Bowl Picks 2020-21: Mayo Bowl-Texas Bowl (Dec. 30th-Dec. 31st)

Kyle Trask, Florida

 Duke's Mayo Bowl (Dec. 30th)

Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-4) vs. Wisconsin Badgers (3-3)

While several other big-name Big Ten programs decided to opt-out of bowl season this year, Wisconsin choose to go forward with their matchup against Wake Forest in the illustrious Duke's Mayo Bowl. The Badgers started off the season hot before their offense really stalled down the stretch, putting up double-digits just once in their final four games. The hope is that QB Graham Mertz can find some rhythm after his recent struggles, but he needs other pieces in this offense to step up. The receiver group has been hit hard by injuries, but veterans like tight end Jake Ferguson and wide out Jack Dunn have to get back on track. The ground game has also been very suspect all season and the injury to stud freshman Jalen Berger hasn't helped. Wake Forest's defense is decent, but their defensive front is not up to par with the Badgers. A typical ground-and-pound offensive attack should be expected from Wisconsin here. The good news is that their defense remains one of the best in the entire country, which will be quite useful against a Top 25 Wake Forest offense. Quarterback Sam Hartman has put together a strong 2020 showing and has also been very efficient (10 TD, 1 INT). He's aided by an interesting cast of offensive playmakers, which includes receivers Jaquarii Roberson and Donovan Greene, as well as an effective ground game. The Demon Deacons don't do anything particularly special on offense, but they execute well and attack opposing weaknesses really well. There aren't a lot of weaknesses on this Badger defense, aside from the fact they could be susceptible to the deep pass. Their rush defense is absolutely elite and although the pass rush doesn't have many big names, they'll get after Hartman. It could certainly be the toughest defense Wake has seen since they opened the year back in early September against Clemson. Although both teams appear evenly matched on paper, the Badgers do have a better bowl tradition and they enter with slightly more momentum after an OT victory in their rivalry game against Minnesota. 

The Pick: Wisconsin, 27 Wake Forest, 17

Cotton Bowl Classic (Dec. 30th)

Florida Gators (8-3) vs. Oklahoma Sooners (8-2)

The first of this season's New Year's Six Bowls pits two explosive offenses against each other in Florida and Oklahoma. The Gators are led by two players who finished Top 10 in Heisman voting, QB Kyle Trask and tight end Kyle Pitts. Trask eclipsed 4,000 yards on the year so far and is the perfect quarterback for head coach Dan Mullen's system, while Pitts became the first TE to finish in Heisman voting since the late 1970s. Opposing defenses usually have to commit one of their best coverage defenders to stop Pitts, which then allows the rest of this Gator offense to get going. Receivers Kadarius Toney, Trevon Grimes and Jacob Copeland are a pretty potent trio themselves, and will test this Sooner defense vertically. The big question mark for Florida on offense is whether they can find any semblance of balance. The ground game has been nearly non-existent all season and while UF has made do without, they need it to beat really strong teams. If not, an improved Oklahoma secondary will drop back in coverage and force Trask to beat them. Trask certainly can do it, but it makes life significantly more difficult without a ground game to also lean on. This improved Sooner defense should be getting more attention; after a poor start to 2020, they've been tremendous down the stretch. The defense is currently allowing just 20.5 PPG in their seven game win streak and that number was a little bit inflated by Texas dropping 45 on them. Oklahoma's offense looks similar to what it has in year's past, even if Spencer Rattler is not a Heisman finalist QB. He was very mistake prone early on, but Rattler has really settled down into his comfort zone. He still has a rocket of an arm and can make things happen with his legs, a real test for a bad Gator defense. Oklahoma's skill positions were beat up to begin 2020, but they've played well down the stretch. Rhamondre Stevenson is back from his suspension and leads the ground attack, while the cast of Marvin Mims, Theo Wease and Charleston Rambo make things happen at receiver. It's an offense that might not be as talented as past editions, but one that is still highly effective. There's nothing this Gator defense has done this season to make me feel confident they can stop the Sooners. Although it has good individual pieces, such as linebacker Brenton Cox and defensive back Kaiir Elam, the numbers speak for themselves. A shootout should definitely be expected, but I trust the Sooner defense a little bit more at this point. They also enter the game on a seven game win streak, while Florida has dropped their last two.

The Pick: Oklahoma, 44 Florida, 35

Armed Forces Bowl (Dec. 31st)

Tulsa Golden Hurricane (6-2) vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs (3-7)

Despite going just 3-7 on the season, Mississippi State accepted a bowl invite to square off against the American Athletic runner-up Tulsa. It's been a tough transition for Mike Leach as he brings his air raid attack to the SEC. After a great start against LSU, the offense has been wildly inconsistent and has seen a host of players opt-out. QB Will Rogers appears to have taken ahold of the job and is the quarterback of the future in Starkville, but you never quite know what you're getting out of the young signal-caller. He is a fairly good decision-maker for his age and has had his moments, but the inconsistency is still there. Mississippi State doesn't really have an elite wide out on the perimeter, but they have a bunch of pass-catchers that can open things up downfield. The bigger question for them is their O-Line play, which has been decent this season, but faces a very good Tulsa pass rush. The Golden Hurricane defense as a whole deserves much more credit for the season it has had in 2020, but it is notable that they will be without their top player in Zaven Collins, the Bronko Nagurski Award winner who opted out. Perhaps his absence will force the Bulldogs to run more, but that's unlikely. On offense, Tulsa is far from elite but they do get the job done. QB Zach Smith, who started his career at Baylor, is an efficient passer who can face any type of defense. He's joined by a group of playmakers that aren't big names, but can make things happen. Wide out Josh Johnson is probably the most dangerous of that group, leading the Golden Hurricane with six receiving touchdowns. Mississippi State's defense is pretty poor, as is common with Leach teams. They do have a good defensive line, but the back seven just hasn't put it together in 2020. This is actually a tough game to pick for me. While Mississippi State has had a bad season, Leach offenses are tough to prepare for, and they probably have a talent advantage. But, I still lean Tulsa primarily because this Bulldog defense is so bad, and the Golden Hurricane's own defense inspires more confidence even without Collins.

The Pick: Tulsa, 30 Mississippi State, 21

Arizona Bowl (Dec. 31st)

Ball State Cardinals (6-1) vs. San Jose State Spartans (7-0)

Even with shortened schedules, San Jose State and Ball State going a combined 13-1 is one of the most surprising developments of the 2020 college football season. Both are hoping to cap off their magical seasons by winning the Arizona Bowl in Tucson. San Jose State's success can be attributed primarily to an improved aerial attack with the addition of former Texas A&M QB Nick Starkel, as well as a defense that ranks in the Top 25 in scoring defense. Starkel will face a quality Ball State defense in this one, but he's proven that he can put together some of his best performances against the best defenses he's seen, such as going for 453 and three touchdowns against Boise State. Several big-play threats on the perimeter, namely Bailey Gaither and Tre Walker, are sure to stretch the Cardinal defense. SJSU's defense is really strong against the run and does a decent job forcing turnovers. They'll be an interesting matchup against a Ball State offense that is very balanced, with a punishing ground game and efficient passing attack. QB Drew Plitt has put together a solid 2020 campaign but the rush offense, led by Caleb Huntley, can still move the chains. The player SJSU has to be the most concerned about is wide out Justin Hall, who not only leads Ball State in receptions and yards, he's also dangerous on jet sweeps and other creative plays. These two match up fairly well top to bottom, and I'm conflicted on who to take. Usually I'll roll with the better QB (Starkel in my opinion) or the better defense, but my theory that undefeated seasons are so difficult holds. That remains the case for the Spartans, even with a shortened season.

The Pick: Ball State, 28 San Jose State, 27

Liberty Bowl (Dec. 31st)

West Virginia Mountaineers (5-4) vs. Army Black Knights (9-2)

The harsh realities of 2020 are on display in the Liberty Bowl, where 5-4 West Virginia was slated to play Tennessee before the Volunteers had to drop out due to COVID issues. Their replacement is the 9-2 Army Black Knights, whose triple-option offense offers a very unique challenge. Army has the No. 4 rush offense in the nation, one that uses a wide variety of playmakers to eat up yardage and clock. Christian Anderson has taken the reigns of the offense as the starting QB, but it wouldn't be surprising to see multiple Army quarterbacks running the show in this one. Backs Tyrell Robinson and Jakobi Buchanan will be focused on heavily by the West Virginia defense, while Sandon McCoy is the short yardage monster (10 TDs in 2020). It will be fascinating to see how WVU controls the triple-option; defensively they've been solid all year, but will be without one of their top players in linebacker Tony Fields, who opted out. They also haven't had a ton of time to prepare for Army, which always makes stopping this offense much more difficult. The Mountaineers are certainly a different offense in how they choose to attack opponents, running a fairly balanced attack. Quarterback Jarret Doege has put together a fine 2020 campaign, but the real star on offense has been tailback Leddie Brown, who has 945 yards in just nine contests. The big question for Brown is whether he can keep it going against one of the best defenses he's seen this fall. Army might not have the talent of some Big 12 defenses, but they fill gaps really well and do what they do very well. They're one of the top rush defenses in the entire nation, and will force Doege to beat them over the top. For me, this is a similar matchup to the Tulsa-Mississippi State game. WVU may be more talented on paper, but I think Army is the better team top to bottom. I think they come home with their tenth victory of 2020 in a defensive struggle.

