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

18. Boise State Broncos

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

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

Brett Rypien

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

Alec Dhaenens

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

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

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

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

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

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

*= Bowl appearance

College Football Preview 2017-2018: 19. Florida Gators

19. Florida Gators

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

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

College Football Preview 2017-2018: 20. Louisville Cardinals

20. Louisville Cardinals

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

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

College Football Preview 2017-2018: 21. Stanford Cardinal

21. Stanford Cardinal

Can the offense improve without its best player?

Location: Palo Alto, Calif. Conference: Pac-12 (North) Schedule Roster Coach: David Shaw (seventh year) Last Years Record: 10-3 (6-3 Pac-12) Bowl Result: Victory in Sun Bowl Overview Blessed with one of the nation's most dynamic players in running back Christian McCaffrey, Stanford looked ready to vie for the program's first-ever Playoff appearance in 2016. Yet, despite McCaffrey's brilliance the offense hit a wall mid-season, managing just 11 points over a four-game span that included three losses (to Washington, Washington State and Colorado).  That deflating stretch may have ended Stanford's Playoff hopes, but the Cardinal recovered to win their final six games, including a Sun Bowl victory with McCaffrey absent. This off-season, McCaffrey opted to leave for the NFL a year early, but that shouldn't stop the success David Shaw has built in Palo Alto. A new star ready to emerge in the backfield, an improved quarterback situation and a deep defense all point to another tough Stanford team, and one still ready to challenge for a Pac-12 crown. Bryce Love Offense: The main hope for Stanford as they head into fall camp and a new season is figuring out the quarterback situation. Ryan Burns began last year as the starter for the Cardinal but was eventually unseated by former highly-touted recruit Keller Chryst. Chryst showed excellent command of the offense after taking over for Burns and the results speak for themselves, as he led Stanford to a 6-0 mark. However, Chryst tore his ACL in the team's Sun Bowl victory and missed the entirety of spring. The Cardinal believe that he will be back for 2017, but it's unclear if he'll be able to go Week One, which may reopen the door for Burns or redshirt freshman K.J. Costello. Costello was a major get in the 2016 recruiting class and played well in the spring, so he may have the best shot to run the offense if Chryst isn't able to go. The Cardinal will obviously miss do-it-all back Christian McCaffrey, but the running back position could actually still be a strength in '17. Junior Bryce Love impressed in the Sun Bowl, and he has the potential to have a breakout campaign. Love doesn't quite have McCaffrey's immense playmaking potential, but he's a speedy runner with a lot of shiftiness. He could double his 783 yards with more touches. He will be joined in the backfield by sophomore Cameron Scarlett and established blocker Daniel Marx at fullback. The Cardinal are never going to be a pass-happy team but with this receiver corps, they have the potential to be very solid through the air. Junior Trenton Irwin is a proven playmaker, who 37 catches for 442 yards a year ago. When paired with sophomore J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Stanford possesses some serious speed and explosiveness. Stanford has long been a great place for developing great tight ends, and the cycle continues with junior Dalton Schultz. Schultz is a very fine pass-catcher, who caught 22 balls last year. With Irwin and company stretching the defense, Schultz could get plenty of opportunities underneath and in the red zone, where he should thrive. Redshirt freshman Kaden Smith and true frosh Colby Parkinson will also likely see snaps in a tight-end heavy offense. Up front, Stanford should be very stout, as usual. The offensive line has four starters back, and brings very impressive depth. Senior David Bright and junior A.T. Hall are exceptional at the tackle spots, while junior center Jesse Burkett is an anchor in the middle. A group that specializes in run blocking, this group should help open up gaping holes for the dangerous Love to work with.  Peter Kalambayi Defense: While Stanford will need help from their offense if they have any shot at winning the Pac-12, they will always be a defensive-orientated team. That won't change in '17, even with some losses, as enough reinforcements arrive for a stingy group. On the defensive line, Stanford will miss No. 3 overall draft selection Solomon Thomas. Thomas was never overly dominant while in Palo Alto but was a very consistent and reliable pass rusher, and absolutely shown in the Sun Bowl. The Cardinal will look for even bigger production from senior defensive tackle Harrison Phillips. Phillips has proven he can get after the quarterback (6.5 sacks a year ago), but may face more blocking attention without teams having to worry about Thomas on the edge. Neither defensive end spot should be considered a major strength, but the Cardinal still have plenty of potential. Senior Eric Cotton looks primed to put together a big season. Cotton had just three tackles last year but played much better in the spring and is a very knowledgable football player. On the other side, it's unclear who will take over the starting DE spot, as sophomores Thomas Schaffer and Dylan Jackson appear to be the main competitors. The strength of the team, as it so often is, will be their physical rush defense. Last year, the group allowed 144.5 yards per game on the ground, which was pretty good but not quite up to their usual standards at 38th nationally. However, with all four linebackers returning with significant experience, this group could be absolutely dominant. They'll be especially great on the outside, with junior Joey Alfieri and senior Peter Kalambayi. Both of the veterans have proven they can attack the backfield off the edge, particularly Alfieri, who prides himself on being a pass rushing specialist. Kalambayi is a very good athlete with plenty of experience facing a wide variety of offenses in the interesting Pac-12. Senior Kevin Palma won't wow anyone with his physical gifts, but is a smart football player that relies heavily on his impressive instincts. Junior Bobby Okereke is also returning at an inside linebacker spot. Adding to the strength of the linebacker corps is the fact Stanford returns a bunch of quality rotational players and young guys ready to step into larger roles such as sophomores Curtis Robinson and Sean Barton. In the secondary, Stanford appears to be very strong. The unit rarely has seen elite stars pass through their ranks, but has consistently done well stopping the pass, which should once more be the case in '17. Junior Justin Reid is a key returnee at strong safety, as the team's leading returning tackler, with 57 in total. Cornerback should also be a notable strength for the Cardinal, as juniors Quentin Meeks and Alijah Holder should lock down starting roles. Meeks tied for second on the team in interceptions last year with two, while Holder has impressed as a reserve throughout his time in Palo Alto, including recording six pass deflections last season. Free safety is the only spot breaking in a new starter, but junior Brandon Simmons is expected to take over after 15 tackles a year ago. Special Teams: Stanford will undergo a transition in the kicking game, where the school's all-time leader in field goal percentage, Conrad Ukropina, departed. Untested sophomore Jet Toner is expected to take over where Ukropina left off. In the return game, the combination of Bryce Love and sophomore Jay Tyler is expected to replace McCaffrey's impressive production. Under the leadership of David Shaw, and Jim Harbaugh before him, Stanford has evolved into a perennial threat, even one that should be able to withstand losing one of their best players in school history. Bryce Love should have no troubles adjusting to a larger role, the offensive line could be the best in years, and the defense should once again be stout. The big X-factor for the Cardinal is clearly the passing game, which averaged a lowly 158 yards per game last year. Stanford must hope that Keller Chryst can return healthy and regain his old form, or else take a chance on a less proven option, such as K.J. Costello. If the passing game doesn't reemerge or at least take a few steps forward, it's hard to envision Stanford winning a conference that is extremely improved, with Washington and USC looking like legitimate National Title contenders. Even so, the model of consistency in Palo Alto should keep producing. The Cardinal are a pretty safe bet to win 9-10 games, and maybe, just maybe, find a way to overcome UW and win the Pac-12 North. Player to Watch Dalton Schultz, TE To say Stanford has become a factory for producing high-quality tight ends may be an understatement. The Cardinal have six tight ends currently in the NFL, including Coby Fleener, Austin Hooper and Zach Ertz, all who were dominant in the collegiate ranks. The hope around Palo Alto is that junior Dalton Schultz can be the next in the long line of star tight ends. Schultz had 23 receptions for 222 yards a year ago, but his physical nature and big frame could enable him to be an absolutely imposing red zone presence. Five-Year Trend 2012: 12-2 (8-1 Pac-12)* 2013: 11-3 (7-2 Pac-12)* 2014: 8-5 (5-4 Pac-12)* 2015: 12-2 (8-1 Pac-12)* 2016: 10-3 (6-3 Pac-12)* *= Bowl appearance

