension. Burbridge should be expected to step up big time after posting pedestrian numbers, recording 22 receptions with 194 yards and zero touchdowns. Senior Keith Mumphery is also back after a pretty solid 2013 campaign that included 18 catches and 3 touchdowns. Mumphery is not the most explosive target or the quickest player on the field but he is an exceptional route runner and just finds ways to get open and make plays. At tight end, sophomore Josiah Price will return and compete for starting snaps with Andrew Gleichert, a senior. Price is very effective as a receiving tight end while Gleichert is a much better blocker; it will be interesting to see how Michigan State uses them. Three-star tight end Montez Sweat has also been added to the equation; the steal from SEC country (Stone Mountain, Georgia), Sweat could find ways to make his presence felt.

College Football Preview 2014-2015: 6. Auburn Tigers

Nick Marshall

6. Auburn Tigers 
Coach: Guz Malzahn (2nd year)
2013-2014 Record: 12-2 (7-1 SEC)

Schedule:
August 30th vs. Arkansas
September 6th vs. San Jose State
September 18th @ Kansas State
September 27th vs. Louisiana Tech
October 4th vs. LSU
October 11th @ Mississippi State
October 25th vs. South Carolina
November 1st @ Ole Miss
November 8th vs. Texas A&M
November 15th @ Georgia
November 22nd vs. Samford
November 29th @ Alabama

Few teams in the history of college football have had as crazy as seasons as the Auburn Tigers did in 2013. Led by a first-year quarterback who was kicked off another SEC program (Nick Marshall at Georgia), a first-year head coach (Gus Malzahn) and a quiet superstar (running back Tre Mason) the Tigers put together a magical 12-2 campaign that culminated in a near national title. Included was some amazing moments and just pure luck. Like their improbable victory over Georgia in the "Prayer at Jordan Hare" and Chris Davis' kick return in the Iron Bowl that will go down as one of the greatest moments in college football history. Now comes the tough part for Malzahn: sustaining the success after last year's breakout.

Backfield: Nick Marshall's chance at college football looked dead when he was kicked out of Georgia and went to junior college. But, Malzahn (who was the offensive coordinator of the Cam Newton-led national title Tigers in 2011) gave him a chance and Marshall repaid the favor. Marshall threw for 1,976 yards and ran for 1,068 more. He proved to be an incredible read-option quarterback but he left something to be desired as a passer. He completed less than 60% of his passes and threw six interceptions. He has proven to have a huge arm but he didn't have the overall accuracy and smarts to be a great quarterback last season and the ground attack really made up for that. He looks improved this spring and will look to impress in fall camp. Unfortunately, an arrest for marijuana possession this offseason forced Malzahn's hand; Marshall will not start in the team's opener on the 30th against Arkansas. Combined, Marshall, the graduated Mason, Corey Grant and senior Cameron Artis-Payne ran for 4,141 yards and the team averaged 328.3 yards per game, top in the nation. Gone is Mason, but Grant and Artis-Payne return, giving this team still some very dangerous backs. Artis-Payne is a little bit powerful of a runner, while Grant is a speedster who will be the lightning rod of the offense. The addition of redshirt freshman Peyton Barber and the signing of stud Roc Thomas give Malzahn and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee a ton of options to move the ball. They will ask Marshall to pass more than they did in 2013, but this offense should still be all about the read-option and rushing the football, until the rest of the SEC proves they can stop it.

Receivers: In order for Marshall to become a better passer, his receivers will need to help him. That

Sammie Coates

is good news, considering the talent returning in the receiving corps. Junior Sammie Coates was fantastic last season and should prove to be a legitimate No. 1 target in 2014-2015. He recorded 902 yards and seven touchdowns, while catching 42 passes. Coates is a superb athlete who proved that he can really do damage after the catch. Joining him will be junior Ricardo Louis, who had the huge touchdown grab to beat Georgia in that "Prayer at Jordan Hare" game. He is a speedster who can really grow into a reliable target this season. Arriving in Auburn is JUCO star D'haquille Williams who will make a major impact this year. Williams is the No. 1 ranked receiver coming out of the junior college ranks and he is extremely explosive. The return of senior Quan Bray helps as well, he had 23 receptions for 195 yards while picking up 3 touchdowns. Although none of these guys are established stars, Coates is a very dangerous target who could really improve while the rest give Marshall a variety of options. At tight end, C.J. Uzomah has proven to be one of the SEC's most reliable tight ends and is very dangerous in the red zone. Nearly 1/3 of his catches (he had 11) were touchdowns (he had 3 touchdowns in 2013). Uzomah was an All-SEC tight end who could definitely grow into more than just a red zone threat this season. He will also have to turn into a better blocker with the loss of fullback Jay Prosch. Four-star tight end Jakell Mitchell will find ways to make an impact and will be the future at the position.