The Pick: Army, 23 West Virginia, 20

Texas Bowl (Dec. 31st)

Arkansas Razorbacks (3-7) vs. TCU Horned Frogs (6-4)

Arkansas is back in a bowl game for the first time since competing in the 2016 Belk Bowl against Virginia Tech, matched up against a sneaky TCU squad. These two teams are going in opposite directions to end 2020; Arkansas has lost four straight after a .500 start, while TCU has won five of their last six. To be fair to Arkansas, it hasn't been like they've fallen off a cliff. Their final four games have included two Top 10 teams in Alabama and Florida, and their other two losses were by a combined five points. Veteran QB Feleipe Franks has been a great story finding success with the Razorbacks, but he hasn't been completely healthy, sitting out the Missouri game due to a rib injury. Franks isn't necessarily an elite QB, but he's done a really good job running OC Kendall Briles' system, and he is a dual threat. The greater concern for TCU may end up being the Razorback ground game, spearheaded by Trelon Smith. Smith took over feature back duties about halfway through 2020 when starter Rakeem Boyd opted out, and he's been terrific. TCU does a good job stopping the run but Smith can be really dangerous, as shown in his 172-yard, 3 touchdown domination of Missouri. The greater strength for Arkansas is their own defense, which matches up well against the Horned Frogs. The Razorbacks play a physical, smash-mouth brand of football that relies heavily on their top two linebackers, Grant Morgan and Bumper Pool. TCU's offense leans heavily on the run game, particularly with freshman Zach Evans surging down the stretch. QB Max Duggan can throw the ball, but he's much more dangerous as a runner, currently leading TCU in rushing yards. It's going to be interesting to see whether TCU tries to do things a little bit different here to possibly capitalize on Arkansas' inconsistent secondary. The Horned Frogs have several interesting weapons on this roster, such as do-it-all speedster Taye Barber, who has gotten hot down the stretch. Despite TCU's recent hot streak, I think Arkansas remains the smarter pick here. They match up really well against the Horned Frogs, and play a brand of football vastly different than what TCU sees every week in the Big 12.

The Pick: Arkansas, 28 TCU, 19

Bowl Picks 2020-21: Camellia to Alamo Bowl (Dec.25-Dec.29)

Sam Noyer, Colorado

 Camellia Bowl (Dec. 25th)

Marshall Thundering Herd (7-2) vs. Buffalo Bulls (5-1)

Two of the best Group of Five teams in the nation collide in Montgomery for the Camellia Bowl. Buffalo began the 2020 campaign 5-0 prior to a loss in the MAC Championship Game, which should provide them plenty of motivation for this one. Superstar tailback Jaret Patterson, my "Group of Five Heisman" winner, was knocked out of the MAC Championship, but the expectation is that he should be able to play in this game. If so, the Bulls have one of the nation's most talented weapons, led by a player that recorded over 1,000 yards in just six total games. Their passing attack hasn't been as strong, but QB Kyle Vantrease can still get the job done. It's not a balanced group but the results speak for themselves, as Buffalo is averaging nearly 47 points per game this fall. On the other side, Marshall has been an interesting story, looking to get back on track after a recent cold streak. They began their 2020 7-0, but have looked very underwhelming in their two straight losses to Rice and UAB. The offensive struggles have been noticeable; true freshman QB Grant Wells began the season on fire but he's really struggled with turnovers down the stretch, tossing five in the Rice game. Not only does Wells have to get back on track, but the rushing attack has to find some momentum as feature back Brenden Knox has been held below four yards per carry in those last two losses. Even if their offense does get it back going, the Marshall defense has been the story of their season. It's allowing just 12.6 points per game on the season and allowing under 280 yards per, which both rank in the Top 3 nationally. However, the recent offensive problems and Patterson's improved health make me lean Buffalo here. The Bulls should still be motivated and get up for this matchup, and they have enough offensive punch to get over the top on the Herd.

The Pick: Buffalo, 26 Marshall, 17

First Responder Bowl (Dec. 26th)

Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns (9-1) vs. UTSA Roadrunners (7-4)

Despite flirting with several SEC jobs, Billy Napier is back as Louisiana-Lafayette head coach and will lead the 9-1 Ragin' Cajuns against UTSA. The Cajuns have a balanced offensive attack that leans heavily on dual-threat QB Levi Lewis, who will be eager to get back on the field after a poor showing in his last game against Appalachian State. The ground game is among the most underrated nationally, with Elijah Mitchell and Trey Ragas both going over 650 yards on the season. Defensively, Louisiana's numbers are fairly average, but they do a great job of forcing turnovers. The main player they'll have to key on is UTSA's Sincere McCormick, who finished second in FBS with 1,345 yards. McCormick isn't the most explosive running back in the nation, but he's a powerful one who excels through contact. The Cajuns are going to need to wrap up and tackle in space, which has been an issue at times for them in 2020. UTSA may be at a slight disadvantage in this one; they were originally scheduled to play SMU in the Frisco Bowl before it was cancelled last week. Of course, the Cajuns didn't have much prep time for the Roadrunners either, but it's a little bit easier for the 9-1 team.

The Pick: Louisiana, 34 UTSA, 23

LendingTree Bowl (Dec. 26th)

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (5-6) vs. Georgia State Panthers (5-4)

Even though they began the 2020 season 2-6, Western Kentucky's three game win streak to end the regular season helped them land a spot in the LendingTree Bowl against a sneaky Georgia State squad. The Hilltoppers are led by a former Power Five transfer at quarterback in Tyrell Pigrome. Pigrome has not only proven himself as a playmaker with his legs, but he's also taken very good care of the ball, without an interception on the 2020 season. However, Pigrome needs more help from a supporting cast that has been awfully inconsistent this fall. Wide outs Xavier Lane and Mitchell Tinsley have shown potential to open up the offense, but drops have also been a problem. Georgia State is a little bit more creative with what they can do offensively and quarterback Cornelious Brown IV has been very effective in his first season as starting QB. The primary weapon all season long for Brown has been dynamic wide out Sam Pinckney, but it will be interesting to see whether any other Panthers can take advantage of this WKU defense. Cornelius McCoy is coming off an 111-yard showing in the victory over Georgia Southern, and looking to keep his recent hot streak going. Defensively, Western Kentucky has played a lot better in their recent three-game win streak than to begin the season, but they also haven't faced elite offenses. It will be interesting to see how they play against a balanced GSU attack. The last time these two programs met was back in 2017 in the Cure Bowl, which was won by Georgia State. Even though WKU is on a hot streak, I think history repeats itself with another Panther victory.

The Pick: Georgia State, 28 Western Kentucky, 20

Cure Bowl (Dec. 26th)

Liberty Flames (9-1) vs. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (11-0)

Perhaps the most underrated matchup of the bowl season will take place on December 26th in the Cure Bowl, pitting two teams that were supposed to play each other in the regular season before Liberty had to cancel due to COVID problems. Both teams have been fantastic stories, the Flames going 9-1 with their only loss coming to a good NC State team, while Coastal Carolina has been even better, going 11-0 and taking down BYU in a thriller. The Liberty offense averages over 38 points per game, thanks in large part to the play of Auburn transfer Malik Willis at quarterback. The dual threat currently leads the Flames in passing and rushing, and has proven he can play well against strong defenses. Willis hasn't played in nearly a month due to COVID, so it will be interesting to see whether rust is a factor. He also does have to play against a very underrated CCU defense, especially the front seven. The Chanticleers aren't big in the trenches but they play hard through the entire sixty minutes. The Chanticleers are unique offensively, running a lot of triple-option and RPO looks. Freshman QB Grayson McCall has been a revelation in his first season in Conway, but the real playmaker on offense is running back C.J. Marable, who has helped lead the nation's 15th-ranked rush offense. I am curious to see how Liberty and defensive coordinator Scott Symons chooses to play on defense. This is a group that generally plays aggressive and downhill, but Coastal Carolina does a really good job of getting you out of your comfort zone. Overall, I expect a fun, competitive game between two rising programs and two soon-to-be Power Five head coaches in Hugh Freeze and Jamey Chadwell. I think top to bottom, Coastal is the better team but my pick in this one is actually Liberty. Willis will put them in position to succeed, and putting together an undefeated season in modern college football is just such a tall task.

The Pick: Liberty, 38 Coastal Carolina, 33

Cheez-It Bowl (Dec. 29th)

Oklahoma State Cowboys (7-3) vs. Miami Hurricanes (8-2)

Neither Oklahoma State nor Miami finished the 2020 campaign on particularly high notes, with Miami getting run all over by UNC in their final regular season game, while Oklahoma State went 3-3 in their final six after a 4-0 start. A Cheez-It Bowl may not be the most prestigious honor in college football, but both teams are aware a win could give them important momentum entering 2021. Oklahoma State's offense has been crippled by injuries all season, including ones to starting QB Spencer Sanders and tailback Chuba Hubbard. Hubbard has officially opted out, leaving the primary playmaking duties of the offense up to wide out Tylan Wallace, who has been incredibly consistent. It also appears that they've found a nice complementary weapon as well in Dillon Stoner, who had a big day in their blowout of Baylor. The Cowboys should still try and run the ball, as Miami's loss to North Carolina proved this rush defense is terrible. Miami has really improved offensively under coordinator Rhett Lashlee and Houston transfer D'Eriq King, but this Oklahoma State defense has also really improved. The big question before every game for the Hurricanes is whether somebody is able to step up at receiver. It's a group that has had its moments in 2020 but it's also been awfully inconsistent. If it struggles once again, it's hard to imagine the offense having much success leaning on their ground game against a solid OSU defensive front. King has also taken really good care of the ball this year, but the Cowboys do a good job forcing you over. Even without Hubbard, I trust Oklahoma State more than a Miami team that has won a lot of close games, and been blown out in their two biggest of the season. 