College Football Preview 2017-2018: 22. Northwestern Wildcats

22. Northwestern Wildcats

Immense talent offensively and favorable schedule means possible Big Ten dark horse

Location: Evanston, Illinois Conference: Big Ten (West) Schedule Roster Coach: Pat Fitzgerald (12th year) Last Years Record: 7-6 (5-4 Big Ten) Bowl Result: Victory in Pinstripe Bowl Overview After winning ten games in '15-'16, Northwestern was hoping last season would be the year they cemented themselves as a perennial power in the Big Ten West. That never really happened; the Wildcats opened the season with a heartbreaking one-point loss to Western Michigan and then even more deflating loss one week later, losing to FCS foe Illinois State on a last second field goal. Northwestern was able to recover, leaning on a dangerous passing attack and aggressive defense to rally to a postseason bid, which they eventually beat Pittsburgh in the Pinstripe Bowl. Overall, it was a weird year in Evanston, but still one that showed the program's potential (beating a very good ACC opponent and pushing eventual Big Ten champ Ohio State to the brink in a 24-20 loss). With a number of key playmakers returning on the offense, the deepest defense the team has had in years and a great offensive line, 2017 could be the magical year Northwestern was hoping for a season ago, and one that could see them challenge for a division crown. Clayton Thorson Offense: Junior quarterback Clayton Thorson returns to Northwestern hoping to build on a solid sophomore campaign. Thorson tossed for 3,182 yards and 22 touchdowns on the year and while he still struggled occasionally with mistakes and deep throws, he showed significant progress. Now a third-year starter, the Wildcats are hoping Thorson's impressive ability to create with his legs will pair perfectly with his improved accuracy, transforming him into a true dual threat. Thorson will be joined in the backfield by perhaps the nation's most underrated running back. Senior Justin Jackson quietly ran for 1,524 yards and 15 touchdowns a year ago, absolutely shredding a conference known for its ability to stop the run. Jackson has proven time and time again his explosiveness in the open field and his impressive vision to seek out gaps. Jackson needs just 356 yards to become the school's all-time leading rusher. What should only make Jackson more lethal is the fact he is running behind the best offensive line since he arrived on campus. Four starters return to the O-Line, including anchors Tommy Doles and Brad North. Doles, a junior right guard, will pair with fellow junior J.B. Butler to spearhead the rushing attack, which showed its potential late in '16, when they rushed for 526 yards in the final two games. However, both tackles need to take big steps forward in order to improve the pass protection, which was very poor throughout much of last season. Junior Blake Hance returns at left tackle, but right tackle is up for grabs, with sophomore Andrew Otterman appearing to be the frontrunner at the position. A major question for Northwestern as they entered spring was finding a new go-to receiver after Biletnikoff Award finalist Austin Carr graduated. Carr was insanely reliable, with 90 receptions, 1,247 yards and 12 touchdowns, and the offense will miss his ability to create on third downs and in the red zone. The most likely candidate to see a major increase in targets is junior Flynn Nagel, who is now the team's top returning receiver, with 40 catches for 447 yards last year. Nagel isn't as sure-handed as Carr but is slightly more athletic and should make plenty of plays. Senior Solomon Vault has long had impressive potential, but is still putting it all together. Vault recorded 15 catches a season ago, but was actually fourth on the team in carries with 11, so he should get some action on jet sweeps and such. Big things are also expected from newcomer Jalen Brown, an Oregon transfer. Brown was supposed to be the perfect fit in Justin Jackson Oregon's high-flying offense, but he never really got the opportunities to show what he could do. His speed should really stretch the defense and open things up for this offense. At superback (a hybrid tight end/fullback position in this offense), the Wildcats have senior Garrett Dickerson back. Dickerson is an established blocker and is a premier red zone threat, picking up five touchdowns last season.  Defense: Being a former linebacker himself, head coach Pat Fitzgerald has always stressed the importance of defense and often his teams are some of the most well-coached and disciplined defenders in the Big Ten. Fitzgerald and defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz should have plenty of fun with this group, which has a ton of talent and depth back at the defensive line and in the secondary. Up front, Northwestern has two All-Big Ten candidates in seniors Tyler Lancaster and Xavier Washington. Washington is the team's most proven pass rusher, with 4.5 sacks a season ago. He bulked up even more in the off-season, and is ready to give opposing offensive linemen serious problems in '17. Lancaster isn't much of a pass rusher but he has proven himself as a valuable asset in run support and a key veteran presence. The defensive tackle had 28 tackles and four tackles for loss last season, and should be even better this year. The other tackle spot is also in good hands, as junior Jordan Thompson could be a possible breakout candidate. The depth at tackle is also very impressive, as sophomore Alex Miller and junior Fred Wyatt return, and should rotate in. Neither are wonderful athletes, but find ways to make an impact and have a decent amount of experience. The Wildcats are technically breaking in a new starter at the end spot opposite of Washington, but it isn't like sophomore Joe Gaziano is completely inexperienced. Despite being very young a year ago, Gaziano had 4.5 sacks, and is a natural pass rusher. The biggest area of concern on this defense is clearly at the linebacker positions, where the Wildcats will have to replace the leader of the defense, Anthony Walker, who left for the NFL a year early. Walker did it all for Northwestern over his tenure, including 105 tackles, 10 TFL, five pass deflections and four forced fumbles this past season. Walker is far from the only loss at the position. In fact, Northwestern is so thin at linebacker the team could run a lot of 4-2-5 sets this season, hoping to mitigate the inexperience they have at the position. Junior Nate Hall is a good player, who had 73 tackles in 2016. He can play at either outside or inside linebacker and is extremely rangy, so expecting him to lead the team in tackles isn't a crazy thought. Seniors Warren Long and Brett Walsh have not seen a ton of action since arriving on campus, but understand the system and are taught well. There is a good chance one, or both, could vie for a starting job. The Wildcats struggled to stop the pass in '16, allowing 265.2 yards per game (109th in the country), but they hope to change that in a big way this year. Three starters are back in the secondary, namely senior safety Godwin Igwebuike, one of the conference's premier defenders. Igwebuike had 108 tackles a season ago, including six for a loss. Igwebuike has proven he can be a major help in run support, while also being extremely effective in coverage, a truly incredibly versatile difference-maker. He'll have to play a huge role on this defense if the pass defense is really going to take the next step. Fellow senior Kyle Quiero is also back as a rock-solid defender in the back (52 tackles, two interceptions in '16). The real pressure is on the cornerbacks, where Northwestern really struggled last year. Junior Montre Hartage has all the tools to be a shutdown corner, but has struggled with consistency. However, another year under his belt in the Big Ten should allow him to take major steps forward. The corner spot opposite of him is certainly up for grabs, with junior Keith Watkins II battling sophomores Roderick Campbell and Alonzo Mayo for the starting job. Special Teams: Placekicking was a problem for Northwestern a season ago, so much in fact that Pat Fitzgerald essentially abandoned it, attempting just 12 field goals over the course of the season. Newcomer Charlie Kuhbander could be the new blood the team needs to finally get over their kicking woes. The good news is that the rest of the special teams should be top-notch, with veteran Hunter Niswander back at punter, and Solomon Vault back at kick returner. Despite the fact they were maddeningly inconsistent last season, Northwestern was likely better than their record may have indicated, as they pushed Ohio State to the brink in a four-point loss and ran past Pitt in the Pinstripe Bowl. As the team looks ahead to 2017, some big things could be in store if they can capitalize on that late-season success. Thorson and Jackson will keep the offense humming along as usual, and the defense should see big improvement across the board. Combine that with the team's impressive ability to create turnovers (14th in the country in turnover differential last season) and a pretty weak non-conference schedule the writing is on the wall for a possible breakthrough in Evanston. Wisconsin should likely be considered the favorite in the Big Ten West, but if the Wildcats can get another go-to receiver to emerge and tighten up their linebacker corps, this team very well could push the Badgers and be a major dark horse in the Big Ten. Player to Watch Jalen Brown, WR When Jalen Brown arrived on Oregon's campus in 2014 as an early enrollee, the explosive wide out was supposed to be a seamless fit in the up-tempo Ducks attack, and a future star. Brown flashed plenty of promise over the course of his time in Eugene, but never really saw the opportunities for a breakout. After graduating from Oregon, Brown has decided to try his luck elsewhere, using his remaining two years of eligibility to land in Evanston, Illinois. The Wildcats will immediately utilize Brown's game-changing speed to their advantage, and get the dynamic playmaker the ball as often as possible. Five-Year Trend 2012: 10-3 (5-3 Big Ten)* 2013: 5-7 (1-7 Big Ten) 2014: 5-7 (3-5 Big Ten) 2015: 10-3 (6-2 Big Ten)* 2016: 7-6 (5-4 Big Ten)* *= Bowl appearance

