1

Table of Contents
All-American Team ................................................................................. 3
Biggest Games ........................................................................................ 4
Heisman Favorites .................................................................................. 5
SEC .......................................................................................................... 7
Big Ten .................................................................................................... 8
ACC ......................................................................................................... 9
Pac-12 ................................................................................................... 10
Big 12 .................................................................................................... 11
Top 25 ................................................................................................... 12
Teams 26-30 ......................................................................................... 13
Teams 5-25 ........................................................................................... 14
Playoff Bracket ..................................................................................... 35
Teams 1-4 ............................................................................................. 37

DE Myles Garrett (Texas A&M)

RB Leonard Fournette (LSU)

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

QB

DeShaun Watson (Clemson)

DT

Malik McDowell (Michigan St.)

RB

Dalvin Cook (Florida St.)

DT

Chris Wormley (Michigan)

RB

Leonard Fournette (LSU)

DE

Jonathan Allen (Alabama)

WR

JuJu Smith-Schuster (USC)

DE

Myles Garrett (Texas A&M)

WR

Calvin Ridley (Alabama)

LB

Jabrill Peppers (Michigan)

WR

Jehu Chesson (Michigan)

LB

Raekwon McMillan (Ohio St.)

TE

Jake Butt (Michigan)

LB

Tim Williams (Alabama)

Pat Elfein (Ohio St.)

LB

Kendall Beckwith (LSU)

OG

Dan Feeney (Indiana)

CB

Jourdan Lewis (Michigan)

OG

Ethan Pocic (LSU)

CB

Desmond King (Iowa)

OT

Roderick Johnson (Florida St.)

Budda Baker (Washington)

OT

Cam Robinson (Alabama)

Jamal Adams (LSU)

Aidan Schneider (Oregon)

Hayden Hunt (Colorado St.)

AP

Christian McCaffrey (Stanford)

RS

Evan Berry (Tennessee)

WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (USC)

DE Jonathan Allen (Alabama)

Tallahassee, FL October 29, 2016

Everyone wants to focus on the classic rivalries, but Clemson - Florida State has blossomed into one of the
nation's premium games. The winner has gone on to win the ACC each of the past five years, and they have
also appeared in the first two playoff brackets. Nothing will change this season. These two may be ranked #1
and #2 when they meet in Tallahassee in late October. The home team has won 8 of the past 9 meetings.

Columbus, OH

November 26, 2016

Speaking of classic rivalries, The Game is the gold standard. If it lost any zing recently due to Ohio State's
dominance over "the team up North," Michigan's revitalization under Jim Harbaugh has injected plenty of
juice back into the game. Although Michigan State will be in the mix again, Michigan and OSU are the clear
favorites in the Big Ten. The winner of this game has a great shot at sliding into the playoff field.

Baton Rouge, LA November 5, 2016

In 2011, these two met in a titanic clash that was dubbed "The Game of the Century." LSU won in a slugfest,
but in the National Championship Game rematch Alabama drubbed the Tigers to the tune of 21-0. Since
then, the Tide have dominated the series, winning five straight. If LSU wants to turn their fate around, this
would be the year to do it. The field will be glistening with NFL talent when these two collide.

Norman, OK

September 17, 2016

Due to the consequences of a loss in the short college football season, it is rare to see such a high profile
nonconference game these days. The timing is excellent for Oklahoma, as Ohio State will be breaking in a
bevy of new starters who may not be ready for the bright lights. Not only will this game be a great
barometer for both teams, but it will also provide an early taste of playoff-level football for fans.

1. Christian McCaffrey (RB, Stanford)

Blame it on stereotypes, Stanford's late game times, or the SEC bias. The fact
of the matter is, Christian McCaffrey got hosed by Heisman voters in 2015.
Despite posting the most productive season by a skill position player in college
football history with 3,864 all-purpose yards, McCaffrey finished second to
Derrick Henry. Simply put, there is not a more exciting player in America. If he
comes close to last year's numbers, voters will likely pay him his dues in 2016.

2. DeShaun Watson (QB, Clemson)

Last year, I called for DeShaun Watson to win the Heisman Trophy in his
first season as a starter. He came darn close, finishing third in the voting
after leading the Tigers to an undefeated regular season. He is the
most natural dual-threat quarterback that college football has seen since
Cam Newton. His statistics should actually improve from last year, putting him
squarely in the mix for this award even if Clemson doesn't go 12-0.

3. Dalvin Cook (RB, Florida State)

With Jameis Winston gone, Dalvin Cook became the focal point of Florida
State's offense last season. He averaged an impressive 7.4 yards per play,
good for second in the nation. With all five starting linemen returning in front
of him, Cook has the potential to explode in 2016. As the workhorse for a
National Championship contender, he will be a Heisman favorite if he can avoid
the occasional lackluster performances that have plagued him in the past.

4. Leonard Fournette (RB, LSU)

At the end of October last year, everyone was ready to anoint Leonard
Fournette as the Heisman Trophy winner. LSU was 7-0 and ranked No.2 thanks to
Fournette's incredible average of 193 yards per game. Everything came tumbling
down against Alabama, but that doesn't mean he won't be back in 2016. The main
obstacle is LSU's putrid passing game, which allows defenses to key in on the run
game. Fournette is a special talent and will manage to put up numbers regardless.

5. J.T. Barrett (QB, Ohio State)

As a redshirt freshman in 2014, J.T. Barrett led Ohio State to an 11-1 record and
finished fifth in the Heisman voting. Last year, Urban Meyer really messed up by
starting Cardale Jones in the first few games. The move seemed to affect Barrett's
confidence, and even when he regained the starting role he didn't look the same.
Now, there is no question that this is Barrett's team. He will be free to take risks
knowing that his job is secure, making him a much more dangerous player.

6. Baker Mayfield (QB, Oklahoma)

Mayfield wasn't even named Oklahoma's starter until the opener last year, but
once he won the job he never looked back. After leading a gutsy comeback
win on the road against Tennessee, he carried the momentum through the
rest of the regular season, which culminated in a playoff berth. This kid has
steel in his spine and will be playing with a chip on his shoulder after a poor
Orange Bowl performance. That is bad news for OU's opponents.

Five of the top seven

players in the 2015 Heisman
Trophy voting return in 2016,
including Stanford running back
Christian McCaffrey (above).

Nick Chubb (RB, Georgia)

Chad Kelly (QB, Ole Miss)

DeShone Kizer (QB, Notre Dame)

Myles Gaskin (RB, Washington)

Samaje Perine (RB, Oklahoma)

Seth Russell (QB, Baylor)

Greg Ward Jr. (QB, Houston)

Bo Scarborough (RB, Alabama)

Joshua Dobbs (QB, Tennessee)

Josh Rosen (QB, UCLA)

Jabrill Peppers (LB, Michigan)

Lamar Jackson (QB, Louisville)

Luke Falk (QB, Washington St.)

Mason Rudolph (QB, Okla. St.)

Royce Freeman (RB, Oregon)

Kenny Hill (TCU)

Brad Kaaya (QB, Miami)

Mitch Trubisky (QB, UNC)

Wayne Gallman (RB, Clemson)

Calvin Ridley (WR, Alabama)

During the past decade, the Southeastern Conference has been the
gold standard of college football. An SEC team won the BCS
national championship every year from 2006 through 2012. The
streak finally ended when Florida State took down Auburn at the
end of the 2013 season. When Ohio State shocked Alabama in the
college football playoff the next year, some, including myself,
wondered if the other conferences had finally closed the gap on the
SEC. Alabama helped silence those questions by capturing the national title last season, their
fourth since 2009. Although the aura of invincibility no longer surrounds the conference, the
SEC still features the most talented collection of teams in college football.
Entering 2016, the biggest question is whether anyone can supplant Alabama. LSU may be the
best overall team in the conference, but their quarterback issues will continue to make it
difficult for them to take down the Tide. Ole Miss has beaten Alabama each of the past two
seasons and has an outside shot at the conference title despite losing a bevy of NFL talent. The
SEC West champion has gone on to win the conference title game each of the past seven years,
but this may be the best chance the East has had in a while to reverse that trend. Tennessee
returns almost everyone from a team that was a couple of blown leads away from playoff
contention last season. Georgia and Florida will also compete for the opportunity to represent
the East. The conference isn't as deep as it has been in the past, but it's still loaded at the top.