The Pick: Oklahoma State, 34 Miami, 24

Alamo Bowl (Dec. 29th)

Texas Longhorns (6-3) vs. Colorado Buffaloes (4-1)

Old Big 12 foes collide in the Alamo Bowl between a relatively disappointing Texas team and a surprising Colorado one. The Longhorns play a similar brand of football that they have throughout the Tom Herman era, running a physical offense that also isn't afraid to take shots down the field. Sam Ehlinger is once again the focal point of the UT attack, although you're never sure who else is going to step up. Freshman back Bijan Robinson has had a tremendous second half of the season but is still unreliable, and the receivers are similarly inconsistent. The offensive line has been pretty good in 2020 but could be susceptible, as their top blocker, Samuel Cosmi, has opted out. Colorado has been a pleasant surprise under first-year head man Karl Dorrell, thanks in large part to a ground game that ranks 17th nationally in yards per game. Sophomore Jarek Broussard has over 800 yards in just five games and has proven he can break open games, putting up over 300 yards in the Arizona win. QB Sam Noyer can also get things going on the ground, but the pass defense problems Texas has had could make the Buffs look to throw the ball more often. The Longhorns have not been very good against the pass all year and that was before one of their top defenders, safety Caden Sterns, opted out. A name to watch on the outside is Brenden Rice, the son of NFL legend Jerry Rice. He's not just notable for his bloodlines, but he's also a dangerous weapon as a deep threat and punt returner. I'm not sure who I like in this game, but I'll lean Texas because they dominated in this exact bowl game last season and they're more talented, even with the opt-outs. With that being said, the Buffaloes are a lot better team than most people realize, and it should be a good one.

The Pick: Texas, 27 Colorado, 18

Bowl Picks 2020-21: Famous Idaho Potato-New Mexico Bowl (Dec.22-Dec.24)

Carson Strong, Nevada

 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (Dec. 22nd)

Tulane Green Wave (6-5) vs. Nevada Wolfpack (6-2)

Two of the most underrated Group of Five teams in the country square off in the iconic Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. After a slow start to the 2020 campaign, Tulane has won four of their last five, including a recent two-touchdown victory over Memphis. Much of that success can be attributed to an offense that is playing well down the stretch, leaning on a ground game that was among the best in the American Athletic. The trio of running backs which includes Stephon Huderson, Cameron Carroll and Amare Jones should apply plenty of pressure on a decent Nevada defense. Quarterback Michael Pratt also had some dual threat potential, but he's been streaky as a passer. He was strong a few weeks ago against Memphis, but was held to just 76 yards on 8-17 passing the week prior against Tulsa. What edition of Pratt arrives in Boise will be crucial to deciding this one. Nevada enters this game on a little bit of a cold stretch, losing two of their final three after a 5-0 start. Offensively, they are the polar opposite of Tulane, instead leaning on an explosive passing attack and a workhorse tailback in Toa Taua. The Green Wave have done a decent job defending the pass in 2020, but they haven't seen a lot of quarterbacks with the deep arm of Carson Strong. I'm not sure whether this one is going to turn into a shootout, but neither defense is considered shutdown. Nevada is able to score in a hurry, but I like Tulane's ability to control the ball and manage the clock. They also enter the game with a little bit more momentum, giving them an upper hand it what should be a fairly evenly matched game.

The Pick: Tulane, 31 Nevada, 27

Boca Raton Bowl (Dec. 22nd)

UCF Knights (6-3) vs. BYU Cougars (10-1)

Although BYU would've loved to get an opportunity to play for a New Year's Six Bowl prior to the loss to Coastal Carolina, a matchup against a quality UCF team in the Boca Raton Bowl is not a terrible consolation. The quarterback battle in this game should be extra exciting, with Dillon Gabriel on the Knights side and Zach Wilson for BYU. While they're both supremely talented, they operate in a bit of a different way. Gabriel is a fearless competitor with a huge arm that loves to throw the deep ball, while Wilson is more of an accurate and efficient signal-caller. Of course, both offenses also have plenty of other weapons. Wide out Marlon Williams is the big name on the perimeter for UCF, but they can also hit you with dynamic running backs Greg McCrae and Otis Anderson. BYU has an advantage in the trenches and also has playmakers on the outside in Dax Milne and Gunner Romney, who is expected to play in this game after missing the San Diego State game. While both offenses should be highly effective, the big concern for these teams is how their defenses perform. UCF has struggled to stop the run all season long, and faces a Cougar team with a size advantage up front. BYU, meanwhile, has put up strong numbers all 2020, but this is the best quarterback they've seen all season long and a very vertical offense. I like BYU's chances to put up a superior defensive showing, and I think Wilson outplays Gabriel, helping secure the Cougars 11th win on the season.

The Pick: BYU, 38 UCF, 28

New Orleans Bowl (Dec. 23rd)

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (5-4) vs. Georgia Southern Eagles (7-5)

In a season where postponements and cancellations became an unfortunate commonality, Georgia Southern deserves a lot of credit for still getting a 12-game regular season in and finishing off a respectable 7-5. This particular Eagles team looks very similar to past editions, with a creative triple-option that has allowed them to once again finish Top 10 nationally in rushing. Leading the offense is talented quarterback Shai Werts, who led Southern in both passing and rushing. He's an expert on running the offense and making the pitch, but did miss the final two regular-season games so his status is unclear for this game. He's joined by a host of various Eagle rushers that includes J.D. King and Logan Wright, who both went 560 yards of rushing. In total, Georgia Southern had seven separate players record at least 190 yards on the ground. That's a lot for any type of defense to prepare for, but especially difficult for a Louisiana Tech team that already hasn't have much time to prepare for the triple-option. Louisiana Tech will have to put together their best defensive showing of the season, which may be a tough ask for a rush defense that ranks right in the middle-of-the-pack nationally (184.6 YPG allowed). On offense, the Bulldogs have been decent for most the season, but they will be without starting QB Luke Anthony after he suffered a season-ending injury in the loss to TCU. It's now sophomore Aaron Allen's time, who is talented but has to take care of the football, with a 4-5 TD-INT ratio on the season. The offense also has to find some balance in this one, as the rush offense has really struggled down the stretch. The Bulldogs do have the advantage of recent bowl success, winning every bowl they've been in since 2014. Unfortunately, I think that the streak comes to an end against a tough Georgia Southern team.

The Pick: Georgia Southern, 24 Louisiana Tech, 14

Montgomery Bowl (Dec. 23rd)

Memphis Tigers (7-3) vs. Florida Atlantic Owls (5-3)

One year removed from a New Year's Six Bowl, Memphis would've loved to play in another major bowl game, but the Montgomery Bowl will do just fine for the 7-3 Tigers. They square off against a Florida Atlantic team that put together a rock-solid 5-3 mark in Willie Taggart's first season at the helm. Memphis is once again led by one of the nation's most underrated quarterbacks in Brady White, who threw for 3,096 yards and 28 touchdowns in his final season with the Tigers. He's done so even without the help of two his top playmakers in Kenneth Gainwell and Damonte Coxie, who both opted out of the season. Instead, wide out Calvin Austin III has been the breakout target on the outside for White, while Rodrigues Clarke leads a backfield that uses a committee approach instead of leaning on Gainwell. The offensive numbers are still incredibly good, speaking to White's ability to still keep the offense humming. The defense is a different story, really struggling in all three of their losses. The good news is that Florida Atlantic is not exactly a team that is going to light up the scoreboard, putting up just 20 points per game. Taggart-led teams always run the ball well and this team is no different, led by running QB Javion Posey and the two-headed monster of James Charles and Malcolm Davidson. The Owls would love nothing more than to slow this one down and play ball control, while Memphis should look to speed it up. Memphis should have the advantage thanks in large part to their edge in experience offensively, as well as their recent hot streak. 

The Pick: Memphis, 30 Florida Atlantic, 21

New Mexico Bowl

Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors (4-4) vs. Houston Cougars (3-4)

A pair of coaches known for their offensive prowess, Todd Graham & Dana Holgorsen, collide in the New Mexico Bowl. It's been an interesting season for both teams; Hawai'i started their season in late October with the rest of the Mountain West and flipped between win and loss nearly every single week. Houston was supposed to begin in early September but had three straight games postponed, before finally getting their season off the ground in early October. They then had three separate games postponed later on the in the season before finishing off with a loss to Memphis, leaving them 3-4. The Cougars can still put points with the offensive weapons they possess, spearheaded by running back Kyle Porter and receiver Keith Corbin. They also have one of the best special team units in the entire country, with a pair of explosive kick returners in Marcus Jones and Marques Stevenson. Defensively they're not as great but can still get after the opposing quarterback, and they also have one of the most versatile defenders in the nation in Grant Stuard. Hawai'i has long been a program that loves to move the ball aggressively down the field, and that hasn't changed under Graham. QB Chevan Cordeiro currently leads the Rainbow Warriors in passing and rushing, and he has had some huge moments in 2020. The Cougar secondary could definitely be susceptible to the big play, and Cordeiro has four explosive receivers to choose from in Calvin Turner, Jared Smart, Rico Bussey and Melquise Stovall. Bussey is particularly interesting, as he was a 1,000 yard receiver in 2018 for North Texas before missing basically of 2019. 