College Football Preview 2017-2018: 23. UCLA Bruins

23. UCLA Bruins

Now healthy, Bruins ready to challenge for Pac-12 South crown

Location: Los Angeles, California Conference: Pac-12 (South) Schedule Roster Coach: Jim Mora (sixth year) Last Years Record: 4-8 (2-7 Pac-12) Bowl Result: None Overview With crosstown rival USC in a rebuilding stage, a quarterback on the rise, and a wide open Pac-12 South Division, the Bruins seemed poised for a great 2016. Things quickly soured in Westwood, as UCLA turned in a 4-8 record at the end of the day, amidst a season filled with injuries and little offense. The rough year included a stretch where they lost six of seven, and averaged just 24.9 points per game (11th in the conference, 91st nationally). As the team shifts it's direction towards 2017, the hope is that improved health and more experience can yield the type of year the team was planning on for '16. Much of the team's hopes rest on the recovery of junior quarterback Josh Rosen, as well as the development of the running game and offensive line. If those things happen, the underrated Bruins' defense can further light the way towards a resurgent year, and possibly Pac-12 Championship contention. Josh Rosen Offense: After throwing for 3,669 yards and 23 touchdowns his true freshman season, 2016 was supposed to be the year Josh Rosen emerged as a college football superstar. The flashy former five-star quarterback never really took to first-year offensive coordinator Kennedy Polamalu's scheme and later hurt his shoulder, limiting him to just six games and 231 passing attempts. Rosen did display the same poise and confidence that impressed so many his first year on campus, but he was unable to overcome a poor offensive line and turnover issues still haunt him. UCLA opted to move on from Polamalu after just one season, and brings in Jedd Fisch to run the offense. Fisch's main priority will be getting Rosen comfortable once more, while utilizing his impressive mobility and rocket arm. What will also help Rosen succeed in what could be his final season on campus will be the emergence of a reliable rushing attack. UCLA managed just 84.3 yards per game on the ground a year ago, second-worst in the entire country. The good news is that the Bruins have three capable backs returning, notably junior Soso Jamabo (321 yards, three touchdowns in '16) and senior Nate Starks. Fisch should rely heavily on the rushing attack early on, and the group looked much improved in the spring. With that in mind, it isn't hard to believe Jamabo and the rest of the running back committee could put together a much-improved season and make this offense much less one-dimensional. It is hard to see the ground game really becoming dominant, however, if the offensive line doesn't take a big step forward. The O-Line has been an issue for too long for UCLA, including last year when the group couldn't stop anyone. That issue could also soon be resolved: four starters are returning, including the anchor of the unit, center Scott Quessenberry. Now a senior, Quessenberry has done a fabulous job protecting up the middle, and seems to have great connection with Rosen. At the guard spots, fellow seniors Najee Toran and Kenny Lacy should open up some holes for the ground game, while left tackle is seeing a competition between sophomore Andre James and junior Kolton Miller. Miller was expected to play a big role for this team but was knocked out for the year, subsequently forcing James into a larger role. Miller is a proven blocker when healthy who should take over the starting job, while James can help at left or right tackle, where UCLA is replacing Conor McDermott. An important thing UCLA needs to identify as they head into fall camp is a true, No. 1 receiver for Rosen. The favorite has to be senior Darren Andrews, the team's leading returning receiver, after compiling 55 receptions for 709 yards and four touchdowns a year ago. Andrews isn't blazing fast or an insane athlete but he is so good at finding soft spots in defenses and running crisp, precise routes. The Bruins are also hoping fellow senior Eldridge Massington can put together a big final season in Los Angeles. Nate Starks Massington showed plenty of potential in 2014, his true freshman season, when he hauled in 25 receptions for 367 yards. Since then, he has had two seasons of lesser numbers, and hasn't really been able to break out. With decent size and athleticism, the tools are there for him, he just has to find out a way to utilize them correctly. Expect senior Mossi Johnson and rising sophomore Theo Howard to also see some targets in an offense that hopes to spread the field better and open things up for their receivers. All signs point to an improved 2017 for this offense, particularly if Rosen can regain his 2015 form. If the offensive line finally takes the step forward it needs to take, this group could go from one of the Pac-12's worst a year ago to one of its best. Defense: While the offense struggled mightily in 2016, UCLA's defense looked the best it has in years, as defensive coordinator Tom Bradley used creative blitz packages and different schemes to put together a solid group. Bradley, a long-time coordinator for Joe Paterno at Penn State, needed some time to settle into the vastly different Pac-12, but seems to have found a way