EAST
1. Tennessee Volunteers
2. Georgia Bulldogs
3. Florida Gators
4. Missouri Tigers
5. South Carolina Gamecocks
6. Kentucky Wildcats
7. Vanderbilt Commodores

WEST
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
2. LSU Tigers
3. Ole Miss Rebels
4. Arkansas Razorbacks
5. Texas A&M Aggies
6. Auburn Tigers
7. Mississippi State

Predicted Conference Champion

The BCS era was not kind to the

Big Ten, as the conference only
captured one national title during
that 16-year span. During the last
couple of years, however, the Big
Ten has experienced a
resurgence that could bring
about a return to glory for this tradition-rich conference. That resurgence has been led by an
elite crop of coaching talent that is unrivaled by any other league. Ohio State's Urban Meyer,
Michigan's Jim Harbaugh, and Michigan State's Mark Dantonio all rank among the elite coaches
in the nation, and they are all concentrated in the Big Ten's East division. They have adopted
aggressive, innovative recruiting strategies in an effort to build up the talent necessary to
compete with the SEC. Heading into 2016, one could easily argue that the Big Ten East is
among the toughest divisions in all of college football.
On the other side of the conference, however, things aren't looking nearly as bright. Behind
Iowa, which won 12 games in 2015, the West division is stockpiled with mediocre football
teams. Wisconsin has suffered from coaching turmoil and is staring at one of the nation's most
daunting schedules this fall. The Big Ten has some legitimate playoff contenders at the top of
the conference, but they still lack the depth that most other Power 5 conferences enjoy.

EAST
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
2. Michigan Wolverines
3. Michigan State Spartans
4. Penn State Nittany Lions
5. Maryland Terrapins
6. Indiana Hoosiers
7. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

WEST
1. Iowa Hawkeyes
2. Nebraska Cornhuskers
3. Wisconsin Badgers
4. Northwestern Wildcats
5. Minnesota Golden Gophers
6. Illinois Fighting Illini
7. Purdue Boilermakers

Predicted Conference Champion

Just a few years ago, the

ACC was clearly the
doormat of the Power 5
conferences. When the FBS
made the move to the
playoff system, most
assumed that the ACC would dissolve as its teams dispersed to join the inevitable four
"superconferences." In fact, the opposite has occurred, as the ACC has made a statement that
they are here to stay in this new era of college football. Clemson carried the conference flag by
earning the #1 seed in last year's playoff bracket, and they nearly took down Alabama for the
national title. Entering 2016, the ACC looks stronger and deeper than it has ever been.
Clemson and Florida State have won the past five ACC titles, and all signs indicate a
continuation of that trend this season. Barring unexpected road bumps, the winner of their
matchup on November 29th will likely claim the top seed in the playoff. Louisville is also a
dangerous team that could work itself into contention if the stars align correctly. On the other
side, the arrival of Mark Richt has Miami looking like a legitimate threat. UNC has the pieces
necessary to back up their 2015 success, while Pittsburgh hopes to make a breakthrough in Pat
Narduzzi's second season. Although the nation as a whole will be focused on Clemson and
Florida State, the ACC will provide plenty of other interesting games this fall.

ATLANTIC
1. Florida State Seminoles
2. Clemson Tigers
3. Louisville Cardinals
4. Syracuse Orange
5. NC State Wolfpack
6. Wake Forest
7. Boston College

COASTAL
1. North Carolina Tar Heels
2. Pittsburgh Panthers
3. Miami (FL) Hurricanes
4. Virginia Tech Hokies
5. Duke Blue Devils
6. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
7. Virginia Cavaliers

Predicted Conference Champion

The Pac-12 is by far the most frustrating conference to predict. It is

full of volatile teams that go up and down from one year to the next
without any rhyme or reason. Last year it looked like the Pac-12 was
poised for an all-time great season as a conference. Oregon was
coming off a national title appearance, Stanford was a contender once
again, the Arizona schools were both coming off ten-win seasons, and
the L.A. teams were loaded with talent and experience. Instead, only
two teams from the conference reached ten wins, and the Pac-12 was
the only Power 5 league left out of the playoff. Trying to predict how the standings will shake
out in 2016 is a real challenge. Both divisions go three or four teams deep with contenders, but
neither division really has a clear favorite.
Reigning champion Stanford is the tentative favorite from the North, but they have far too
many question marks to be considered a lock. Washington is the trendy pick, but a jump from
7-6 to conference champions is a tall order. Oregon will be right there as always but is
vulnerable due to a shaky defense. The same goes for Washington State, which is the epitome
of a boom-or-bust pick. In the South, USC may be the most talented team but faces the
nation's toughest schedule. UCLA has plenty of potential but lacks clear leadership. Utah's
defense makes them a division contender, but their offense is full of question marks. All signs
point to another crazy season in the Pac-12, which isn't good for the conference's playoff
chances. It will be very difficult for the champion to emerge with less than two losses.

NORTH
1. Stanford Cardinal
2. Oregon Ducks
3. Washington Huskies
4. Washington State Cougars
5. California Golden Bears
6. Oregon State Beavers

SOUTH
1. UCLA Bruins
2. USC Trojans
3. Utah Utes
4. Arizona Wildcats
5. Arizona State Sun Devils
6. Colorado Buffaloes

Predicted Conference Champion

10

Ever since the Big 12 was victimized by

conference realignment and forced to drop
their championship game in favor of a ten-team
round robin setup, it has been characterized by
disparity. Since 2011, four different teams have
won the conference. That is a stark contrast
from the previous seven years, which saw Texas
or Oklahoma win every year from 2004-2010.

BIG 12
1. Oklahoma Sooners
2. TCU Horned Frogs
3. Oklahoma State Cowboys
4. West Virginia Mountaineers
5. Baylor Bears
6. Kansas State Wildcats
7. Texas Longhorns
8. Texas Tech Red Raiders
9. Iowa State Cyclones
10. Kansas Jayhawks

One major reason for the new power

distribution has been Texas' dormancy. The
Longhorns let legendary coach Mack Brown go
after a series of disappointing seasons, hoping
that a new face could rekindle the fire in
Austin. Instead, Texas finds itself stuck in
neutral entering Year 3 under Charlie Strong.
With an extremely young roster, the chances
of Texas returning to Big 12 contention in
2016 are not promising.

During the Longhorns' rough stretch, Baylor

has emerged as the new top dog in the state
of Texas. The Bears have won at least ten
games in each of the past three seasons, and
they were considered co-favorites to win the
2016 Big 12 title coming out of spring practice.
Shortly thereafter, Art Briles was fired due to
off-field issues, leaving a major question mark hanging over Waco. Baylor now finds
themselves in a situation similar to the one that Arkansas experienced when Bobby Petrino was
fired in the summer of 2012. They have the talent to be a playoff contender, but it is more
likely that the team will fall apart without Briles, who built the program up from nothing.
That leaves Oklahoma as the clear favorite to win the conference. Under Bob Stoops, the
Sooners have traditionally thrived in the underdog role, so it will be interesting to see how they
handle the expectations in 2016. In order to repeat as Big 12 champs, OU must navigate
through a challenging conference schedule that includes road games against TCU and West
Virginia as well as a home finale against Oklahoma State. All three of those teams pose serious
threats to not only upset the Sooners, but potentially win the conference themselves. Balance
and consistency will determine which team emerges from this crazy league.