The Pick: Hawai'i, 35 Houston, 24

2020 College Football Picks: Week Sixteen (Conference Championship Week)

 

Ian Book, Notre Dame

Current Picks Record: 44-19 (3-7 Upset)

ACC Championship: (#3) Clemson Tigers vs. (#2) Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Line: Clemson -10.5

Over/Under: 60.5

Clemson and Notre Dame's first meeting of the 2020 season was one of the most exciting games of the year, and now the two meet in a rematch in the ACC Championship Game. Trevor Lawrence did not play in the first meeting as he had COVID-19, but the superstar quarterback is back to run the show, and the Tigers are also healthier defensively than they were in the prior matchup. Lawrence has been tremendous in what should be his final collegiate season, and Clemson has their usual collection of playmakers surrounding him. Amari Rodgers, Cornell Powell and tight end Braden Galloway will all test an experienced Notre Dame secondary, while Travis Etienne operates out of the backfield. Etienne should be eager and ready to go in this one, as he was held to just 28 yards on 18 carries in the last game. The key for Clemson might not end up being the skill positions, but how the offensive line holds up. This is not an elite group, but it held up against a physical ND defensive front last time, holding them to just two sacks. If they can have another strong showing, you get the feeling the Tigers will put up points, even against a really quality Irish defense. Something to note on the ND offense: coordinator Clark Lea recently took the Vanderbilt job and while he remains committed to the Irish for now, he's also been forced to focus on the Commodores' recruiting and all the other distractions that come with a new gig. With his hand in two cookie jars at the same time, I wonder if the Irish defense will be properly prepared.

Notre Dame's offense looks much the same it has for the last couple seasons, although it has been generally more productive overall. Quarterback Ian Book is still running the offense and while his receiver corps has been depleted most of the season, he's put together his best year in college so far. It will be fascinating to see how aggressive Book is in attacking the Clemson secondary. It's a talented group but an inconsistent one, and if Book makes the necessary throws Notre Dame wins this football game. He is going to need more help from his receivers beyond just Javon McKinley and Ben Skowronek. At running back, Kyren Williams has been a pleasant surprise. He won the feature back job coming out of camp and has responded with 1,011 yards and 12 touchdowns. Williams is the type punishing runner that really seems to work in this Irish offense, but they do have a nice change of pace in true freshman Chris Tyree. With all that being said, ND's offensive success may also come down to the play in the trenches. This is one of the best offensive lines in the nation and a major reason for the Irish success the last few years. But Clemson is loaded with absolute freaks on the defensive side of the ball, including Myles Murphy, Baylon Spector, and Xavier Thomas. Also notable is the health of the "quarterback" of the defense, hard-nosed linebacker James Skalski. He missed about a month in the middle of the season, including the previous matchup, but is back healthy now. His return comes at the right time for Clemson, who needs his leadership if they want to win another National Title.

The expectation around most of the college football community is that Clemson will get vengeance in this rematch, essentially guaranteeing the ACC gets two teams in the College Football Playoff. It's an understandable point of view, with the Tigers back at full strength and the two playing at a neutral site this time around. With that being said, I truly believe Notre Dame is a Top 3 team in college football this season, and I don't hate their chances to sweep the season series. This program has proven they can not just hang with the likes of Clemson, but they can beat them. I think they definitely cover the 10.5 point spread here, and I've considered taking them to win outright. But, Clemson is the smarter pick, only because beating the Tigers twice in one season is a near impossible task. Dabo Swinney's team should respond with a hard-fought, thrilling victory.

The Pick: Clemson, 31 Notre Dame, 27

SEC Championship: (#1) Alabama Crimson Tide vs. (#7) Florida Gators

Line: Alabama -17

Over/Under: 74.5

Life in the SEC is an unforgiving one, a lesson that Florida is proving first-hand. The Gators lost a heart-breaker last weekend to LSU and now they travel to Atlanta to square off against an Alabama team that is beating their opponents by an average of nearly 38 points the last seven games. Any hopes of Florida springing an upset rely not only on an improved defensive performance but a huge game from their Heisman contender, Kyle Trask. Trask has been tremendous all season before a sloppy showing against LSU that eventually doomed the Gators. The good news is that his favorite target, tight end Kyle Pitts, is back healthy for this game after missing against the Tigers. Pitts leads a group of pass-catchers that can break open games in a heartbeat with Kadarius Toney and Trevon Grimes. Even a deep and talented Alabama defense is going to have a tough time slowing them down. LSU was able to have moderate success, primarily because Pitts was not only out but because they made Trask very uncomfortable. The formula is there for 'Bama to do the same thing, especially with the freaks they can put out there on the D-Line. Florida's lack of offensive balance is another major concern for the Gators. The rushing attack has been nearly non-existent the last two seasons, and I have serious doubts Alabama is the defense they'll get it rolling against. If the Tide aren't forced to be honest and at least consider stopping the run, Florida's going to be in for a tough game.

The Gator defense is awfully talented, but the poor numbers speak for themselves. This unit will now have to go up against an Alabama offense that may be the best of the Nick Saban era, spearheaded by Heisman frontrunners Mac Jones and DeVonta Smith. Personally, Smith is my pick for college football's most prestigious award. He's tallied 83 catches for 1,327 yards and 15 touchdowns in just ten games and also proven he can do damage on special teams. There is nobody on this Gator roster that can defend him for the entire sixty minutes, even talented Kaiir Elam. If Smith isn't enough to finish you off, the Tide can hit you with their usual ground-and-pound, led by Najee Harris and Brian Robinson. Harris has been a touchdown machine in 2020, with 22 scores on the season. Also important to note: there was some hope speed demon Jaylen Waddle may be able to come back and play in this one after missing a big chunk of the year with a broken ankle. Saban seemed to squash those rumors earlier in the week so it's unlikely, but at least a distant possibility. The thing is, Alabama doesn't even really need Waddle to put up points in this game. They are the third scoring offense in the nation at 49.5 points per game, going up against the 80th scoring defense.

There still remains a chance if Florida is able to pull off the upset here that they could sneak into the Top 4 come Sunday, but I don't think that's anything the Selection Committee will have to worry about. Alabama looks absolutely unstoppable right now, and the only teams that could possibly beat them are Clemson, or Ohio State. The Gators simply don't have enough defensively and while their offense might be able to keep things close into the second half, picking against the Tide here would be foolish.

The Pick: Alabama, 49 Florida, 28

Big Ten Championship: (#14) Northwestern Wildcats vs. (#4) Ohio State Buckeyes

Line: Ohio State -21

Over/Under: 57.5

There has been plenty of debate about the Big Ten Championship and whether Ohio State deserves a spot despite not meeting the six-game threshold originally set out by the conference. But here the Buckeyes are, looking for one more win to add to a relatively thin resume (compared to the other serious Playoff contenders). The Buckeye offense has looked about what we expected them to, guided by one of the best quarterbacks in college football in Justin Fields. In his first game back from a three INT showing against Indiana, Fields went for 199 through the air and 104 on the ground against Michigan State. He has a collection of elite receivers on the perimeter in Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, who both have gone over 500 yards on the shortened season. The big question offensively is whether the ground game can keep up. The Buckeyes pretty clearly miss superstar tailback J.K. Dobbins, even with Master Teague and Oklahoma transfer Trey Sermon leading the charge. Northwestern's physical defense is one built to stop the run, and they do a fairly good job against the pass. They don't have the athletes that Ohio State has, but they're well-coached and disciplined. Ohio State is going to be able to create some big plays, but don't expect this offense to get anything easy. In fact, I wouldn't be shocked if this turns into more of a defensive battle than anything else.

Northwestern has been a great story, recovering from a disastrous 3-9 record in 2019 to win the Big Ten West. The arrival of Indiana transfer Peyton Ramsey has been huge for the offense, giving them a veteran signal-caller who has proven he can win in the league. The thing is, Ramsey doesn't really strike fear into opposing defenses. While he can make plays with his legs, Ramsey does leave a lot to be desired as a passer. He may get some opportunities against a weak Buckeye pass defense, but we will see just how many. The Wildcats do have several interesting offensive weapons, namely Kyric McGowan and Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman. They'll make Ohio State's defense work, but how much remains to be seen. Unsurprisingly, Northwestern does have a powerful ground attack split up amongst a trio of Drake Anderson, Isaiah Bowser, and Evan Hull. But, the Ohio State front is certainly the strength of the defense and they have an experienced linebacker corps. I'm just not sure there's enough here for the Wildcats to put up the necessary points.

Ohio State would love nothing more than dominating victory to leave no doubt in the eyes of the Playoff Selection Committee, but Northwestern is a tough team to blow out. Their defense allows them to be competitive in each game and they have a roster full of fighters. They're going to make the Buckeyes work for every point they score and the offense may be able to find a spark. But, Ohio State's just too talented up and down this roster to lose this game. Perhaps things may be interesting going into the second half, before the edge on the depth chart really begins to show. I'm not sure it will be pretty, but I like the Buckeyes to win relatively comfortably.