to build sustained success at UCLA. This year, the team will undergo some tough losses at a number of different levels on the D, but still have enough talent for a successful year. The big loss for the Bruins on the defensive line was first-round NFL Draft pick Takkarist McKinley. A powerful force blessed with an incredibly high motor, McKinley was quite the disruptive force a year ago, racking up 10 sacks and 18 tackles for loss in 11 games. His departure leaves the Bruins searching for a new top pass rusher, and overall stability at defensive end. Sophomores Rick Wade and Keisean Lucier-South are expected to step up. Wade is a rock-solid defender, while Lucier-South was a five-star pickup a season ago who showed flashes of brilliance in '16. Bradley and staff could also be hoping for bigger things from some of the young guys, most notably true freshman Jaelen Phillips and Osa Odighizuwa. Phillips is a consensus five-star addition and considered by many to be the gem of the 2017 recruiting class, while Odighizuwa is the younger brother of former Bruin defensive linemen Owamagbe Odighizuwa, who was a third round selection in the 2015 NFL Draft. In the interior of the D-Line, UCLA is hoping for a big year from senior Matt Dickerson and Jacob Tuioti-Mariner. Dickerson proved to be especially adept at stopping the run a year ago, with 34 tackles. UCLA is also undergoing some changes in the linebacker corps, where star Jayon Brown (119 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions) departs. That will put pressure on middle linebacker Kenny Young, who will be asked to do just about everything for the Bruins this season. Young had 90 tackles in '16, and is an extremely underrated pass rusher, with five sacks last year. The outside linebacker spots are question marks, but UCLA has proven they can develop playmakers at the position (Myles Jack, Anthony Barr). Sophomore DeChaun Holiday has loads of potential to be a disruptive force off the edge, while junior Josh Woods has proven to be an incredibly versatile defender. The Bruins were very good against the pass for much of last season, putting them at a real advantage in the pass-happy Pac-12. With a number of key players back to the secondary, they could get even better as they look ahead to 2017. Senior free safety Jaleel Wadood was the key returnee to the unit, after recording 76 tackles and four pass deflections last year. He isn't a great weapon in pass coverage, but has proven his speed and downhill hitting ability. He'll be joined at the safety position by junior Adarius Pickett, a playmaking defensive back. Pickett had three interceptions last year and the Bruins will lean on his ability to jump passing routes even more this year, as they didn't force enough turnovers a season ago. The cornerback spots are somewhat concerns, even though junior Nate Meadors is a returning starter. The CB spot opposite of him is a complete mystery, with true freshmen Darnay Holmes and Elijah Gates considered the top candidates for the starting job. Special Teams: There are also concerns on special teams for UCLA, who will have to rely on an inconsistent kicker and must find new playmakers in the return game. Sophomore J.J. Molson had a rocky 2016 (12 of 20) but the coaching staff believes he will have a wildly improved year with more experience under his belt. The Bruins will miss Ishmael Adams, who controlled most of their kick and punt return duties. Adarius Pickett will be expected to handle punts (81 yards on eight last year), but the kick returner job is wide open. There is a sense of optimism around Westwood this year, but also the sense of much more pressure on sixth-year head coach Jim Mora and staff. While the team obviously struggled through injuries and inexperience last year, it was a brutal-to-watch campaign that followed up a mediocre 8-5 in 2015, making some boosters and fans question the direction of the program. The talent returning in 2017 has the chance to be special; Josh Rosen could be one of the best quarterbacks in the country if he's healthy and the rest of the offense has plenty of weapons. Defensively, there will likely be some growing pains as UCLA identifies a new pass rusher and figures out the cornerback position, but the group should still be a strength. However, a return to the Pac-12 elite will take near perfect health and maybe some luck, as they stare down a schedule that includes Texas A&M in the opener and road games against Washington, Stanford, Utah and USC. That schedule and some of the issues on the roster should restrict the Bruins from becoming Pac-12 South Champions but if things go right, this team should still challenge for double-digit wins and a return to a respectable bowl. Player to Watch Soso Jamabo, RB A former five-star recruit, Soso Jamabo made waves when he announced he was heading to UCLA. Yet, while he has shown flashes, Jamabo has yet to really put together a big season, having 725 yards and seven scores in two seasons at the running back spot. The hope as UCLA heads into 2017 is that Jamabo can get the bulk of the carries and utilize his impressive vision and shiftiness, finally cashing in on his vast potential. Five-Year Trend 2012: 9-5 (6-3 Pac-12)* 2013: 10-3 (6-3 Pac-12)* 2014: 10-3 (6-3 Pac-12)* 2015: 8-5 (5-4 Pac-12)* 2016: 4-8 (2-7 Pac-12) *= Bowl game