11

PRESEASON

A countdown of the Top 25 college

football teams in America for 2016
12

Before we introduce the Top 25, here are the five teams that just missed the cut.
26. Pittsburgh Panthers - Pittsburgh played in seven games that were
decided by a touchdown or less in Pat Narduzzi's first season. Narduzzi's
defense will make huge strides in Year 2, led by CB Avonte Maddox and DE
Ejuan Price. The Panthers feature two great running backs in James Conner
and Qadree Ollison. Quarterback Nathan Peterman provides balance. Pitt
is an ACC Coastal contender and potential breakout team in 2016.
27. Utah Utes - Utah broke through with a 10-3 record in 2015, which will
be a tough act to follow. They lose their top two receivers, both
experienced quarterbacks, and All-Pac-12 RB Devontae Booker. Defensive
linemen Lowell Lotulelei, Kylie Fitts, and Hunter Dimick are imposing, as is
the defensive backfield led by CB Dominique Hatfield. The offense will
naturally take a step back, but the defense will keep them in contention.
28. Washington State Cougars - Wazzu will go as far as the passing game
takes it. The QB-WR combo of Luke Falk and Gabe Marks may be the best
in America. River Cracraft hopes to fill Dom Williams' shoes as the No. 2
receiver. The run game is nonexistent, and the defense remains shaky
despite returning experience. Falk's arm can take this team places, but it
will be tough to top last year's nine wins in the competitive Pac-12 North.
29. BYU Cougars - BYU navigated a minefield to reach nine wins in 2015,
and things only get tougher in 2016. The Cougars are well-equipped to
handle the task, starting with the quarterback position. Tanner Mangum
looks to improve on a great freshman campaign, and Taysom Hill will be
incorporated into the offense in exciting ways. A solid defense and
improved running game make the Cougars an intimidating matchup.

30. Miami Hurricanes - Miami has not won ten games since joining the ACC
in 2004. Mark Richt has returned to his alma mater to change that. He
inherits a quarterback with big-time potential in Brad Kaaya. The
Hurricanes gave up more points than they scored last year, so they weren't
as good as their 8-5 record. Miami will improve in Richt's first season, but it
might not be reflected in their win total.

13

Head Coach: Clay Helton (1st season)

2015 Results: 8-6, 1st in Pac-12 South
Lost to Wisconsin in the Holiday Bowl
Over the past several years, USC has continued to recruit at an elite level, but
it hasn't shown on the field. Clay Helton has plenty of talent to work with in
his first season as he prepares to face the nation's toughest schedule.
Offensively, USC brings back almost everyone from a unit that underachieved
in 2015. With third-year starter Cody Kessler at quarterback, the Trojan
passing attack could have been special. Instead, it was merely above average.
As a result, there may not be as much of a drop off as some may expect now
that Kessler is gone. Former five star Max Browne has waited his turn, and
now it's time to see whether he can turn his raw tools into gameday success.
A first year starter couldn't ask for a better situation than the one Browne
steps into at USC. Phenom JuJu Smith-Schuster may be the best wide receiver
in America. The Trojans are hoping that Steven Mitchell and part-time receiver
Adoree' Jackson can step up to take some heat off their star. Browne should
receive great pass protection from All-Pac-12 offensive tackles Zachary Banner
and Chad Wheeler. The interior of the line is less stable following the
departure of center Max Tuerk, but that won't hinder Justin Davis and Ronald
Jones II from finding plenty of daylight. Those two form the best one-two
punch that the Pac-12 has to offer at running back. The overwhelming amount
of talent at the skill positions will be enough to compensate for the loss of
Kessler. The key will be finding the chemistry necessary to perform at a level
that equals the sum of their parts.
The same goes for the defense, which failed to gel for any extended periods in
2015. Just like the offense, the defense loses their anchor but it probably
won't hurt them too much. Although hybrid linebacker Su'a Cravens played at
an elite level in 2015, it didn't translate into great team defense. If a few of
the other high-potential defenders on the roster step it up a bit, they should
be able to match Cravens' impact. Among those high-potential players are
cornerbacks Adoree' Jackson and Iman Marshall. If those two can turn flashes
of brilliance into consistent dominance, they could turn USC's secondary into a
no fly zone. The new leader of the defense is middle linebacker Cameron
Smith, who led the team in tackles through eight games as a freshman before
going down with an injury. Look for Smith to assume a leadership role and
elevate the performance of his teammates. The biggest question on the
defense is the line, which will miss the disruptive presence of Delvon Simmons
and Greg Townsend Jr. This will hurt them against strong rushing offenses
such as Alabama and Stanford.
The Trojans lose some key players on both sides of the ball and face a killer
schedule, but they also have added stability this year, making them more
likely to play up to their potential. Nine wins is probably the ceiling for this
team, but they will be right in the thick of the Pac-12 South race.

14

LB Cameron Smith

Date
9/3
9/10
9/17
9/23 (F)
10/1
10/8
10/15
10/22
10/27 (Th)

11/5
11/12
11/19

Schedule
Opponent
vs. Alabama (Arlington)

Utah State
@Stanford
@Utah
Arizona State
Colorado
@Arizona
BYE
California
Oregon
@Washington
@UCLA

After three straight losses against

their cross-town rival, USC finally
broke through in a winner-take-all
matchup last season. This game
will probably determine the Pac-12
South again in 2016.

11/26

Notre Dame

Bowl Prediction

Opponent: Boise State

Head Coach: Larry Fedora (5th season)

2015 Results: 11-3, 1st in ACC Coastal
Lost to Baylor in the Russell Athletic Bowl
North Carolina seemed to pop up on everybodys list of potential surprise
teams every offseason, but their performance on the field was far from
spectacular. The Tar Heels finally broke through last season, winning the ACC
Coastal and nearly unseating #1 Clemson in the conference championship
game. UNC has plenty of talent coming back, and if they can handle the
expectations they could find themselves in the ACC hunt once again.

RB Elijah Hood
Schedule
Opponent
vs. Georgia (Atlanta)

Date
9/3

North Carolina had been poised for

a breakout for years, and it finally
came last season. The opener
against Georgia will give fans an
idea of whether they can repeat
that success in 2016.

9/10
9/17
9/24
10/1
10/8
10/15
10/22
10/29
11/5
11/10 (Th)

11/19
11/25 (F)

@Illinois
James Madison
Pittsburgh
@Florida State
Virginia Tech
@Miami
@Virginia
BYE
Georgia Tech
@Duke
The Citadel
NC State

Bowl Prediction

Opponent: Washington

North Carolinas offense went from good to explosive in 2015. Marquise

Williams turned into a real playmaker at quarterback, and Elijah Hood became
a star in the backfield. Hood could enter the conversation of elite college
football running backs as a junior. TJ Logan also provides a reliable change-ofpace option. UNC has no shortage of receivers, either. Marquise Williams did
a great job spreading the ball around last year, so plenty of guys have
experience entering 2016. Ryan Switzer and Mack Hollins look to transition
from solid options to dangerous receiving threats. Whether they can do so
depends in large part to how well Mitch Trubisky does at replacing Williams.
Trubisky completed 85 percent of his passes in mop-up duty last year. There
is no guarantee that he can translate that into success against better
competition, but the potential is certainly there. UNCs offensive line may
have been the ACCs best last season. Despite the departure of All-American
guard Landon Turner, they will remain strong thanks to the return of OG Caleb
Peterson and OT Jon Heck. The offense is loaded at nearly all positions,
making them a good candidate to push for 40 PPG once again.
After an atrocious defensive showing in 2015, the Tar Heels rebounded to a
respectable level last season. Considering the amount of production they
return, another improvement may be in the works this fall. Cornerbacks M.J.
Stewart and Desmond Lawrence lead a very good secondary that will make
opponents think twice before airing it out. The run defense isnt quite as
stout, which may be a problem considering the high percentage of run-heavy
offenses on UNCs schedule. The Tar Heel defense wont be anything special,
but they should certainly be able to hold their own, which would put the team
in a great position to win a majority of their games.
Looking at the stats and watching the team play, it is clear that 2015 was not a
fluke. The schedule is much tougher this year, as their three most challenging
games come away from Chapel Hill, where they struggled last season. That
may prevent them from winning 11 games again, but they will still be a top
challenger for the ACC Coastal crown.