The Pick: Ohio State, 31 Northwestern, 14

Other Picks

American Athletic Championship: Cincinnati, 34 Tulsa, 20

Big 12 Championship: Oklahoma, 35 Iowa State, 28

Conference USA Championship: Marshall, 27 UAB, 20

MAC Championship: Buffalo, 28 Ball State, 18

Mountain West Championship: Boise State, 30 San Jose State, 21

Pac-12 Championship: USC, 37 Oregon, 27

Minnesota @ Wisconsin: Wisconsin, 24 Minnesota, 20

Week 15 College Football Power Rankings

Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati

Click to see the full McGowanMania Power Rankings Here are the top 6:

 1. Alabama Crimson Tide -- After a "down" 2019, Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide have come back with a fury so far in 2020. Aside from a close test from Ole Miss, they've obliterated their competition, and are likely to send two Heisman Finalists to New York in Mac Jones and DeVonta Smith.

2. Notre Dame Fighting Irish -- The Irish have answered every challenge against them, with their most notable victories coming against Clemson and North Carolina. Even if they lose the ACC Championship Game matchup against the Tigers, their resume is strong enough to still be among the Top 4.

3. Ohio State Buckeyes -- Yes, Ohio State has only played five games, but they've still been able to build a quality resume in that span. The Indiana victory continues to look even more impressive every passing week, and taking down Northwestern this weekend should lock them in.

4. Clemson Tigers -- It's hard to fault Clemson's one loss considering they were on the road without their superstar QB. They're favored by nearly two touchdowns in the rematch against Notre Dame, but will need to protect the ball better this time around.

5. Texas A&M Aggies -- Jimbo Fisher's team is still firmly in the hunt. While their stock might've been hurt by their best win losing (Florida) their only loss remains to the No. 1 team in the nation. They'll need help in front of them to get in, but they could still theoretically do it.

6. Cincinnati Bearcats -- I understand the problems with Cincinnati's schedule, but the Bearcats have done everything asked of them en route to an 8-0 record. They've dominated their competition throughout the entire fall, and have a chance to add a Top 25 win against Tulsa in the AAC Championship.

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2020 College Football Picks: Week Fifteen

 

Sam Howell, UNC

Current Picks Record: 38-17 (3-6 Upset)

(#17) North Carolina Tar Heels @ (#10) Miami Hurricanes

Line: Miami -3

Over/Under: 67

Although neither UNC nor Miami will get a chance to play for the ACC Championship in 2020, this game has still New Year's Six implications. Both of these teams have explosive offenses, led by the quarterback position. On the Miami side, D'Eriq King has been exactly what they hoped he would be after transferring from Houston, compiling 24 total touchdowns on the season. The big question is whether the rest of the Hurricane offense will be able to provide enough support. The ground game has had its moments but remains fairly inconsistent, while you never know what is going to come from the Miami receivers. Tight ends Brevin Jordan and Will Mallory are dominant in the red zone, but can they make enough plays in the open field to get them there? The good news is that the Tar Heel defense is far from an elite group. It's a defense that can pressure the quarterback and force turnovers, but big plays have often killed them this season. The Hurricane offense is one able to create those types of big plays, and they should be able to have success.

A shootout is a high possibility when we consider that the UNC offense ranks fifth in total yardage per game, putting up 534.5 YPG. Not only do the Heels have a star quarterback in Sam Howell, but they also have a potent 1-2 punch at running back in Javonte Williams and Michael Carter. Howell gives them an opportunity in every game they play in, and the Miami defense is susceptible. Williams & Carter should be able to find success against a decent Miami rush defense, while Dyami Brown and Dazz Newsome challenge them over the top. I will say, the big advantage the Hurricane defense has is their pass rush. Led by former transfers Jaelen Phillips and Quincy Roche, they do a great job getting opposing offenses out of their comfort zone. The UNC O-Line is decent, but whether they're up for the challenge remains to be seen.

I was surprised to see the over/under number at just 67, which I think these two should be able to eclipse with relative ease. That isn't to say these defenses are terrible by any means, but it has more to do with how strong these individual offenses are. The difference may end up being the turnover battle; I trust Miami to be able to turn over UNC, but yet I still like the Tar Heels in this one. I trust their entire offense a little bit more than Miami at this point, and I also think they have an advantage on the sidelines. It should be a fun one, but I'm taking the Heels.

The Picks: North Carolina, 38 Miami, 34

(#9) Georgia Bulldogs @ (#25) Missouri Tigers

Line: Georgia -13

Over/Under: 54

Another game that might not have major SEC East implications at this point in the season, but Georgia and Missouri still have an opportunity to gain momentum before the postseason. The Bulldogs are starting to play much better after a midseason lull, thanks in large part to new QB J.T. Daniels. In his two starts, Daniels has gone for 540 yards in two seasons along with six touchdowns to just one interception. His play has not only elevated the UGA passing attack, it has also allowed the ground game to flourish because defenses must stay honest now. Zamir White and James Cook have played well down the stretch, while Kendall Milton also offers a nice change of pace. The passing game has always had the potential to be very dangerous, and they're starting to hit their stride. Kearis Jackson, Jermaine Burton, and George Pickens are a very effective trio when they're all healthy and have a QB that can get them the ball. Missouri has a decent defense, but their secondary could be in store for a tough game. UGA also has an advantage on the line of scrimmage that you best believe Kirby Smart will utilize early and often here. 

The Missouri offense has been a streaky one most of 2020, but they appear to also be heating up at the right time, totaling 91 points in the past two games. Their 50-point performance against Arkansas last weekend was incredibly impressive when you consider what the Razorback defense has played like this fall. Connor Bazelak won the QB competition to begin the year and has played really well, fresh off a 380-yard showing. He leads an offense that also includes workhorse tailback Larry Rountree III, who isn't much of a speedster but finds ways to rack up yardage. The receiver group is fairly "no-name" but they should still provide enough of a supporting cast needed. It will be interesting to see how the Bulldog defense fares. At the beginning of the year, it was a group playing as well as anybody in the country but it has begun trailing off down the stretch. What's really shocking is how bad their defensive front has been, a group with a bunch of depth and talent. I think they have an advantage in the trenches once again, but will it actually show up here? Eli Drinkwitz and Missouri do an excellent job disguising some of their deficiencies up front and still finding ways to move the ball.

It's not crazy to say that these two teams might be playing their best football right now, as they cap off their 2020 regular seasons here. Georgia has a major talent advantage roster-wise, but to think that they will run away with this one doesn't give enough credit to what Missouri has done in the debut season for Drinkwitz. Playing on their homefield should also give Mizzou an opportunity at potentially pulling an upset here, but I still lean Bulldogs. Daniels has been the addition they needed offensively, and the defense should be playing better than they are. I'm taking the Tigers to cover, but I'll take UGA in the victory column.

The Pick: Georgia, 31 Missouri, 24

(#1) Alabama Crimson Tide @ Arkansas Razorbacks

Line: Alabama -31

Over/Under: 68.5

Fresh off an absolute destruction of LSU, Alabama looks nearly unstoppable at this point in the season. But, can Arkansas catch them off guard looking ahead to the SEC Championship? In order to have any shot at coming away with a massive upset, the Razorbacks need their defense to show up after a down couple weeks. That's easier said than done when they have to square off against a Tide offense with a Heisman frontrunner (Mac Jones) and the Biletnikoff Award favorite (DeVonta Smith). Smith in particular has been unbelievably good over the course of the 2020 season and while Arkansas is solid in the secondary, they definitely don't have anyone that can match up against him for sixty minutes. The Alabama ground game is not very fun to play against either, with Najee Harris and Brian Robinson leading the charge. I feel more confident about Arkansas ability to stop the run than the pass considering what they have at linebacker, but Alabama should still be able to move the ball. The offense is an absolute buzzsaw destroying everything in its path, and even a quality defensive group like Arkansas won't be able to contain it.

Any upset of Alabama would also rely on a tremendous performance from Feleipe Franks. In fact, the veteran QB would probably need the game of his life for them to have any shot. The Tide secondary has been susceptible at times in 2020, and the Razorbacks do have some interesting pieces on the perimeter, so perhaps there's a chance, even if it's slim. The big problem for Arkansas is that they're going to struggle to run the ball against this vaunted Tide front. It has its usual cast of future NFL contributors leading the way, but it has been the young guys that have really stepped up defensively. The crazy amount of depth 'Bama has every single season has never been more obvious than this defense, which has also been trending up at the right moment. 

Arkansas has been one of the best stories of 2020 for the SEC, as they've gone from the doormat of the conference to a respectable, competitive SEC West foe. Yet, as I mentioned previewing the LSU-Alabama game last week, the Tide are basically unstoppable right now. There's a very short list of teams that can beat them right now, and I don't think any of them are in the SEC. I do think the Razorbacks may be able to keep things tight deeper into the second half than most would expect, but coming out with the win outright? I just don't see it happening this week.

The Pick: Alabama, 42 Arkansas, 17

Other Picks

Wisconsin @ (#16) Iowa: Iowa, 24 Wisconsin, 21

(#15) USC @ UCLA: USC, 35 UCLA, 27

San Diego State @ (#18) BYU: BYU, 34 San Diego State, 21

LSU @ (#6) Florida: Florida, 45 LSU, 24

Upset: Baylor, 33 Oklahoma State, 30

A Tribute to BYU-Coastal Carolina

Grayson McCall, Coastal Carolina

For much of the spring and summer, the reality of 2020 put the possibility of a college football season in doubt. Would the season even be able to get off the ground and if it did, would it be able to finish? We aren't out of the woods just yet, but in a year filled with uncertainties it looks like we will be able to crown a National Champion. Nothing about 2020 has been easy, and that holds true for college football, where delayed games and cancellations have become an unfortunate theme. However, on a cool Saturday night in December, 2020 did give us something magical: BYU versus Coastal Carolina. Both teams played a hard-fought, chaotic game that ended up with Coastal Carolina squeaking out a program-defining victory. The game might not even mean a whole lot in the grand scheme of things with regards to the National Championship race, but it was a reminder of many of the things that make college sports great, and gives us important lessons about the future of college football.