Offensive Line: Gone is Greg Robinson, a talented offensive tackle who went No. 2 to the St. Louis Rams and should have a great career there. Not only was he extremely talented and reliable, Robinson played maybe the most important position on the unit, left tackle. The good news for this unit is center Reese Dismukes returns at center after earning All-American honors last season as a junior. Dismukes is a rugged veteran who is very strong as both a pass blocker and helping in the ground attack. Also returning is guards Alex Kozan and Chad Slade, giving Auburn a fantastic interior to this line. Kozan, an experienced sophomore, is a gritty run blocker who is pretty mobile for his 300-pound frame and he is loaded with potential. Slade returns at right guard for his senior campaign and is another talented veteran who should be a major reason why this rushing offense will be among the top in the nation again. The big question is at Robinson's vacated left tackle position, where Malzahn appears to be leaning towards sophomore Shon Coleman. Coleman was one of the most impressive players this spring, and although he is young and relatively inexperienced he could be very productive this season. Malzahn brought in a number of players who will contribute now and in the future in both trenches. Guard Braden Smith is a four-star pickup from Big 12 country who was excellent size and provides valuable depth. Right tackle is in good hands with the return of sophomore Avery Young, a massive veteran.

Defensive Line: This unit might lose their best player, Dee Ford (10.5 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss) but it should still be a strength. Returning is sophomore Carl Lawson, a defensive end who made a major impact last season despite not really starting. Lawson still recorded four sacks and should replace Ford, meaning he could really have a breakout second season with the Tigers. On the other side, senior LaDarius Owens returns, hoping to end his career with Auburn with a bang. Owens recorded 30 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2013 and should play a much bigger role with him being the real star on this line. Up the middle, Auburn and defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson will lean on senior Gabe Wright, a hard-working linemen with exceptional size. Wright is a real help in rush defense, picking up 31 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss. The biggest question mark on this unit is at the other defensive tackle spot where the Tigers will miss Nosa Eguae. There is experience at the position however with the return of seniors Ben Bradley and Angelo Blackson. Either could start or sophomore Montravius Adams could push for snaps. The Tigers landed a number of marquee defensive line prospects in the 2014 recruiting cycle including a pair of important ends, Justin Thornton and Andrew Williams. Also joining is defensive tackle Dontavious Russell, the No. 14 DT in this year's class and three-star JUCO Devaroe Lawrence. If Lawson or Owens or somebody else can step up and replace the production of Ford this unit could be among the SEC's best with the experience and the depth in it.

Linebackers: The defense as a whole should be more comfortable and improved in their second year under Ellis Johnson, especially the linebackers. Emerging star Cassanova McKinzy returns after leading Auburn in tackles in 2013. McKinzy notched 75 tackles, 8 TFL along with one interception. He will once more by the Tigers starting middle linebacker and should continue to take major steps as a linebacker. Joining him will be versatile junior Kris Frost, a hard-hitter who has incredible instincts and could have a breakout year. Depth shouldn't be much of an issue in this unit either as Malzahn and Auburn brought in a number of playmakers and a number return. Four-star inside linebacker Tre' Williams was a nice pickup; he could really have a great future in Auburn. Another important inside linebacker, Deshaun Davis also a player with loads of potential who will find ways to make an impact. Add to the equation yet another junior college pickup in Derrick Moncrief, a nice pickup from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, who was ranked as the top outside linebacker coming out of the JUCO ranks. This is a pretty young unit but it should take big steps and it is deep enough to be a very strong unit.