15

Head Coach: Jim McElwain (2nd season)

2015 Results: 10-4, 1st in SEC East
Lost to Michigan in the Citrus Bowl
Since Urban Meyer left Gainesville, the Gators have struggled to find stability.
Jim McElwain jumped out to an impressive 10-1 start in his first season, but an
unimpressive 0-3 finish has people wondering whether Florida is ready for the
big stage. They will have to improve in several areas if they want to repeat as
SEC East champions.
Florida attempted to inject life into their sputtering offense by hiring an
offensive-minded coach, but the offense actually got worse in McElwain's first
season. Much of that had to do with the suspension of quarterback Will Grier,
who left the team following the season. McElwain's first priority this summer
is to find a capable starter under center. He may have an answer in transfer
Luke Del Rio, who McElwain recruited while at Colorado State. Del Rio seems
like a perfect fit for Florida offense, and the Gators hope he can bring stability
to the offense's most important position. Meanwhile, Jordan Scarlett takes
over as the starting running back, replacing 1,000 yard rusher Kelvin Taylor.
Scarlett averaged 5.3 yards per carry in limited action as a freshman, including
an impressive performance against Georgia. He has the potential to be better
than Taylor. The receiving corps says goodbye to Demarcus Robinson but may
have a budding star in sophomore Antonio Callaway and will have far better
overall production if the quarterback play improves. The biggest question
may be the offensive line, which is incredibly inexperienced. There are clearly
question marks across the board for Florida's offense, but they have the
potential to make a big jump in McElwain's second season.
With the offense struggling, Florida's defense has been forced to shoulder a
heavy load in recent years. They have done well for the most part, carrying
the Gators to the SEC East title last season. Their secondary was absolutely
phenomenal. Cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III and safety Keanu Neal were
both selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, but the Gators still have two
potential first rounders in their defensive backfield. Cornerback Jalen Tabor
and safety Marcus Maye accounted for a combined 12 turnovers in 2015 and
will help Florida's pass defense remain elite. The front seven also loses some
pieces, but, just like the secondary, has plenty of viable options to fill those
holes. They should continue to do a great job of forcing negative plays.
Florida's defense will remain stout all the way around in 2016.
Most coaches have to wait a year or two before they start seeing success on
game days. McElwain's squad won ten games in Year 1, but they did so by
squeaking out five wins by less than a touchdown. The SEC East is stronger
this year and the odds of them winning so many close games again is slim.
However, the offense should make substantial strides in Year 2, so this team
will be ready for the challenge. Although it will be tough for the Gators to
match last year's 10-2 regular season record, they should certainly be
considered among the contenders in the SEC East.

16

SS Marcus Maye

Date
9/3
9/10
9/17
9/24
10/1
10/8
10/15
10/22
10/29

Schedule
Opponent
UMass
Kentucky
North Texas
@Tennessee
@Vanderbilt
LSU
Missouri
BYE
Georgia (Jacksonville)

The annual meeting between

these two rivals almost always has
SEC East championship indications.
Both teams will need to win to
stay in the hunt. Florida smashed
UGA 27-3 last season.

11/5
11/12
11/19
11/26

@Arkansas
South Carolina
Presbyterian
@Florida State

Bowl Prediction

Opponent: Wisconsin

Head Coach: Jim Mora (5th season)

2015 Results: 8-5, 3rd in Pac-12 South
Lost to Nebraska in the Foster Farms Bowl
Heading into 2015, UCLA was coming off a Top 10 finish and featured one of
the most experienced rosters in the country. They had all the makings of a
Pac-12 favorite and playoff contender, but injuries and other factors derailed
those aspirations. The Bruins finished 8-5, their worst record of the Jim Mora
era. Last season was a setback in UCLAs quest to become a Pac-12
powerhouse, but the Bruins should bounce back just fine in 2016.

QB Josh Rosen

Date
9/3
9/10
9/17
9/24
10/1
10/8
10/15
10/22
10/29
11/3 (Th)
11/12
11/19

Schedule
Opponent
@Texas A&M
UNLV
@BYU
Stanford
Arizona
@Arizona State
@Washington State
Utah
BYE
@Colorado
Oregon State
USC

The path to the Pac-12 title game

will probably run through Los
Angeles again in 2016. These are
the two most talented teams in the
division. UCLA had won three
straight before losing last year.

11/26

@California

Bowl Prediction

Opponent: Nebraska

All things considered, UCLAs lofty expectations may have been slightly
unwarranted considering the fact that they were starting a true freshman at
quarterback. Josh Rosen, the former number one quarterback prospect in his
class, did very well in his first season, but he was far from perfect. Turnovers
plagued him throughout the season, as should be expected from a freshman.
As a sophomore, Rosen must clean up those mistakes in order to take the next
step as a passer. He will be the centerpiece of an offense that loses its top
rusher and top three receivers. Cornerback Ishmael Adams flipped to wide
receiver in the offseason to help give the unit a boost, but Rosens new
weapons are still largely unknown. In the backfield, Soso Jamabo and Nate
Starks will attempt to match the production of Paul Perkins. Jamabo has
plenty of upside as the lead dog, while Starks serves as an effective shortyardage ball carrier. The offensive line has room for improvement, and their
ability to solidify around star left tackle Conor McDermott will be critical to
UCLAs offensive success. Overall, the offense has far more question marks
this summer than it did a year ago. Great quarterback play can solve a lot of
problems, though, so if Rosen makes the expected Year 2 improvement the
offense should be at least as productive as it was last fall.
The defensive side of the ball was hit hard by the injury bug in 2015,
preventing them from capitalizing on their experience. Star linebacker Myles
Jack was lost for the season after just a couple of games, as were DE Eddie
Vanderdoes, OLB Deon Hollins, and CB Fabian Moreau. Myles Jack left for the
NFL, but the other three are back. Hollins combines with Jayon Brown to form
the core of a strong group of linebackers. The secondary has plenty of
experience despite Adams move to receiver and will be the strength of the
defense. Vanderdoes will attempt to take over the leadership role for a
defensive line unit that loses its anchor, Kenny Clark. UCLA's defense has
traditionally been mediocre under Jim Mora, but that could change for the
better if the Bruins stay healthy this fall.
Last year, UCLA entered the season with certainty at nearly every position
except quarterback. This time around, quarterback is one of the few sure
things on the roster. There is plenty of potential on this team, but they are
probably a year away from legitimately competing for the Pac-12 title.
Nevertheless, they are the tentative favorites in the middling South division.

17

Head Coach: Bryan Harsin (3rd season)

2015 Results: 9-4, T-2nd in MWC Mountain
Beat Northern Illinois in the Poinsettia Bowl
Coming off a 12-2 finish in 2014 that culminated with a Fiesta Bowl victory,
Boise State entered 2015 with glaring question marks at key positions. They
had become so proficient at reloading that everyone just expected them to
keep on rolling without a hitch. Even for the greatest programs, however,
that is sometimes unrealistic. After surviving their rebuilding season, the
Broncos are primed for a return to their normal position in the Top 25.
Last season, the Broncos had to replace not only a two-year starting
quarterback, but also 1,800-yard rusher Jay Ajayi. To address the quarterback
question, head coach Bryan Harsin turned to true freshman Brett Rypien, the
highest rated quarterback recruit in BSU history. Outside of two interceptionladen performances, Rypien was outstanding. Now that he has those
mistakes out of his system, the sky is the limit for Rypien in his sophomore
season and beyond. Boise State also opted for youth at running back last
season, putting its faith in sophomore Jeremy McNichols. Once he gained full
control of the starting role midway through the year he never looked back,
racking up 1,337 yards and 20 touchdowns. Rypien and McNichols are two
pieces of the three-headed offensive monster, which is rounded out by wide
receiver Thomas Sperbeck. The senior has led Boise State in receiving the past
two years and will post crazy numbers this fall. Chaz Anderson will also see his
targets increase as the number two option in the passing game. This may be
the most talented offensive lineup that Boise State has ever featured. Now
that they have some experience under their belts, the Broncos will be nearly
unstoppable in 2016.
During Boise State's glory years, their potent offenses were supplemented by
equally dominant defenses. They lost their edge for a couple of years, but
they returned to form last season. A lot of contributors from that unit have
moved on, including sack leader Kamalei Correa and interception specialist
Darian Thompson. The defensive line is the most depleted unit, as it will
feature an entire set of new starters. The linebacker corps has the most
experience and is led by MLB Ben Weaver. The secondary should remain
among the Mountain West's premier groups despite a couple of key losses.
This years defense doesnt have as many experienced playmakers as last
years version, so they will likely regress slightly. That shouldnt be a problem
considering the elite level of the offense.
Three of Boise States 2015 losses were one-score games, whereas only one of
their wins was that close. Now that they have experience at quarterback, the
Broncos should be much better equipped to win those close contests this
season. They are a near lock to win ten games, making a New Years Six bowl
berth a legitimate possibility.