The most amazing thing about the BYU-Coastal Carolina matchup was the fact it was not supposed to happen. The Chanticleers were previously scheduled against Liberty, a team having a tremendous 2020 season of their own. However, due to COVID issues at Liberty, Coastal acted quickly to set up a matchup with the 9-0 BYU Cougars. Within the span of just a few days, the Chanticleers had switched opponents, and the Cougars were all of the sudden making a trip across the country to the Southeast. Give credit to both these athletic directors for figuring it out, but also having the guts to make the game happen. Many others in their shoes simply might not do it, or work as hard as they did to put it on. BYU in particular would've been fine sitting on the sidelines for another week, but they instead choose to go up against a tremendous Group of Five foe. My hope is that this type of scheduling flexibility and this forward thinking is not just a 2020 thing. Athletic directors and administrators should understand that being flexible is key to putting a good product on the field, and providing matchups fans want to see. Sure, it's more difficult for coaches and players to not necessarily know their opponent far in advance, but such is the reality of the times. 

To even be able to see this one play out was a win for the college football fan, but it was particularly awesome how the sixty minutes played out. The atmosphere in Conway, South Carolina was about as good as you'll see anywhere for a college football game, with many Coastal fans rocking a now legendary "Mormons vs. Mullets" shirt. The fans all seemed to be having the time of their lives, and the players echoed that out on the field. You could tell they fed off that energy, particularly late in the game when things were tight. There's something to be said for how much this was needed for so many people. It has been such a rough year even for the most optimistic of individuals, but this game gave an opportunity for thousands of fans to cheer on the team they love in the biggest game of college football history. There's something magical about that, and I don't think it should be taken for granted. No matter what else is going on in these fans' lives, for a few hours on a Saturday night, all of that was forgotten. The power of sports is a magical thing, and something much needed in the year 2020.

The product on the field wasn't so bad either. BYU is led by a Heisman-contending QB almost sure to go in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and Zach Wilson didn't disappoint. Despite facing down a very underrated Coastal defense, he was sharp and put his team in a position to win the football game. On the other side, the Chanticleers did a tremendous job of feeding off the emotion of the game, but still playing in a controlled matter. This game ended up getting chippy, especially towards the end of the second half. It easily could have gotten out of hand, but credit should be given not only to the referees but also the players. It's possible to play with emotion and passion and not get completely out of hand. Also, if you question how much these players care about these games, this game should've answered it. These two teams have absolutely no history together, and yet it still had the feel of a rivalry game. Again, this game probably won't even make that big of an impact in the National Championship picture but you couldn't tell from the atmosphere on the field. If you didn't know it was simply a non-conference battle between two ranked teams, you'd think it was either a massive rivalry game or some sort of championship game.

To say this game may have an impact on the future of college football may seem hyperbolic to some, but consider this: the possibility of a Group of Five Playoff of its own. The Group of Five has obviously been disenfranchised by a Playoff system that essentially punishes them for being smaller schools or brands. This is especially confusing when we consider that Group of Five schools often have just as rabid fanbases as the Power Five, and that they've held their own in New Year's Six bowls against P5 foes (2014 Boise, 2015 Houston, 2017 UCF all beat Power Five teams). The reality of the current Playoff system is that unless it expands, Group of Five programs may realize they need their own system to create some form of adequate national representation. Ideas of a Group of Five Playoff of its own have been thrown around more as pipe dreams than serious proposals, but this game may help the idea gain more actual traction. The common arguments against the idea are about money, and whether people would actually watch. I understand the concerns about money and labor involved particularly in the world we live in today, but to think people wouldn't watch? This relatively meaningless game between two teams without significant ties to each other captivated the college football universe on ESPNU in the middle of the day. Can you imagine meaningful matchups between teams competing for a championship, strategically placed at relative dead times in the football calendar? The one truth about football is that people will watch it, especially the rabid college football fans that would watch a pair of JUCO teams go up against each other if it was the only football on. I'm not saying this hypothetical GO5 Playoff would be perfect, but momentum seems to be rolling towards it, as the current Playoff system continues to ignore the prospect of expansion. If you don't understand why, simply look at how big of a business college football has become. To think that administrators, athletic directors, and other power-brokers don't see a money-making possibility here is ludicrous. 

Perhaps five years from now, BYU-Coastal Carolina will be forgotten about in the grand narrative of college football. The ideas of a Group of Five Playoff remain mainly just pipe dreams, and even if this game may help develop some momentum and appetite for it, it would be awhile away. But, even if it doesn't materialize into anything substantial, this game should still hold particular reverence for the college football community. These two programs fearlessly set up a matchup in the span of just 24 hours and it worked out perfectly. Coastal Carolina will earn huge money from College GameDay coming to town that will pay huge dividends for the university as a whole, while BYU will never have to wrestle with the "What if?" question of them missing the 2020 CFB Playoff. And while COVID-19 rages on all around the United States and the world, we got the most beautiful distraction for a few fun, wacky hours on Saturday. That's what makes college football and sports so great, and so important to so many of us. 

2020 College Football Picks: Week Fourteen

 

C.J. Marable, Coastal Carolina

Current Picks Record: 32-15 (3-5 Upset)

(#13) BYU Cougars @ (#18) Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

Line: BYU -10

Over/Under: 61.5

2020 was always going to be a weird football season, but consider this reality of the times: BYU-Coastal Carolina are squaring on College GameDay with both teams undefeated, in a matchup that came together just over 24 hours ago. Both of these teams have faced unique challenges all season but sit in early December a combined 18-0, squaring off in the biggest game of Week 14. While this important for both teams, it seems like a particularly huge game for the Cougars. They still hold an outside shot at Playoff contention and desperately need to improve their strength of schedule. 

BYU has the fourth best scoring offense in the nation, averaging nearly 48 points per game. They are led by a Heisman contender at quarterback in Zach Wilson, but the offense is much more balanced than most realize. The Cougars run the ball very well, and they also have plenty of playmakers that don't get much national attention. Of course, Wilson is the main piece to the puzzle, throwing for 26 touchdowns while completing 74 percent of his passes. What's so impressive about him is that he not only puts up great numbers, but he simply doesn't make mistakes. Wilson's TD-INT ratio remains among the country's best, and it will be very important against a Chanticleer defense that thrives off forcing turnovers. Wilson is aided by tailback Tyler Allgeier, who is averaging over seven yards per carry, along with an explosive receiver corps. Wide outs Dax Milne and Gunner Romney will force this Coastal defense to play the whole field vertically and horizontally, while tight end Isaac Rex is a red zone machine, with a third of his catches going for touchdowns. Up front, the BYU offensive line has also been terrific, and they should hold an advantage in the trenches. With that being said, Coastal's defense has performed admirably all season. They don't have much NFL talent but they play hard and force mistakes. It could definitely be the toughest defense BYU has seen all year.

On the other side of the ball the Chanticleers are very fun to watch, doing a lot of creative things to get their playmakers in space. Quarterback Grayson McCall is a slippery dual threat, but he's a much better passer than people give him credit for. Much like Wilson, he's extremely efficient, completing 67% of his passes and tossing for 20 touchdowns compared to just one interception. He doesn't quite have the weapons around him that Wilson does, but this Coastal offense still finds ways to put up points. The backfield combo of C.J. Marable and Reese White has kept them humming all year, and Marable is also a dangerous pass-catcher. I am curious to see how successful Coastal is able to run the ball in this matchup. The Cougar front seven has a size advantage and their numbers are very good, but that doesn't necessarily mean they'll have a good game. The uniqueness of the Chanticleer offense should allow them to manufacture yards, and BYU has not had a lot of time to prepare for it. It shouldn't be shocking if this one ends up being a little of a shootout because this game came together so late.

With both teams having so little time to prepare, it's difficult to get a serious read on who should be favored here. BYU has just been so dominant all season long, but Coastal Carolina is a very interesting challenge. They play with an energy and passion of an underdog, but there is legit star power on this roster. The key will be creating turnovers; if the Cougars win the turnover battle, they're strong enough top to bottom to take the win. If not, I think Coastal not only has a shot to cover the 10-point spread, but win outright.

The Pick: BYU, 38 Coastal Carolina, 30

(#12) Indiana Hoosiers @ (#16) Wisconsin Badgers

Line: Wisconsin -14

Over/Under: 45

With Ohio State's next game against Michigan in jeopardy due to COVID, there remains a possibility Indiana is the representative of the East Division in the Big Ten Championship. But first the Hoosiers must get past a Badger team eager to get back on the field, as they've played just three games in 2020. Indiana will be short-handed, as starting QB Michael Penix Jr. came down with a torn ACL in their win last week over Maryland. That leaves the Hoosiers turning to former Utah transfer Jack Tuttle as their starting signal-caller for this one. Tuttle is a former highly touted recruit who has a talented arm, but making you first collegiate start against this Wisconsin defense is not ideal. Not only will he face creative blitzes from Wisconsin DC Jim Leonhard, but he has to go up against a Badger secondary that is deep and experienced. That could leave the Hoosiers leaning more on their ground game than ever before this season. Running back Stevie Scott III is coming off a 1,000-yard 2019, but he's averaging just 3.4 yards per carry so far this year. The Indiana offensive line just hasn't got the push they need to give him opportunities, and Scott has struggled. If they once again struggle to run the ball, it's hard to see how they move the ball successfully.