Secondary: Cornerback Chris Davis is always going to be remembered for his return in the Iron Bowl last year against Alabama in one of the craziest endings the sport has ever seen, but he was more than just a returner. Davis, who graduated, recorded 74 tackles and had 14 passes defended and his absence will certainly effect a pass defense that was a real issue in 2013. The good news is that senior Jonathan Mincy returns after being Davis' sidekick a season ago. Mincy had 56 tackles last year along with 14 passes defended as well. He is a knowledgeable corner with improving coverage skills who could really improve this season. Senior safety Jermaine Whitehead will start at one of the safety spots and should find ways to make an impact; he is a hard-hitter who is a tremendous athlete. The likely starter at the "Star" position, a defensive back hybrid, is senior Robenson Therezie, a quick, playmaking defensive back. Joining him will be Justin Garrett, who missed all of 2013 with a variety of injuries. Garrett struggled as a linebacker, meaning he will stack at "Star" where he looked very comfortable and great this spring. The other cornerback position is likely to be either sophomore Kamryn Melton or junior Jonathan Jones. Melton is young and still scratching what he can be as a cornerback, he has real potential. Jones is a hard-working cornerback who has receiver's hands and will find ways to make an impact. The Tigers add a number of defensive backs who will be ready to make plays from the beginning. Local Alabama product Stephen Roberts and Kalvaraz Bessent give Auburn a pair of studs. Add yet another JUCO transfer, Joseph Turner, a three-star cornerback from all the way on the West Coast, and this might well be the strength of this year's recruiting class.

Special Teams: The loss of kicker Cody Parkey and punter Steven Clark plunge the special teams into issues. There is a ton of inexperience at both positions now, with Daniel Carlson likely taking over at kicker. A number of players could play a role in the return game like running back Corey Grant and the receiver Quan Bray.

Many teams have had breakout seasons and followed that up with major disappointments. The pressure is on for Malzahn and the Tigers but they have all the talent to return to the SEC Championship Game and possibly even the National Championship. If Marshall can take the next step as a passer and somebody in the ground game can step up and replace Tre Mason, the Tigers can continue the magic they began last season.

College Football Preview 2014-2015: 7. Ohio State Buckeyes

Braxton Miller

7. Ohio State Buckeyes 


Coach: Urban Meyer (3rd year)
2013-2014 Record: 12-2 (8-0 Big Ten)

Schedule:
August 30th vs. Navy (in Baltimore)
September 6th vs. Virginia Tech
September 13th vs. Kent State
September 27th vs. Cincinnati
October 4th @ Maryland
October 18th vs. Rutgers
October 25th @ Penn State
November 1st vs. Illinois
November 8th @ Michigan State
November 15th @ Minnesota
November 22nd vs. Indiana
November 29th vs. Michigan

Talk about a hot streak. To begin his career with Ohio State, coach Urban Meyer won 24 consecutive games before a loss in last year's Big Ten Championship Game to Michigan State and a loss to Clemson in the Orange Bowl. Senior Braxton Miller returns, giving Meyer one of the best quarterbacks in college football and the defense, which was an issue throughout 2013, is led by a superb defensive line. Meyer has rebuilt Ohio State back into a program that can win Big Ten titles and national titles every year. If the Buckeyes can get past Michigan State in early November, they have quite a shot at winning the Big Ten East.

Backfield: Miller enters his fourth season as a starter in Columbus with aspirations of winning a Heisman after his hopes were cut short due to an early-season ankle injury. He is among the nation's most exciting to watch; he is an excellent runner with a huge arm. He has really developed into a more efficient passer and has shown the ability to lead this football team. He totaled 3,162 all-purpose yards and a grand total of 36 touchdown. He still could improve his accuracy as a quarterback but his running ability makes this offense so tough to stop. The big question for Ohio State is who will replace stud Carlos Hyde at running back? Hyde, a powerful runner who graduated this off season, ran for 1,521 yards and 15 touchdowns, while averaging 7.3 yards per carry. The likely starter is sophomore Ezekiel Elliott, an explosive athlete. Elliott is a shifty ball carrier who can also catch passes. It will be near impossible to replace Hyde's production but Elliott could still be one of the better backs in the Big Ten with his versatility and electrifying talent. Senior Rod Smith will compete for carries as well. Smith is not anywhere near Elliott in terms of pure talent or speed but he is a hard runner who could be a nice change of pace.