18

RB Jeremy McNichols

Schedule
Opponent
@UL Lafayette
Washington State

Date
9/3
9/10

Boise State thrives against Power 5

opponents, especially on the blue
turf. If the Broncos win this one,
they may be on their way to a
special season. These offenses will
light up the scoreboard.

9/17
9/24
10/1
10/7 (F)
10/15
10/20 (Th)

10/29
11/4 (F)
11/12
11/18 (F)
11/25 (F)

BYE
@Oregon State
Utah State
@New Mexico
Colorado State
BYU
@Wyoming
San Jose State
@Hawaii
UNLV
@Air Force

Bowl Prediction

Opponent: USC

Head Coach: Chris Peterson (3rd season)

2015 Results: 7-6, T-4th in Pac-12 North
Beat Southern Miss in the Heart of Dallas Bowl

The hype train for Washington football has left the station, and theres no way
to slow it down. In the process of winning seven games in 2015, the Huskies
somehow convinced a majority of experts that they will be strong Pac-12
contenders in 2016. There is plenty to like about this football team, but
Washington is much more of a dark horse team than an outright favorite.

RB Myles Gaskin

Date
9/3
9/10
9/17
9/24
9/30 (F)

Schedule
Opponent
Rutgers
Idaho
Portland State
@Arizona
Stanford

Washington will get their chance to

prove the hype is legitimate in their
Pac-12 opener. If the Huskies
compete with the Cardinal, they
have a shot to win the division. If
not, they're probably a year away.

10/8
10/15
10/22
10/29
11/5
11/12
11/19
11/26

@Oregon
BYE
Oregon State
@Utah
@California
USC
Arizona State
@Washington State

Bowl Prediction

Opponent: North Carolina

A main reason that people are so enthralled with this team is their offensive
potential. By starting true freshmen quarterback Jake Browning and running
back Myles Gaskin at the two most important offensive positions last year,
Chris Peterson sacrificed immediate success in an effort to build for the
future. His decision may pay off as early as this fall, depending on whether
Gaskin and Browning continue to follow their upward trends. Once Gaskin
took hold of the starting job last October, he emerged as one of the Pac-12s
most dangerous rushers. Jake Browning is much more of a wild card after an
up-and-down freshman campaign. Quite simply, he feasted on bad defenses
and got feasted on by good defenses. The flashes of excellence that he
showed as a freshman have caused many to assume hell be great as a
sophomore, but he still has a long way to go in terms of decision making. One
factor that may help Browning become more consistent is the return of wide
receiver John Ross III, who missed 2015 due to injury. Ross gives the Huskies a
feature weapon in the passing game and a deep threat to keep defenses
honest. Washingtons offense will evolve from streaky to consistently good in
2016, but they are still a year away from becoming great.
While Washingtons offense is as volatile as they come, the defense is a pillar
of stability. Despite losing a host of stars to the NFL last spring, including
three first-rounders, the Husky defense remained stout. It is scary to think
about how good they can be in 2016 now that they have so much more
experience. The secondary is especially frightening, as it returns completely
intact and features multiple All-Pac-12 players. Cornerback Sidney Jones
could be the conferences best player at his position, and free safety Budda
Baker is a preseason All-American candidate. If opposing teams try to run on
the Huskies, they will have to get through an equally solid group of linebackers
highlighted by 2015 leading tacklers Azeem Victor and Keishawn Bierria. The
defensive line will reload to replace departed starters and will have great
depth once again. Washingtons defense has stayed out of the spotlight, but
it will be tough to ignore them once they hit the field.
Based on defense alone, Washington can compete with anyone in the Pac-12.
In order for them to be a legitimate threat to win the league, however, the
offense will have to be far more consistent than it was a season ago. The
Huskies will certainly take a step forward in 2016, so a three-win improvement
seems likely given the manageable schedule. That would put them at 9-3,
right behind Stanford and Oregon in the Pac-12 North.

19

Head Coach: Mike Gundy (12th season)

2015 Results: 10-3, T-2nd in Big 12
Lost to Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl
Under Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State has quietly become one of the nations
most stable programs. Their shaky defense has prevented them from joining
the upper echelon of college football teams, but their dangerous offense
makes them a perennial threat to win the Big 12. The gap between the
offense and defense may be greater this year than it ever has been, making
the Cowboys very difficult to project in 2016.
Lets start with the good: the offense. Oklahoma State averaged just shy of 40
points per game last season and they return practically everyone. The list of
returnees begins with Mason Rudolph, who will finally have full control of the
offense. In 2015, the Cowboys effectively operated a two-quarterback system
that featured Mason Rudolph, the stronger passer, and J.W. Walsh, the better
runner. Walsh graduated, leaving Rudolph as the unquestioned starter. The
Cowboys will miss the playmaking ability that Walsh provided, but Rudolph
should be able to make up for it with his arm. He could be in for a special
season in part due to the weapons that surround him. Wide receiver James
Washington was outstanding as a sophomore, and he will blossom into one of
college footballs premier receivers this fall. He is joined by Marcell Ateman,
who will see his targets increase in the more pass-focused system. The
passing game will be great, but Oklahoma State also hopes to develop a more
effective running game to give their offense some balance. J.W. Walsh
accounted for a majority of OSUs rushing attack in 2015, scoring more
touchdowns than all the running backs combined. The Cowboys hope that the
combination of senior Chris Carson and transfer Barry Sanders Jr. can match
and surpass his production. It helps that they will be running behind an
experienced offensive line that consists of all upperclassmen. If the running
backs step up to compliment Rudolph and the receivers, Oklahoma State
could have the most prolific offense in the Big 12.
Now its time for the bad stuff. Even though Cowboys have never been
reliable on the defensive side of the ball, they have traditionally had a knack
for causing turnovers. That was certainly true last season, as they ranked sixth
nationally in takeaways per game. The high number of forced turnovers can
be attributed largely to the mayhem caused by defensive ends Emmanuel
Ogbah and Jimmy Bean. Those two are now gone, which could mean big
trouble for their defensive numbers. Although the rest of the defense is
experienced, they probably wont have as many opportunities to snatch up
turnovers this season. As a result, the defense will no longer be able to mask
its overall instability.
Oklahoma States offense will be able to exchange blows with pretty much
anyone in the country, but their leaky defense also makes them vulnerable to
upsets. The Cowboys will probably win about nine games, but they could fall
anywhere within the seven to eleven win range. They aren't in the top tier of
the Big 12, but they have an outside chance to win the conference.

20

QB Mason Rudolph

Date
9/3
9/10
9/17
9/24
10/1
10/8
10/15
10/22
10/29
11/5
11/12
11/19
11/26
12/3

Schedule
Opponent
Southeastern Louisiana

Central Michigan
Pittsburgh
@Baylor
Texas
Iowa State
BYE
@Kansas
West Virginia
@Kansas State
Texas Tech
@TCU
BYE
@Oklahoma

Even though the Cowboys made a

NY6 bowl last year, they remained
in the shadow of their in-state
rival. They will have to win the
Bedlam Game if they want to get
to the top of the Big 12.

Bowl Prediction

Opponent: Oregon

Head Coach: Kirk Ferentz (18th season)

2015 Results: 12-2, 1st in Big Ten West
Lost to Stanford in the Rose Bowl
For the most part, Kirk Ferentzs long tenure at Iowa has been characterized
by mediocrity. Every once in a while, however, the Hawkeyes suddenly crack
through with a great season that helps keep his job secure. Last year was one
of those seasons, as the stars aligned in a perfect regular season. The core of
last years team returns, making them the favorites to return to the
conference title game. Iowa's history of underachieving when the pressure is
on make their return to Indianapolis far from a guarantee, however.
Nevertheless, the Hawkeyes enter 2016 at the top of the tight Big Ten West.