The Indiana defense should still give them a fighting chance no matter what the offense looks like. This is a group that has been prone to giving up big yardage, but they are one of the best in forcing turnovers and capitalizing off them. Simply look at the Ohio State game from two weeks ago; they forced Heisman-contending QB Justin Fields into the worst game of his entire career. This defense represents a stiff challenge for young QB Graham Mertz, who had a big first two games for the Badgers but was brought back to Earth against the Northwestern Wildcats. To be fair, Mertz was without a few of his top targets in that Northwestern game, including Danny Davis and Kendric Pryor. Pryor is expected to be back, while the status of Davis is up in the air. Can other pieces in this passing attack get involved, such as tight end Jake Ferguson and Chimere Dike? Of course, this is Wisconsin, so I expect them to have success running the ball. Obviously there is no Jonathan Taylor on this roster, but the backfield committee of Jalen Berger, Nakia Watson, and Garrett Groshek has still been successful. I'll be interested to see whether Berger starts to really become the go-to guy; the true freshman is the most talented back on this roster and still managed 93 yards against NW. The major key for the Badgers is that their O-Line is as healthy and fresh as you can be this late in the season. They hold a serious advantage in the trenches, one that becomes even more crucial in what could be a low-scoring affair.

I truly believe a fully healthy Indiana is a Top 10 team in college football this year. They went toe-to-toe with Ohio State for the full 60 minutes and have done everything asked of them so far in 2020. However, they're in a tough spot without Penix. Wisconsin is always a tough matchup but breaking in a young quarterback against them raises the challenge level exponentially. Unless the Hoosier defense can play the game of the season and get enough help from Scott offensively, the Badgers remain the smart bet in this one.

The Pick: Wisconsin, 27 Indiana, 17

(#1) Alabama Crimson Tide @ LSU Tigers

Line: Alabama -29.5

Over/Under: 66.5

Alabama-LSU resume their annual rivalry matchup a little bit later than expected, as their first matchup was delayed due to COVID issues. This 2020 battle is going to be quite a bit different than the 2019 edition, as the Tigers have slogged through a rough campaign. In addition to the mass defections they saw over the off-season, LSU has lost two critical offensive pieces over the last couple weeks in the form of QB Myles Brennan and wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. Brennan is out for the rest of the season due to injury, but neither backup T.J. Finley or Max Johnson has seized the job. Finley has shown flashes but was dreadful against Texas A&M, while Johnson has only played in relief. Finley will start this one, but even coach Ed Orgeron accepts that Johnson is likely to play. Replacing Marshall is the real tough one, as he was leading LSU in every receiving category before opting out. His departure means names like Jaray Jenkins and Kayshon Boutte are going to have to step up on the perimeter, as well as stud true freshman tight end Arik Gilbert. There isn't much relief from the LSU ground game either, as this rushing attack has been really disappointing. Struggles from the Tiger offensive line have made things more difficult, as Tiger tailbacks are averaging just three yards per rush. 

While the defending National Champs limp to the season's conclusion, Alabama looks almost unbeatable at this point. Heisman candidate Mac Jones is running the offense to near perfection, and it may be the best offense the Tide have put on the field under Nick Saban. Najee Harris is a touchdown machine at running back who is particularly lethal late in games, while DeVonta Smith is the overwhelming favorite to go home with the Biletnikoff Award. In addition, it seems like there is a new face making plays for Alabama every single week, such as youngsters Trey Sanders and Jase McClellan in the backfield or Slade Bolden and Jahleel Billingsley on the outside. This is an offense that is efficient, well-coached, and balanced, with speed that blow open games at any point. It's a terrible matchup for any defense, but one especially concerning for an LSU defense that has been historically bad in 2020. This Tiger defense still has plenty of talent, but the numbers speak for themselves. They're allowing 30.3 points per game and 443.3 yards per game, which both rank near the bottom of the SEC. To be fair, they did play well last week against Kellen Mond and Texas A&M, but the Crimson Tide are a different animal altogether.

The 29.5 spread in this game is the largest for a defending National Champion in decades, and yet I still don't think LSU covers. While the Tigers are just playing to finish off the 2020 season, Alabama looks like a buzzsaw destroying everything in its path. They also have motivation to dominate this rivalry game; LSU won last year for the first time since 2011, and they weren't quiet about it. You better believe Nick Saban and the rest of the Tide coaching staff talked that up in the week leading up to this game. To add insult to injury, Saban is back on the sideline after missing the Iron Bowl while quarantining. LSU fans, I don't think there's much reason to watch this one. Find something else to do Saturday night, because it is going to get messy.

The Pick: Alabama, 49 LSU, 14

Other Picks

(#4) Ohio State @ Michigan State: Ohio State, 35 Michigan State, 16

(#5) Texas A&M @ Auburn: Texas A&M, 31 Auburn, 21

West Virginia @ (#9) Iowa State: Iowa State, 27 West Virginia, 23

(#3) Clemson @ Virginia Tech: Clemson, 44 Virginia Tech, 28

Upset: Navy, 24 Tulsa, 20

NFL Mock Draft 2021: Edition 1 (Early Edition)

Trevor Lawrence, No. 1 to NY Jets

While there is still plenty of football to be played this fall and winter, the reality is that this wacky year is coming to its inevitable conclusion in a month. Soon enough we will have a National Champion and a Super Bowl Champion and on the flip side, teams looking ahead to a (hopefully!) normal 2021 campaign. A loaded quarterback class and several big-name college football opt-outs will make this 2021 NFL Draft especially interesting and chaotic. Obviously plenty will change between now and next spring, but it is never too early to start thinking about what the top of the Draft might look like.

1. New York Jets

Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

Not since Andrew Luck back in 2012 have we seen a quarterback prospect with as much hype as Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence has been the projected No. 1 pick in 2021 since his freshman season and the junior signal-caller has done little to change that view. While he'll face hefty competition, Lawrence remains the best bet to be the No. 1 pick for the New York Jets, a team in the midst of an 0-11 season. The Clemson product has all the tools you look for: size, arm talent, toughness, and intelligence. Rumors of him staying put another year to possibly avoid a trek to New York are foolish; he will go to the NFL this year and he will be a high selection.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars

Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

Don't be shocked if Justin Fields and Lawrence are the primary challengers for the top spot, with Fields ending up going a pick later. Fields might not have had the historical freshman year Lawrence had, but he followed that up with a Heisman Finalist showing last fall, and he once again is in the hunt for college football's most prestigious award. He appears to be a fairly easy selection for Jacksonville, even if Gardner Minshew returns in 2021. Minshew has been a great story, but he's not a true franchise quarterback, and doesn't even come close to the talent of Justin Fields. It only makes sense for the Jags to start anew with the OSU product.

3. Cincinnati Bengals

Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

Joe Burrow's season-ending injury a few weeks ago made it clear what Cincinnati needs near the top of the 2021 cycle: offensive line help. They need to keep Burrow upright, and what better way to do that then picking college football's best linemen, Oregon's Penei Sewell. Sewell opted out of the 2020 season, but he was so good in '19 that he earned Heisman votes. He's the type of franchise tackle that every NFL team wants protecting their franchise QB.

4. Washington Football Team

Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

The top three of this Draft are almost certain to change and evolve but in this scenario, things get really interesting for Washington at four. They have a whole host of options available, but a third QB in the top four seems like a realistic possibility. Trey Lance played in just one game in 2020, but his 2019 showing asserted himself as a legitimate Top 10 prospect. He's got a live arm and is a great athlete, and already a fabulous decision-maker for his age. Washington appears ready to move on from Dwayne Haskins Jr. and Alex Smith is no long-term solution, making this selection more obvious.

5. Los Angeles Chargers

Kwity Paye, DL, Michigan

The Chargers have their new franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert, but the defense has been their Achilles Heel during the 2020 campaign. Adding a skilled pass rusher is always a good bet, and Kwity Paye has a good chance to be the first D-Linemen off the board. Paye is a tremendous athlete for his size (6'4", 270 pounds) and has the type of temperament you want in a Top 5 pick. He's well-liked by his UM teammates and really smart, twice being an All-Big Ten Academic selection.

6. Dallas Cowboys

Patrick Surtain Jr., CB, Alabama

Although their defense has been slightly better down the stretch, Dallas desperately needs to upgrade that side of the ball. Enter Patrick Surtain Jr., who has been a regular starter at Alabama since his freshman year, and a guy who has asserted himself as one of the best defenders in this draft cycle. Surtain is long and athletic, and he should be able to fit any type of defense necessary.

7. Atlanta Falcons

Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami (FL)

Despite investing a bunch of money and draft picks into their front seven, Atlanta's pass rush remains mediocre at best. With so many skill position players set to go high off the board, they should be in fairly good position to land a skilled defender like Gregory Rousseau. Rousseau is another player who opted out of 2020, but he had 15.5 sacks as a redshirt freshman a season ago and is a relentless defensive presence.