Devin Smith

Receivers: Seniors Devin Smith and Evan Spencer return at receiver, giving Miller two experienced targets who have proven they can make plays. Smith was the team's second leading receiver in 2013, only behind Corey "Philly" Brown, who is now in the NFL. Smith gained 44 catches and 660 yards along with eight touchdowns. He has fabulous hands and he finds ways to create space between him and defenders, although he isn't usually the quickest on the field. Spencer is a reliable option who will be counted on to step up this year and possibly be Ohio State's second option in the passing game. But, perhaps the most dangerous weapon in the passing game this year will be sophomore Dontre Wilson, who will line up in the slot. Offensive coordinator Tom Herman will be creative in finding ways to get Wilson the ball whether it be in screens, quick slants, opening him up deep or possibly handing him the football. Wilson recorded 22 receptions and two touchdowns last season along with 250 yards as a rusher as a true freshman. He is quick, elusive and can do many different things well, it is hard not seeing him become a real weapon this year for the Buckeyes. Four-star receiver Johnnie Dixon is the team's top incoming recruit on the offensive side. Dixon is a proven receiver with all the talent to make an impact, now and in the future. The tight end position is in great hands with the return of reliable senior Jeff Heuerman. Heuerman caught 26 passes for 466 yards and six scores a season ago and has deceptive speed and good hands. With Smith and Spencer stretching the field deep, Wilson and Heuerman are going to be major factors on short throws and intermediate throws which will obviously help Miller.

College Football Preview 2014-2015: 8. UCLA Bruins

Brett Hundley

8. UCLA Bruins 


Coach: Jim Mora (3rd year)
2013-2014 Record: 10-3 (6-3 Pac-12)

Schedule:
August 30th @ Virginia
September 6th vs. Memphis
September 13th vs. Texas (in Arlington)
September 25th @ Arizona State
October 4th vs. Utah
October 11th vs. Oregon
October 18th @ California
October 25th @ Colorado
November 1st vs. Arizona
November 8th @ Washington
November 22nd vs. USC
November 28th vs. Stanford

Since arriving in Los Angeles a couple years ago, Jim Mora has done an incredible job with the Bruins. He joined a program that had been treading water for years and has quickly turned them into a real threat inside the Pac-12, going 19-8 including a 10-3 mark last season. With the return of junior quarterback Brett Hundley, who said no to the NFL despite first round grades and a defense that should be very much improved, many people believe the Bruins can take the next step and become a national title threat.

Backfield: Mora got an early Christmas present when Hundley announced he would return for his junior season (he was a redshirt sophomore, three years removed from high school, therefore making him eligible to enter the NFL Draft). Hundley, who has been a young QB his first two years with the Bruins, has struggled with mistakes and hasn't played well in big games. In 2013, Hundley threw for 3,071 and 24 touchdowns. He is an excellent runner as well and will keep defenses honest. He needs to continue to improve with his deep accuracy, he hasn't been able to consistently find that home run passing ability and to cut down on his turnovers. Freshman Myles Jack bailed out the UCLA offense last year, playing both ways and becoming a very reliable runner. He shouldn't get as many carries offensively this season, as a healthy Jordon James could have a big year. Joining James will also be Paul Perkins, meaning the Bruins will return their top three rushers from 2013 (Hundley, Perkins and James in that order). James, a speedy senior, is elusive and is always able to change games with the blink of an eye while Perkins is a versatile junior who had six touchdowns a year ago. Along with newcomer Nathan Starks, a prospect from Colorado the Bruins' rushing attack could be absolutely lethal. Hundley is a great read-option quarterback and other than Stanford, no Pac-12 team has proven they have solved how to stop that phenomenon.

Devin Lucien

Receiver: The loss of the Bruins' leading receiver, Shaq Evans, who recorded 709 yards last season definitely hurts. That means junior Devin Fuller, who was pretty productive a year ago, will have to step up a major way. Fuller had 43 receptions and 471 yards in 2013 and has all the tools to really become a breakout player. He is a tremendous athlete with great hands who can make even the most difficult catches. Also back is another Devin, Devin Lucien, a productive junior who should also be expected to step up. Lucien is a deep threat who averaged 17.8 yards per catch last season but will need to become a better route runner to improve as a receiver. Along with the return of junior Jordan Payton and sophomore Thomas Duarte, UCLA is gifted with a number of experienced and talented weapons. Also joining the receiving corps is four-star receiver Austin Roberts, was an absolute steal from Big Ten country, a talent from Indiana. Eldridge Massington, who received a redshirt after being a great pickup in the 2013 recruiting class, provides depth but could also get some opportunities with the departure of Evans. Massington, who was another national pickup (Mora went into Texas and landed him) has exceptional speed and explosiveness. Although still very raw he is oozing with potential. UCLA will run a four-wide offense with Hundley likely operating out of the gun or pistol, giving them plenty of opportunities to burn defenses deep.