College Football Preview 2017-2018: 24. Houston Cougars

24. Houston Cougars

Herman is gone, but the impressive talent remains

Location: Houston, Texas Conference: AAC (West) Schedule Roster Coach: Major Applewhite (first year) Last Years Record: 9-4 (5-3 AAC) Bowl Result: Loss in Las Vegas Bowl Overview Life after Tom Herman begins in Houston, Texas this year as the Cougars most move on from the rising head coach, who will now be roaming the sideline in Austin. Herman led Houston to tremendous heights in his two seasons as head coach, going 22-4 overall, winning a New Year's Six Bowl and beating some of the powers of the sport, namely Florida State and Oklahoma. It is now time for the team's former offensive coordinator Major Applewhite to take over the program. Applewhite may not be regarded as a coach at Herman's level in terms of player development or recruiting, but he is a great game manager and inherits a team stocked with talent on both sides of the ball. It is completely realistic to assume the Cougars will endure a dropoff with Herman now absent, but if a new quarterback can take the reigns of the offense and the defense is able to replace some veterans in the secondary, an American Athletic Conference crown is not completely out of the question. Linnell Bonner Offense: One of the major keys to Herman's success in Houston was quarterback Greg Ward Jr., whose impressive arm strength and improvisation ability made him a constant threat. However, Applewhite must now find a new signal-caller to run his offense, as Ward graduated. The most likely candidate has to be Texas A&M transfer Kyle Allen, who sat out the entirety of the 2016 campaign. Once the nation's top prep quarterback, Allen showed flashes at A&M but soon fell out of favor with coaches and decided to head elsewhere inside the state. Allen doesn't have Ward's legs, but he is a better passer, which should enable Houston to return to a more traditional passing offense. At running back, the Cougars are hoping that junior Duke Catalon, a former Texas transfer, can improve after a rocky '16. Catalon led UH with 528 rushing yards, but that number was the lowest for the team's leading rusher since the 1990's. With his vision and powerful running, Catalon should be able to produce more this year, particularly with the Cougars' offensive line helping him. The O-Line returns four starters to a group that was inconsistent, but talented, a year ago. The most notable returnee has got to be junior center Will Noble, an All-AAC linemen who has plenty of playing experience. The only hole on the unit will be at left guard, where a wide range of linemen are competing for the starting gig. What should help Allen out at quarterback should be a superb receiving corps, spearheaded by two impressive seniors. Linell Bonner had a breakout 2016, hauling in 98 receptions for 1,118 yards, while fellow senior Steven Dunbar had 53 catches for 692 yards. Both Dunbar and Bonner offer great size and athleticism, which should help them gain some key mismatches against smaller defensive backs in the wide-open AAC. Expect sophomore Courtney Lark and senior John Leday to also play big roles in the aerial attack. Lark had just three catches all of last year, but his game-changing speed has wowed Houston's staff, and he may quickly establish himself as one of the team's premier deep threats. Another name to watch on the offensive side of the ball is senior Kyle Postma. Postma has seen action in 19 games over the past two seasons at quarterback, but has been taking snaps at receiver in the spring. The vet has exceptional athleticism and has proven he can pick things up quickly; the new staff could experiment with him at any number of roles. From top to bottom, the Cougars' offense is still stocked with playmakers and experience, although they may not have Ward to bail them out anymore. If the ground attack can pick up, UH could improve on their 35.8 PPG last season (fifth in the AAC, 26th nationally). Ed Oliver Defense: While Houston's defense didn't get much attention this past season, it produced a number of impressive NFL Draft prospects (Howard Wilson, Tyus Bowser) and had some real proven playmakers (Steven Taylor, Brandon Wilson). New defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio recognizes the success this team had with a 3-4, attacking front the past two seasons and should roll with a similar look in 2017. That aggressive, blitzing front should become even more lethal with the continued growth of sophomore Ed Oliver. Oliver surprised plenty when the former five-star recruit announced he was heading to Houston, giving them their first five-star in school history. What was perhaps more surprising was just how good Oliver was in Year One; he had a staggering 19.5 tackles for loss and five sacks last year, despite playing at the defensive tackle position, one not known for racking up the stats. His real coming out party was his play in Houston's upset of Lamar Jackson and Louisville, where he did it all, recording two sacks, three tackles for loss, two pass breakups and a forced fumble. Offensive linemen will almost certainly focus on the true sophomore, likely bringing in double and triple teams against him. That may slow him down slightly, but his versatility and ability to make an impact in so many different ways (he had nine pass deflections last year, leading all defensive linemen nationally) should carry him to a very successful campaign. The hope is that fellow defensive linemen such as junior Jerard Carter and senior Nick Thurman can occupy some blockers, and open up even more lanes for Oliver to work with. Newcomer Bryan Jones arrives from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as the top prospect in the 2017 Class for the Cougs, and ready to see snaps right away at defensive end. The big transition for the Houston defense should be at linebacker, where they must move on from Bowser and Taylor, who made such impacts in their time here. Senior Matthew Adams is back at one of the inside linebacker spots and is UH's top returning tackler with 82, but will need help. Senior D'Juan Hines is primed to take over Taylor's spot next to Adams in the inside, but who takes over at the two vacant outside linebacker positions is really anybody's guess. The defensive backfield will miss the Wilsons at corner, but returns three starters and plenty of experience. Junior Jeremy Winchester is the favorite to take over the No. 1 cornerback spot, while a host of candidates compete for the CB slot opposite him, namely sophomore Javian Smith and converted receiver Isaiah Johnson. The two safety positions will be in good hands, with the returns of junior Garrett Davis and senior Khalil Williams, both who have played in some big games over their Houston careers. Special Teams: A position battle to watch as fall camp approaches will be the kicker spot, where JUCO transfer Dalton Witherspoon is in a full-on battle with Joel Scarbrough for the starting job. At punter, Houston should be in good hands, as sophomore Dane Roy is back, and one of the coolest stories in college football. At 28, Roy is one of the oldest players in FBS football, and also a former ice cream man all the way from Australia.  There is nothing easy about losing a head coach and much of his staff, particularly when he is one as talented and innovative as Tom Herman. However, don't expect Houston to completely slide off the national radar. This is a team with loads of talent on both sides of the ball, and possesses a defender so dominant and disruptive he could be in the Heisman conversation in 2017 (yes, that's how good Oliver is). Another thing working in Houston's way is the non-conference slate, which doesn't feature any schools with Oklahoma's talent this time around. A trip to Arizona in early September could pose a possible challenge, but if UH gets past Texas Tech two weeks later this team should be 4-0 entering the conference schedule. Inside the division, Memphis and Navy, two teams who beat the Cougars last season, will be tough and likely expected to do better. Yet, if some of the question marks on this team are answered (the ground game, linebacker position, kicking game) an AAC West title should definitely be in play. Player to Watch Courtney Lark, WR Despite the fact Lark had three receptions last season, many people around the program expect a huge sophomore season from him. A former four-star pickup who chose Houston over a host of other Texas schools, Lark has blazing speed, decent ball skills and is a fine route runner for his age. A good showing in spring has only raised the hype surrounding him, and while Bonner and Dunbar may be the top two weapons in Houston's passing game, Lark should find a way to make an impact. Five-Year Trend 2012: 5-7 (4-4 C-USA) 2013: 8-5 (5-3 AAC)* 2014: 8-5 (5-3 AAC)* 2015: 13-1 (7-1 AAC)* 2016: 9-4 (5-3 AAC)* *= Bowl game