8. New York Giants

Ja'Marr Chase, WR, LSU

I'm never sure what direction Giants GM Dave Gettleman will go in during the Draft, but improving their weapons around Daniel Jones seems like a smart move. Ja'Marr Chase was absolutely unstoppable as a sophomore in 2019, before opting out of this year. He's insanely talented, and should pair up well with Darius Slayton, who will be more comfortable in a complementary role.

9. Detroit Lions

Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

With a new coach and GM set to take over in Detroit, the Lions will be a real wild card over the course of the next few months. They have talent on this roster, but the defense is still full of holes. Best player available seems like a good approach in this situation, and Micah Parsons is undoubtedly the best linebacker in the 2021 cycle. He can play inside or outside 'backer, and is the type of rare defensive weapon that can completely alter football games.

10. Miami Dolphins

Rashawn Slater, OL, Northwestern

With the selection acquired from Houston in the Laremy Tunsil deal, Miami gets some offensive line help of their own in Northwestern's Rashawn Slater. Playing at a school like Northwestern, Slater doesn't get a lot of national attention, but he allowed zero sacks and just one QB hit in 11 starts as a left tackle last year. He's a superb run blocker, which should help open doors for a Miami ground attack that has been nearly nonexistent the last couple seasons.

11. Carolina Panthers

Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

This selection may be relatively surprising considering Teddy Bridgewater's play in Carolina this year, but Bridgewater's long injury history makes him a suspect franchise QB. Instead, the Panthers take a chance on Zach Wilson, who has gone from a relative unknown to a legitimate Heisman contender. Wilson doesn't have the natural talent of a Lawrence or Fields but he's got a rocket of an arm and he's incredibly accurate. He seems like a nice fit with Matt Rhule, especially at pick 11.

12. Denver Broncos

Derion Kendrick, CB, Clemson

Denver's pass defense numbers aren't bad by any means, but the starting corner combination of A.J. Bouye and Bryce Callahan is pretty mediocre. They seem likely to upgrade the position in the Draft, and I'm a huge Derion Kendrick fan. The converted receiver has gravitated to the corner spot incredibly well thanks to his athleticism and ball skills. With more time he should get even better, making him worthy of a Top 15 pick.

13. San Francisco 49ers

Wyatt Davis, OL, Ohio State

The Niners have been ravaged by injuries on both sides of the ball, dropping them to a pretty favorable draft spot. They could be in store for a quarterback if one were to drop but in this scenario, the more likely direction is offensive line. Wyatt Davis is the best interior O-Linemen in this cycle, and he'd immediately add some serious bite to the San Fran rushing attack.

14. Minnesota Vikings

Christian Darrisaw, OL, Virginia Tech

There are lot of spots Minnesota could improve but none more obvious than an offensive line that remains one of the NFL's worst. They'll have numerous options to choose from at pick 14, although I'm sure they are hopeful a combination of Sewell/Slater/Davis drops to them. Christian Darrisaw is far from a big name but he was incredibly productive at Virginia Tech and looks like an NFL vet already.

15. New England Patriots

Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

No matter who starts at quarterback for New England going forward, the Patriots absolutely must upgrade their weapons around them. That may be drafting a receiver, or a special tight end such as Kyle Pitts. Pitts has been an absolute nightmare for opposing defenses all season and he'll acclimate to the NFL quickly. He's certainly a different TE than Gronk, but has his type of talent.

16. Chicago Bears

Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas

Chicago is going to have to address the quarterback question at some point, but nobody makes much sense here with Lawrence, Fields, Lance, and Wilson all off the board. Instead, they use this pick 16 on offensive line, which could also use some insurance. Samuel Cosmi recently opted out at Texas, but a strong 2020 has only strengthened his draft stock.

17. Miami Dolphins

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

Miami is absolutely loaded with draft picks for the 2021 Draft, meaning this second first-rounder could go any number of ways. My bet would be they go linebacker, a position that will need to be improved if they want to seriously compete in the AFC. Owusu-Koramoah is a pesky defensive presence who has been fabulous over the last two seasons for Notre Dame.

18. Baltimore Ravens

DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

It shouldn't be up for too much debate that DeVonta Smith has been the best receiver in college football in 2020 and he's almost sure to be a first-round selection. Baltimore may have one of the NFL's most exciting players in Lamar Jackson, but they need more weapons around him to really get this offense humming. Smith offers just that, and he projects as a bonafide deep threat with Jackson's huge arm.

19. Philadelphia Eagles

Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

Philadelphia may end up being a playoff team, but this team is far from being a Super Bowl contender. Their offense has a few notable holes, but a major need in the secondary is a more obvious problem. They attempt to fix that by drafting Caleb Farley, who was the first notable name in college football to opt out. Even so, he's one of the premier defensive backs in this Draft.

20. Las Vegas Raiders

Carlos Basham Jr., DE, Wake Forest

Adding edge rushers is always a smart move, and the Raiders could use more to supplement this pass rush. They address the need by adding Carlos Basham Jr., who is one of the best experienced pass rushers in this Draft. He currently has 20.5 sacks over his Wake Forest career, including five on the 2020 season.

21. Arizona Cardinals

Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

The top three corners on Arizona's roster are all set to hit free agency this off-season and even if they do bring back Patrick Peterson, he's getting up there in age. Enter Jaycee Horn, who has impressed in 2020 even playing on a bad South Carolina team. He's even risen up boards above his former Gamecock teammate, Israel Mukuamu, long considered a first-round prospect.

22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jay Tufele, DL, USC

Overall Tampa's defensive line has been pretty strong in 2020, but they could lose several names over the off-season, including the aging Ndamukong Suh. This is a good Draft for interior defensive line talent, especially later on in the first. Jay Tufele opted out of 2020 but he was an All-Pac 12 performer in '19 and a constant presence on the Trojan D-Line.

23. Cleveland Browns

Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

Even before Odell Beckham's season-ending injury, there was a sense around the organization that he might not be a Cleveland Brown much longer. The Browns may choose to cut their losses with OBJ and instead focus on a Draft that should once again be loaded with receiver talent. Rashod Bateman checks every box an NFL team could want, and he should be able to get even better in the right system.

24. Indianapolis Colts

Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State

Xavier Rhodes has been a nice little redemptive story, as he has been the Colts No. 1 corner a year after being cut by the Vikings. However, even with Rhodes the cornerback spot is fairly shaky in Indianapolis and they would do well to address it in the Draft. Shaun Wade has been a little bit of a disappointment so far in 2020, but his track record should still land him somewhere in the first two rounds.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars

Christian Barmore, DL, Alabama

With so much talent on the Alabama defensive line, it isn't a surprise Christian Barmore often gets lost in the shuffle. With that being said, he's a first-round talent and the type of prospect that will turn heads at the Combine. Jacksonville got their new franchise QB earlier on, now they go defense with the selection they acquired in the Jalen Ramsey deal.

26. Green Bay Packers

Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU

Green Bay has not taken a receiver in the first round since 2002 when they took Javon Walker. That has to change at some point, and this 2021 receiver class could be the one to do it. Terrace Marshall Jr. has picked up the slack left by the departure of Ja'Marr Chase, leading LSU in nearly every receiving category. He gives the Packers another weapon on the perimeter to keep the defensive focus off of Davante Adams.

27. New York Jets

Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

How awesome would this be? The Jets not only get one of the best quarterback prospects in NFL Draft history, they get his long-time backfield mate in Travis Etienne. With Le'Veon Bell now in Kansas City, New York has leaned on a backfield combination of Lamical Perine and Frank Gore. Even if both do happen to make the roster in '21, an upgrade will be needed.

28. Tennessee Titans

Joseph Ossai, DE/LB, Texas

Tennessee signed Jadeveon Clowney over the off-season in the hopes he would strengthen their pass rush but injuries and poor play have left the former No. 1 overall pick without a sack in 2020. There's a good chance Clowney doesn't return in 2021, leaving the Titans once again searching for more pass rushing help. They find a nice solution here in Joseph Ossai, who can play either end or outside linebacker, and is highly effective at both spots.

29. Buffalo Bills

Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri

If you're looking for an underrated defender to pay attention to in this cycle, look no further than Nick Bolton. Bolton was little known before a breakout 2019 campaign, a season in which he finished with 100 tackles for the Tigers. He has built on that with a 76-tackle showing so far in 2020, asserting himself as the clear leader on the Mizzou defense. The smart, instinctive linebacker fits a need for the Bills at the position.

30. Kansas City Chiefs

Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia

There was some thought that Kansas City may draft a corner early on in the 2020 NFL Draft, but they waited until the fourth round to do so. I expect they address the need earlier in 2021 by picking Georgia's Tyson Campbell. Campbell has been a regular contributor on the UGA defense since his true freshman year and is incredibly talented.

31. New Orleans Saints

Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State

Depending on what happens with Drew Brees, quarterback is going to be a popular mock for the Saints in 2021. However, they have a more obvious need with a secondary that remains awfully inconsistent. They continue the run on cornerbacks that is likely to happen in this first round by taking FSU's Asante Samuel Jr. The son of a former All-Pro, Samuel has loads of upside, and New Orleans looks like a nice fit.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers

Trey Smith, OL, Tennessee

This is going to be another really quality offensive line class in the 2021 Draft and we're likely to see even more taken than I've projected. The Steelers dip into that class by taking Tennessee's Trey Smith, who would've been a first or second-rounder last season if he had gone pro. While the Vols have been disappointing, Smith remains a notable bright spot.