CB Desmond King

Date
9/3
9/10
9/17
9/24
10/1
10/8
10/15
10/22
10/29
11/5
11/12
11/19
11/25 (F)

Schedule
Opponent
Miami (OH)
Iowa State
North Dakota State
@Rutgers
Northwestern
@Minnesota
@Purdue
Wisconsin
BYE
@Penn State
Michigan
@Illinois
Nebraska

These two have played at the end

of each season since 2011, but this
is the first time it will mean
something. This game will likely
decide the Big Ten West.

Bowl Prediction

Opponent: Ole Miss

Kirk Ferentz made a gutsy call by opting for C.J. Beathard in at quarterback
instead of two-year starter Jake Rudock. Beathard did very well, and he
enters 2016 as one of the best returning quarterbacks in the Big Ten. The
receiving corps is thin, but top target Matt Vandeberg returns. Tight end
George Kittle will also play a big role in the passing game after logging six
receiving touchdowns last season. Beathard will find new weapons to
compliment the proven players already at his disposal. Iowas offense is not
necessarily exciting to watch, but they get the job done with a balanced
attack. Even though leading rusher Jordan Canzeri departs, the running game
has plenty of depth with Leshun Daniels Jr. and Akrum Wadley splitting
carries. The offensive line must find replacements for All-American right
guard Jordan Walsh and All-Big Ten center Austin Blythe. The experience
along the rest of the line should help mask the issue until later in the season,
by which time the new starters should be well-adjusted. Iowas offense is
anything but flashy, but they proved last year that limiting mistakes and
making the necessary plays is a recipe for success.
On the other side of the ball, Iowa was also solid at every position last season.
Unlike the offense, however, the Hawkeye defense featured a playmaker who
could take over the game at any time. Cornerback Desmond King emerged as
a lockdown cover man, snatching eight interceptions en route to All-American
honors. Now that other teams know how dangerous King can be, they will
likely throw away from him as much as possible. That will put a lot of stress
on fellow corner Greg Mabin, who is a great player in his own right and is
more than ready for the challenge. In addition to their great pass defense, the
Hawkeyes feature a stout run-stopping unit. Josey Jewell leads the front
seven from the middle linebacker position. Assuming they stay healthy again,
Iowa will be very difficult to score on in 2016.
Even though they won some close games along the way, Iowa was clearly the
best team in the Big Ten West last season. The rest of the teams in the
division will provide better competition this season, but the Hawkeyes
stability across the board and experience at quarterback make them the
favorites on paper.

21

Head Coach: Kirby Smart (1st season)

2015 Results: 10-3, 3rd in SEC East
Beat Penn State in the TaxSlayer Bowl
At most schools, Mark Richts rsum would have made him a legend, but he
was ultimately forced out at Georgia for his inability to win a national
championship. Georgia replaced him with longtime Alabama defensive
coordinator Kirby Smart, who they hope can take the team over the hump.
The Bulldogs have won at least ten games in four of the past five seasons, so
there is no shortage of talent for Smart to work with.
After nice runs with Matthew Stafford and Aaron Murray under center,
Georgia has shifted its offensive focus to accommodate a new skill set in
recent years. The Bulldogs have unleashed a chain of great running backs
over the past few seasons. Nick Chubb was a preseason All-American last
season and got off to a sizzling start before a knee injury cut his season short.
Sony Michel stepped up and played very well in Chubbs absence, racking up
more than 1,000 yards on the ground. Both guys are back this year, and if
they stay healthy both reach the 1,000 yard plateau. The success of the
running game obviously speaks to the quality of the offensive line play, which
is anchored by RT Greg Pyke and LG Isaiah Wynn. The passing game benefits
from the same great line, but it is shrouded with uncertainty. The lack of a
difference maker at quarterback has held the Bulldogs back the past few
years, so finding the right signal caller will be Kirby Smarts first important
decision as head coach. 2015 Greyson Lambert, who returns for his final year,
is the definition of a game manager. He has been pushed hard by heralded
freshman Jacob Eason, who looked great in the spring game. If Smart rolls the
dice with Eason, he needs to be ready for a roller coaster ride. The
quarterback decision will go a long way toward determining the fate of the
2016 Georgia Bulldogs.
The main reason Georgia won ten games last season was their stellar defense.
They held opponents to 16.9 PPG, making them a Top Ten unit. Not only do
the Bulldogs return plenty of production, but they will now be coached by
arguably the best defensive mind in college football. Georgia will be especially
strong in the secondary, where they return plenty of playmakers. Free safety
Dominick Sanders, who picked off six passes last season, highlights that list.
The front seven features some new faces combined with veterans such as
outside linebacker Davin Bellamy. The run defense may not be quite as good
as the pass defense, but it will remain solid. The Bulldogs will be tough to
score against once again this fall.
Georgia made a great hire in Kirby Smart, and he will have the Dawgs
competing for national championship in no time. The uncertainty at
quarterback and natural issues that come with a coaching transition probably
mean that fans will have to wait another year before their team is ready for
the big stage. An SEC East championship is a legitimate possibility, however,
as is another ten win season.

22

RB Nick Chubb

Date
9/3
9/10
9/17
9/24
10/1

Schedule
Opponent
North Carolina (Atlanta)

Nicholls State
@Missouri
@Ole Miss
Tennessee

Georgia lost a shootout in

Knoxville last season, and now the
series shifts back to Athens. These
are the two SEC East favorites, so
this game will have huge
implications even though it's early.

10/8
10/15
10/22
10/29
11/5
11/12
11/19
11/26

@South Carolina
Vanderbilt
BYE
Florida (Jacksonville)
@Kentucky
Auburn
UL Lafayette
Georgia Tech

Bowl Prediction

Opponent: Michigan State

Head Coach: Mark Helfrich (4th season)

2015 Results: 9-4, 2nd in Pac-12 North
Lost to TCU in the Alamo Bowl
It is incredible how quickly the college football world has written Oregon off.
After seven straight 10+ win seasons, the Ducks fell to 9-4 last season and now
some people have them ranked outside the Top 25 for 2016. There were
plenty of factors that contributed to Oregons slight decline last season, some
of which were out of their control. With a little luck, they will be right back in
the mix for the Pac-12 championship this fall.

RB Royce Freeman

Date
9/3
9/10
9/17
9/24
10/1
10/8
10/15
10/21 (F)
10/29
11/5
11/12

Schedule
Opponent
UC Davis
Virginia
@Nebraska
Colorado
@Washington State
Washington
BYE
@California
Arizona State
@USC
Stanford

These two teams have combined to

win the past six Pac-12 titles.
Oregon spoiled Stanford's playoff
hopes last year, and if they beat
the Cardinal again this fall they
should win the North division.

11/19
11/26

@Utah
@Oregon State

Bowl Prediction

Opponent: Oklahoma State

With Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota at the helm, Oregon averaged
45.4 PPG in 2014. While most people will point to his departure as the main
reason the Ducks win total decreased, that isnt entirely fair to his successor,
Vernon Adams. In fact, the offenses production only slightly declined in 2015,
as they averaged 43.0 PPG. Furthermore, all four of the teams losses came
when Adams was either sidelined or playing at less than one-hundred percent
due to injury. If he had stayed healthy all year, Oregon could very well have
competed for a playoff spot. Now that Adams is gone, Oregon brought in
another graduate transfer from the FCS, Dakota Prukop, to take his place.
Prukop has had the luxury of working with the team all offseason, an
opportunity Adams didnt have. Assuming he stays healthy, this offense will
be the same explosive attack that everyone had become accustomed to
seeing. Like always, there are a plethora of speedy playmakers at every
position. The receiving corps is loaded with Dwayne Stanford, Darren
Carrington, Devon Allen, and converted cornerback and track star Nelson
Charles. Running back Royce Freeman will be the focal point of the offense as
he enters his third season as the starting running back. He rushed for 1,838
yards last season and could definitely eclipse 2,000 as a junior. This offense is
in much better shape now than they were this time a year ago, which is a
scary thought for Pac-12 defenses.
Speaking of Pac-12 defenses, Oregon ranked near the bottom of the
conference on that side of the ball in 2015. In fact, the Duck defense was one
of the worst in the entire FBS. They allowed a putrid average of 37.5 PPG,
which ranked 117th in the nation. The Ducks are attempting to regain
respectability on the defensive side of the ball by bringing in Brady Hoke as
their new DC. The group he inherits is relatively experienced, but that does
little to make up for the lack of discipline. It also doesnt help that defensive
end DeForest Buckner is gone to the NFL. The best way for Oregon to improve
their defensive numbers would be to force turnovers, which they have
traditionally done successfully. The defense is by far the main concern for this
team, which could be a playoff contender if the defense is merely average.
Even with an injured quarterback and atrocious defense, Oregon won nine
games in 2015. Things can only go up from there for a program that has
proven its sustainability over the past decade. The Ducks will be a major
player in the Pac-12 title race and prove their doubters wrong this fall.