College Football Preview 2017-2018: 25. Texas Longhorns

25. Texas Longhorns

What magic will Tom Herman create in Year One in Austin?

Location: Austin, Texas Conference: Big 12 Schedule Roster Coach: Tom Herman (first year) Last Years Record: 5-7 (3-6 Big 12) Bowl Result: None Overview It seems like ages ago that Texas seemed at the center of the college football universe, when Colt McCoy and Vince Young were leading them to new heights, players were heading to the NFL left and right, and their annual rivalry with Oklahoma often decided the Big 12. Since McCoy's final game in 2009, the Longhorns have gone an incredibly mediocre 46-43, have missed the postseason three times and suffered some horrendous defeats along the way. Needless to say that isn't going to get it done at a university with the resources like Texas, so the Longhorns opted to move on from Charlie Strong as head coach and bring in the hottest name in the coaching carousel, Tom Herman, who went 22-4 at Houston. Strong had some moments (beating Oklahoma in 2015, winning a thriller over Notre Dame to begin 2016) but his teams never really progressed despite consistently good recruiting. Can Herman change the culture in Austin after two consecutive 5-7 campaigns? He certainly has the talent to do so, but will have to endure some significant growing pains as a new chapter in Texas football begins. Shane Buechele Offense: Since McCoy left, the Longhorns have lacked a true, starting caliber QB, which is pretty amazing considering the amount of talent that comes out of their state every year. Names like Garrett Gilbert, Case McCoy (Colt's younger brother), David Ash and Tyrone Swoopes have all seen plenty of playing time but were never able to lead a Longhorn resurgence. It appears things could be changing, however, as sophomore Shane Buechele looks ready for a big 2017. Buechele overcame veterans Swoopes and Jerrod Heard to win the starting job last season and while he made plenty of mistakes, he impressed, throwing for 2,958 yards and 21 touchdowns. Buechele doesn't have elite arm strength, but he is very accurate and is great at improvising, constantly keeping plays alive with his legs and elusiveness. Herman has a great track record with quarterbacks (made Cardale Jones and J.T. Barrett look like superstars as O-coordinator during Ohio State's 2014 National Championship run), and should help the youthful sophomore out. Texas loses their leading rusher from a season ago, D'Onta Foreman, which will be a tough pill to swallow. Foreman ran angry all of 2016, almost like he had something to prove, which helped him rack up 2,028 yards and 15 touchdowns. He really was the heart and soul of the Texas offense for a big chunk of '16, but new offensive coordinator Tim Beck shouldn't feel to worried. Back from injury, junior Chris Warren III should fill in just fine. Warren didn't see a lot of time last year but still managed to rush for 366 yards and runs with the same ferocity and power that made Foreman so successful. Expect sophomore Kyle Porter or freshman Toneil Carter to be used as change of pace options at running back as well. Another reason to feel good about Texas' offense in '17 is their receiving corps, which is their best they've had in a long time. It is a group blessed with plenty of experience (senior Armanti Foreman and junior John Burt) as well as youngsters ready to explode on to the scene (sophomores Devin Duvernay and Colin Johnson). Foreman is the Longhorns' returning receiving leader with 420 yards on 34 receptions last season and should be incredibly reliable, while Burt has been very good when healthy. Duvernay is a former ex-Baylor commit who has shown flashes of his game-breaking speed but is yet to put it all together. Another name to watch is Jerrod Heard, who is making the transition from QB to wide out. The junior has always impressed with his speed, but must show he can run routes and block, the real finer points of the position. At tight end, Texas is going to likely turn to senior Andrew Beck, a physical player with soft hands. The offensive line also returns a quality amount of experience, most notably All-American left tackle Connor Williams. The junior was terrific last year, and has also attracted plenty of attention from NFL scouts. Junior Patrick Vahe is an underrated piece to the puzzle at guard, while Zach Shackelford was impressive a year ago despite his youth. The right side of the unit is a possible concern with a number of position battles ongoing, including right tackle where sophomore Denzel Okafor might take over senior Brandon Hodges' spot after a superb spring. Another concern for the O-Line is depth; outside of the starters, there are very few members of the unit that have seen any significant action or are incoming freshman. Malik Jefferson Defense: Despite Charlie Strong's pedigree as a defensive coach, his defense struggled mightily over his tenure. New defensive coordinator Todd Orlando hopes that he can improve a defense that let up too many big plays and didn't get enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Expect Orlando to switch up Texas' 3-4 look and utilize an improving defensive line. Sophomore Malcolm Roach and defensive tackle Poona Ford are two big components to the unit. Roach is younger but an impressive athlete off the edge sure to wreak major havoc in '17, while Ford brings valuable experience and a proven run stopper up the middle. The rest of the front seven also brings plenty of upside and talent, which begins with junior Malik Jefferson. A former five-star recruit, Jefferson has had his moments but hasn't really put it all together. With the varying looks the Longhorns are likely to use, he'll get different opportunities to display his playmaking prowess and put together his finest season since coming to Austin. He will be aided by two other superb linebackers, outside linebacker Breckyn Hager and junior Anthony Wheeler. Hager had six sacks a season ago as a rotational piece, and could do even more damage as he takes over a starting role. Meanwhile, Wheeler is the Longhorns' top returning tackler (with 65 in 2016) and should continue to rack up tackles in the ultra-important middle linebacker spot. Another linebacker to watch is junior college transfer Gary Johnson, who could make the most immediate impact of the 2017 recruiting class. Johnson arrives from Dodge City Community College as a four-star