23

Head Coach: Bobby Petrino (3rd season)

2015 Results: 8-5, 3rd in ACC Atlantic
Beat Texas A&M in the Music City Bowl
In a division that features two of the best teams in college football, it is easy
to forget about Louisville. That would be a mistake. The Cardinals return a
boatload of talent, making 2016 a potential breakout year in Bobby Petrinos
third season. An ACC championship is probably too much to ask for, but
Louisville is certainly capable of knocking off one of the divisions
heavyweights and making things interesting.
Whether or not Louisville can go from a pest to a legitimate contender will
depend on quarterback Lamar Jackson. The dual-threat signal caller was
thrust into action early in his freshman season, and while inexperience was
glaring at times, so was his raw talent. He was already one of college
footballs most dangerous runners as a freshman, and he showed plenty of
promise as a passer. Now that he has a season of experience under his belt,
Jackson could develop into a monster in 2016. He will have no shortage of
options in the passing game, as literally everyone is back. James Quick and
Jamari Staples headline the list of weapons, but there will be plenty of targets
to go around. The stable of running backs is equally deep. Lamar Jackson is
obviously Louisvilles best ball carrier, and he is complimented by senior
running back Brandon Radcliff and junior Jeremy Smith. The running game
will benefit from experience on the offensive line, something that was not
present in 2015. Louisvilles offense showed flashes of greatness last fall, but
they were nowhere near their full potential. Bobby Petrino is an offensive
mastermind, and this may be his most talented group ever. If Lamar Jackson
plays to his full potential, the ceiling is astronomically high for this offense.
The defense also has the potential to be special because, just like the offense,
they return just about everyone. From a production standpoint, it would be
hard to argue that any team has a better group of linebackers than Louisville.
Devonte Fields wreaked havoc on opposing quarterbacks in his first season as
a Cardinal after transferring from TCU, where he won Big 12 DPOY as a true
freshman. The unit is anchored in the middle by leading tackler Keith Kelsey.
The defensive backfield is also stockpiled with returning talent. Cornerbacks
Shaq Wiggins and Trumaine Washington combined with safeties Josh HarveyClemons and Chucky Williams for 11 interceptions last season and that
number will probably go up with all four coming back. The only question mark
is the defensive line, which loses first-round pick Sheldon Rankins. Louisville
had a lot of good individual defenders last season, and now that they have
experience playing together they should be great as a group in 2016.
Obviously the Cardinals are laced with potential, but that doesnt guarantee
success. They must face FSU and Clemson within their division in addition to a
nonconference game against Houston. They will probably win one of those
three games, but if everything falls into place they could emerge as a dark
horse playoff contender.

24

QB Lamar Jackson

Date
9/1 (Th)
9/9 (F)
9/17

Schedule
Opponent
Charlotte
@Syracuse
Florida State

This is Louisville's first chance to

prove they are a true playoff
contender. If Lamar Jackson has a
career game, the Cardinals could
pull the upset and thrust
themselves into ACC contention.

9/24
10/1
10/8
10/14 (F)

10/22
10/29
11/5
11/12
11/17 (Th)

11/26

@Marshall
@Clemson
BYE
Duke
NC State
@Virginia
@Boston College
Wake Forest
@Houston
Kentucky

Bowl Prediction

Opponent: Baylor

Head Coach: Mark Dantonio (10th season)

2015 Results: 12-2, 1st in Big Ten East

Lost to Alabama in the Cotton Bowl
In 2007, Mark Dantonio took over a team that had finished in the Top 25 just
once in the previous sixteen seasons. They have accomplished that six times
during his tenure, including Top 10 finishes the past three seasons. Michigan
State has earned their place among college footballs top programs, and all
signs indicate they will stay there as long as Dantonio is their head coach.

DT Malik McDowell

Date
9/2 (F)
9/10
9/17
9/24
10/1
10/8
10/15
10/22
10/29

Schedule
Opponent
Furman
BYE
@Notre Dame
Wisconsin
@Indiana
BYU
Northwestern
@Maryland
Michigan

Michigan State has dominated their

"Big Brother," and they can't afford
to lose their stranglehold on the
state. They caught a lucky break in
2015, but they will have to play
much better to make it 8 of 9.

11/5
11/12
11/19
11/26

@Illinois
Rutgers
Ohio State
@Penn State

Bowl Prediction

Opponent: Georgia

The biggest question Michigan State faces this season is at the quarterback
position. Connor Cook led the Spartans to two Big Ten titles, and his career
record of 36-5 makes him the most decorated signal caller in program history.
Any time a team loses such an experienced quarterback, there is bound to be
a decline in the offenses efficiency. Tyler OConnor, the new starter, showed
poise in the victory over Ohio State last season but was not relied on heavily in
the game. Not only will he be forced to shoulder a greater load as the fulltime starter, but he will also be dealing with an inexperienced receiving corps.
All-Big Ten receiver Aaron Burbridge and boom-or-bust number two target
Macgarrett Kings are both gone, leaving R.J. Shelton as the only returning
starter. Tight end Josiah Price does provide a nice security blanket, but the
rest of the targets are unproven. Furthermore, the offensive line loses two allconference players in tackle Jack Conklin and center Jack Allen. Brian Allen
moves from guard to center in an attempt to fill the hole left by his brother.
Nevertheless, those loses will make it difficult to OConnor to adjust. As a
result, the Spartans will be forced to rely heavily on the running game. That
isnt necessarily a bad thing, as L.J. Scott looked great as a freshman and could
be on his way to stardom. Backups Gerald Holmes and Madre London also
return, as does wildcat quarterback Damion Terry, giving the Spartans great
depth in the backfield. This offense will look much different without Connor
Cook under center, but their new-look attack will still put up points.
Dantonio built his early Spartan teams around great defense, and although
they haven't been elite the past couple of years, they have remained solid.
Malik McDowell leads a stout run defense and can get to the quarterback
from the interior of the defensive line. His dominance will help mask the loss
of defensive end Shilique Calhoun. Meanwhile, Riley Bullough captains the
defense from the middle linebacker position. The front seven will be very
good, but the secondary will have to be much better if the Spartan defense
wants to be great. They got torched repeatedly through the season and were
exposed by Alabama in the Cotton Bowl. Even with a vulnerable secondary,
MSU's defense will still be among the Big Ten's best.
There are plenty of question marks for Mark Dantonio to address before the
season begins, but he has earned the benefit of the doubt. Everyone is talking
about Michigan and Ohio State as the teams to beat in the Big Ten East, but
Michigan State has home games against both and could potentially pull an
upset to put themselves in the race.