prospect and he is sure to get an abundance of snaps at one of the inside linebacker positions. The biggest question mark on the entire Texas team is the secondary, which loses a number of key players from a group that allowed 258.5 yards per game last year, 105th in the nation. Junior cornerback Kris Boyd is going to have to play an important role; the strong-willed defender is expected to be UT's top corner, which will have a ton of responsibility guarding some of the dynamic wide outs in the pass-happy Big 12. Boyd started the final eight games of the season for UT in '16 and played pretty well, recording 51 tackles and five pass deflections, but he will still have to take some major steps for the pass defense to improve. The other cornerback spot is up for grabs, with plenty of talented options to fill in but none of them proven. Juniors Holton Hill and Davante Davis are considered the frontrunners, but don't be surprised if some newcomers compete for snaps. The safety positions are going through a transition as they must now endure life after Dylan Haines. Haines has been a staple in Texas' defensive backfield for years, and made 33 starts over his career, racking up 175 tackles and 13 interceptions along the way. Senior Jason Hall is the favorite to start at strong safety but wasn't great in the spring, while free safety is a wide-open competition. Special Teams: Special teams can so often make a big difference in close games, which is why it was surprising how many close games UT dropped a year ago, despite having some great weapons at kicker and punter. Ray Guy Award finalist Michael Dickson returns for his junior season at the punter position and should play a huge role in the field-position battle, while JUCO transfer Joshua Rowland is expected to take over at kicker. In the return game, expect the ultra-versatile Jerrod Heard to handle both duties. Even though there is a new name on the sidelines in Austin, there is no chance expectations will be dampened in 2017; this is a program that expects to compete for national championships every year. That may be slightly daunting for new head coach Herman, but the talent is there for this team to succeed. They have plenty of weapons offensively, and a quarterback that appears ready to lead this team to the next level. The defense will endure some serious growing pains but Orlando, now the Longhorns' highest-paid D-coordinator in their history, will be creative with his packages and how he uses some of the young guys. A tough non-conference slate where they see a rising Maryland team and a Top 5 USC team on the road will be precarious, as will an October three-week stretch that includes Kansas State, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. Even so, the Longhorns finally appear ready to turn the table and start returning to national relevancy. A Big 12 title may be a little bit too much to ask for at this point, but 9-10 wins and a respectable bowl would be solid progress in year one for Herman and his staff. Player to Watch Chris Warren III, RB D'Onta Foreman was such a big part of the Texas offense that there is no way his presence won't be missed. However, his loss will be easier to swallow thanks to the return of a healthy Chris Warren. Warren started the first two games of the 2016 campaign and rushed for 366 yards on 62 attempts before suffering a season-ending injury. It was a deflating loss for a Texas team hoping the bulldozing back could continue to improve from a freshman year that saw him rush for 276 yards against Texas Tech, and break out a 91-year run where he absolutely shredded a number of defenders. Five-Year Trend 2012: 9-4 (5-4 Big 12)* 2013: 8-5 (7-2 Big 12)* 2014: 6-7 (5-4 Big 12)* 2015: 5-7 (4-5 Big 12) 2016: 5-7 (3-6 Big 12) *= Bowl game

NBA Offseason 2017: Can Anyone Stop the Warriors?

James Harden and Houston

Every single June and July, NBA invest teams invest millions of dollars in free agency with one goal in mind: an NBA title. This year, that free agency madness was taken to a whole new level as teams across the league tried to add the star power they need to take a shot at the ultimate super-team, Golden State, who just completed a historical championship run. Houston gave up a ton to snag Chris Paul, Minnesota added the go-to scorer they need to take the next step in Jimmy Butler, the Thunder sent shockwaves throughout the nation when they added Paul George, and the Celtics reunited Brad Stevens with his old college star, Gordon Hayward. Yet, do any one of these teams really stand a chance at stopping the Warriors, who have averaged 69 wins over the past three years, set countless records, and have two undeniable superstars on their roster plus a terrific supporting cast? A closer look at each of the top contenders may just give us the answers to whether someone can truly derail the dominant Golden State train.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Unlike many of the other teams on this list, Cleveland did not make any significant moves over the off-season roster-wise, despite repeated rumors of them making a run at Paul George, Jimmy Butler and Carmelo Anthony. Despite this, there is no denying Cleveland is likely the biggest threat to Golden State in the league. They still have the clear-cut best player in the world in LeBron James, who has shown no signs of slowing down despite the fact he is getting older, and a player on the cusp of superstardom in point guard Kyrie Irving. Mixed with Kevin Love, a valuable stretch four, and rebounding specialist Tristian Thompson, this is clearly a talented roster, evidenced by their three straight Finals trips and title in 2016. Yet, the team will look ahead to '17-'18 with significant questions as well. The team has generally seem unsatisfied with Love's play almost since he arrived in Cleveland, but haven't been able to ship him off. The Cavs have plenty of solid bench options, but many of them are aging (Richard Jefferson, Deron Williams) or have significant flaws in their game (J.R. Smith). Another point to be made is the fact the Cavaliers lost in five games to Golden State just a few weeks ago in the Finals, and truly doesn't seem any better. Yet, with LeBron at the helm, Cleveland surely will be a major factor. Until he is knocked off, they are the team to beat in the Eastern Conference and in turn, still the most logical threat to the Warriors' aims of a second straight title.

Houston Rockets: If there is a team that can hang with the Warriors offensively for 48 minutes, it has to be Houston. The Rockets essentially accepted they didn't care about defense in 2016 and committed solely to offense by hiring offensive-minded coach Mike D'Antoni and moving James Harden to point guard. The move clearly paid off in '16-'17, as Houston nearly made the Western Conference Finals after a largely disappointing 2015-2016 campaign. The team made the offense even more lethal by adding Chris Paul, a nine-time All-Star eager to shed his label of being a Playoff choker. Rumors continue to swirl the team may still try to add one more superstar prior to the season but either way, this offense is going to be absolutely lethal, particularly if Sixth Man of the Year Eric Gordon can improve on a career year. Yet, for all the team's significant promise, the CP3 move was also somewhat confusing. Harden had a marvelous season since moving to point guard and the offense overall took major leaps. Adding Paul will not only limit Harden's touches, but move him to the off-ball. That doesn't necessarily mean that the offense will take a step back but it was an odd move at the time for Houston. Another issue that seems to need resolving is the lack of a true go-to option in the post. The Rockets retained veteran Nene and have a promising young center in Clint Capela, but the lack of a true low post presence could be a significant problem against some of the West's top teams. Even so, Houston does have the firepower it seems to need to at the very least, attempt to dethrone the Warriors. If the Paul-Harden experiment takes off the way GM Daryl Morey envisions, this team certainly has good shot at winning the Conference.

San Antonio Spurs: Despite talk of a Kristaps Porzingis or Chris Paul move, San Antonio has stayed relatively quiet on the free agent market, which fits the mentality of the organization. There is certainly an argument to be made that the team doesn't really need to make a big move, considering that they have the system and superstar (Kawhi Leonard) that others are lacking. They also seemed to be the biggest threat to Golden State's supremacy this past season, taking a huge lead in Game 1 of the WCF before Leonard was lost for the series. Leonard is probably the best two-way player in the sport; he's lengthy and freakishly athletic. He also has developed the ability to truly carry the team, single-handedly clinching a number of games this past for the Spurs, including one in the Western semis against Houston. Beyond Leonard, San Antonio is good, not great. Pau Gasol and Lamarcus Aldridge seem to be nearing the end of their careers but can still provide a number of things for this offense, while Danny Green and Jonathan Simmons (who is likely to be resigned) are incredibly valuable reserves. But, perhaps the biggest X-factor is at point guard, where 35-year-old Tony Parker still roams. Parker has been the steadying force in a number of Spurs' title teams, but there is no denying that age has taken it's toll, and he barely played this past season. However, if he can find the legs for one more Playoff run, this San Antonio team surely has enough to greatly challenge the Warriors.

Oklahoma City Thunder: When Kevin Durant announced he was leaving Oklahoma City last July, many assumed that the Thunder were on the road to a rebuild, almost surely to trade their last remaining star, Russell Westbrook, and begin to look towards the future. However, Westbrook put together an unbelievable MVP season and led the Thunder to the Playoffs, signing a long-term deal in the process. To make matters more interesting, OKC seemingly came out of nowhere to win the Paul George sweepstakes, giving up Victor Oladipo and Damontas Sabonis to land the star forward, not quite the price we expected anybody to have to pay. With George now in the fold, the Thunder suddenly look like a real factor again out West. Westbrook has proven he can carry the team when needed, but George gives him the help he so desperately needed, and also an extremely versatile defender that matches up pretty well against some of the Western Conference's elite wings, such as Durant and Leonard. Yet, much like Houston, beyond the "Big Two" this roster is rather underwhelming. Enes Kanter and Steven Adams are two very solid big men who can control the rebounding battle, but there is no obvious player to look to if Westbrook and George are struggling or on the bench. Facing a team with as many weapons as Golden State, who can beat you in so many ways, that is a serious problem.

Boston Celtics: After making an Eastern Conference Finals run this past season, Boston made perhaps the biggest move of the true free agent market, by convincing Gordon Hayward to head East and join Isaiah Thomas and Al Horford. Hayward isn't a superstar but the wing has proven he is an extremely reliable and efficient scorer that gives this offense a lot more versatility. Already comfortable in Brad Stevens' system, there is no reason to believe Hayward won't be a major force right away in Boston. Thomas is a pretty ideal complement as well; the fearless point guard can score in nearly every way possible and always plays with a chip on his shoulder. Horford is another guy that won't be a No. 1 on any team, but is a very reliable weapon that can help this team in a variety of ways. Overall, that creates somewhat of a "Big Three" in Beantown, but certainly not one of past super-team caliber obviously. The obvious question is whether it will be enough to overcome Cleveland out East. Hayward is definitely a major addition, but can he really change the course of a team that lost in five games to the Cavs, including a number of blowouts? Unless Boston gets a breakout year from sophomore Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum, or perhaps adds another rim protector, this team is still not close to an NBA title, including beating the Warriors.

Even with the frenzy that has happened in the NBA over the past few weeks, there is no denying Golden State is the team to beat. They are truly a transcendent team with four All-Stars, a number of players that can take over, and an insane amount of depth. Yet, that doesn't mean they are invincible. Injuries are going to happen, players are going to move and things will change. If I had to put my bet on a team to beat them? San Antonio. Kawhi Leonard is a legitimate superstar that has a shot at stopping Durant on the defensive end, the veteran presence on this team is extremely impressive, and it is a team with experience at beating superteams (Miami Heat in 2014). Yet, stopping a team like the Warriors is easier said than done, and until they lose it may seem next to impossible.