25

Head Coach: Hugh Freeze (5th season)

2015 Results: 10-3, 2nd in SEC West
Beat Oklahoma State in the Sugar Bowl
Over the past several years, Ole Miss has recruited on an elite level, and the
results have shown on the field. The Rebels have improved every year under
Hugh Freeze, reaching New Years Six Bowl games the past two seasons. Ole
Miss lost more talent to the NFL than any team outside of Ohio State, but they
have solid replacements who will keep them in contention for the SEC title.
A big reason for the continued optimism surrounding Oxford is the return of
Chad Kelly. After a great 2015 season, the former Clemson transfer enters
2016 as the SECs premier quarterback. After leading the SEC in passing yards
and touchdowns last season, his stats will put him near the top of the national
charts this fall. He will have to do so without All-American wide receiver
Laquon Treadwell or fellow NFL draft pick Cody Core. However, Quincy
Adeboyejo, Damoreea Stringfellow, and Markell Pack comprise a talented
group of young receivers who could match the production of Treadwell and
Core. Tight end Evan Engram is another receiving threat who elected to
forego the NFL Draft to return to college. Considering the number of weapons
and the pedigree of the guy throwing them the ball, it is clear that Ole Miss
will pass a lot in 2016. Their running game is functional, with duties split
between Akeem Judd and Jordan Wilkins. The offensive line loses several key
pieces, including first-round draft choice Laremy Tunsil. They figure to start
four underclassmen, which is a cause for some concern. Outside of that
potential issue, the Rebels have answers everywhere. All in all, they are
poised for a great season on offense.
The story is similar on the defensive side of the ball, where Ole Miss seems to
have answers to all the glaring questions. The Nkemdiche brothers are gone,
leaving holes at the defensive tackle and middle linebacker positions. Even
though Robert Nkemdiche got most of the attention, however, the real star of
the defensive line was Marquis Haynes. The defensive end accounted for ten
sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss last season. Add in opposite side defensive end
Fadol Brown and nose tackle D.J. Jones and you get a pretty formidable unit
even without Nkemdiche. The same goes for the linebackers, as the return of
leading tackler Demarquis Gates gives the group stability. Its the same story
in the back end, as the Rebels lose Mike Hilton and Trae Elston but return a
very good pair of cornerbacks in Kendarius Webster and Tony Bridges. They
will also have a healthy Tony Conner, who starred at nickel back in 2014
before suffering through injuries last season. Ole Miss has recruited so well
over the years that they will be able withstand the bevy of departures.
Now that Ole Miss has stockpiled enough talent over an extended period of
time, they no longer have to worry about rebuilding. The schedule isn't easy,
however, as the Rebels face Alabama and Florida State in the first three
weeks. This team is capable of beating anyone on any given week, but there
are probably too many road bumps for a playoff run.

26

QB Chad Kelly

Date
9/5 (M)
9/10
9/17

Schedule
Opponent
Florida State (Orlando)

Wofford
Alabama

Ole Miss has handed Alabama its

only two regular season losses the
last two years. They have the
talent and scheme to make it three
straight, which would give them a
shot at the SEC crown.

9/24
10/1
10/8
10/15
10/22
10/29
11/5
11/12
11/19
11/26

Georgia
Memphis
BYE
@Arkansas
@LSU
Auburn
Georgia Southern
@Texas A&M
@Vanderbilt
Mississippi State

Bowl Prediction

Opponent: Iowa

Head Coach: Gary Patterson (16th season)

2015 Results: 11-2, 3rd in Big 12

Beat TCU in the Alamo Bowl
Coming off a 12-1 finish in 2014, TCU opened last season ranked #2. As I
predicted, the tremendous amount of turnover on defense caught up with
them as they failed to reach expectations. They did still finish 11-2, but that
included six one-score victories. Now, they lose most of the offense, so on
paper there isnt much to like about this team. Luckily for the Frogs, a transfer
quarterback and improved defensive play could keep them on the right track.

DE Josh Carraway

Date
9/3
9/10
9/17
9/23 (F)
10/1

Schedule
Opponent
South Dakota State
Arkansas
Iowa State
@SMU
Oklahoma

TCU was a two-point conversion

away from ruining Oklahoma's
season in 2015. If both teams are
at full strength, TCU and OU are the
two best in the Big 12. A win would
make them a conference favorite.

10/8
10/15
10/22
10/29
11/5
11/12
11/19
11/25 (F)

12/3

@Kansas
BYE
@West Virginia
Texas Tech
@Baylor
BYE
Oklahoma State
@Texas
Kansas State

Bowl Prediction

Opponent: Houston

In order to keep up with the high-flying offenses of the Big 12, TCU brought in
Doug Meacham and Sonny Cumbie as co-offensive coordinators in 2014.
Their first two seasons have gone perfectly, as they quickly turned the TCU
offense into a powerhouse. Both return for 2016, so the offense should still
be very good despite a bevy of player departures. Basically all the important
skill position players from last season are gone, including quarterback Trevone
Boykin, running back Aaron Green, and wide receivers Josh Doctson and Kolby
Listenbee. It certainly wont be easy to replace those guys, but the Horned
Frogs may be able to do so without too much of a drop off. They bring in
Kenny Hill, a transfer from Texas A&M, to take over for Boykin behind center.
With a year of coaching from Meacham and Cumbie under his belt, Hill hopes
to recapture his Heisman-candidate form. As far as receivers go, the Frogs
have plenty of options to fill the void left by Doctson and Listenbee. Deante
Gray and Ty Slanina were both injured last season after strong 2014
campaigns and are now ready to lead the receiving corps. Slot ninja KaVontae
Turpin, one of the most exciting players in college football, is a threat to score
whenever he touches the ball. Kyle Hicks should be a solid starting tailback,
although he may have some trouble running inside the tackles early in the
season due to a revamped interior offensive line. TCUs offense may drop off
some due to the loss of so many playmakers, but they will remain explosive.
Probably the biggest reason for TCUs failure to meet expectations last year
was the fact that their defense allowed eight PPG more than they had in 2014.
That was caused by a combination of inexperience and injury. Barring injury,
the TCU defense will return to form this season. Their defensive line may be
the best in America, with defensive ends Josh Carraway and James McFarland
providing a deadly pass rush and defensive tackle Aaron Curry clogging up the
middle. The stout front seven is rounded out by a deep linebacker corps led
by Travin Howard. Their ability to get to the passer will aid the secondary,
which is fairly strong in its own right. Safety Denzel Johnson provides that unit
with a versatile playmaker. TCU may be the only team in the Big 12 whose
defense is truly an asset, which gives them a huge advantage over the rest of
the conference.
Even though they may not win more games than they did a season ago, this
TCU team will be better than the 2015 version. If Kenny Hill plays to his
potential, the Horned Frogs will vie for the Big 12 title and a spot in the college
football playoff behind their potent offense and stingy defense.

27

Head Coach: Tom Herman (2nd season)

2015 Results: 13-1, 1st in AAC West
Beat Florida State in the Peach Bowl
Tom Herman wasted no time turning Houston into a Group of 5 powerhouse,
and now his team has its sights set on the College Football Playoff. They have
two showcase opportunities in the nonconference, so if they run the table
they would have a strong case. As long as the Cougars can manage
expectations, the potential is there for a special season.
It all starts with the offense for Tom Hermans team, and the offense revolves
around quarterback Greg Ward Jr. The converted wide receiver showed why
he belongs behind center as he passed for 17 touchdowns and rushed for 21
more as a junior. As long as the Cougars are in the playoff conversation, Ward
will be right in the thick of the Heisman race. Outside of Ward, however, the
offense will feature a lot of new faces in 2016. Running back Kenneth Farrow
and top wide receiver Demarcus Ayers are gone, forcing the supporting cast to
step up. The Cougars will turn to Texas transfer Duke Catalon, a former four
star, at running back. He should be a fine replacement for Kenneth Farrow at
that position. They also bring Oklahoma State transfer RaShaad Samples to
boost the receiving corps. Samples is joined by Chance Allen, Steven Dunbar,
and Linell Bonner. There is no shortage of depth at the position, so all the
Cougars need is for one of those four to step up and fulfill the role of go-to
guy. The one true area of concern for the offense is the lack of experience up
front. The Cougars will be starting four underclassmen, which could disrupt
the rhythm of the offense. Hopefully that unit can gel in time for the Week 1
clash with Oklahoma. Against almost everyone else on the schedule, Greg
Ward Jr. and the other playmakers will simply overwhelm defenses.
The explosive offense was accompanied by a serviceable defense last season,
and as long as they maintain that level the Cougars should be in good shape
again this fall. Unfortunately, the two standout players from the 2015 are no
longer on the team. Linebacker Elandon Roberts led the nation in solo tackles
as the cork stopper in the middle of the defense. Cornerback William Jackson
III paced all defenders with 23 pass breakups, adding five interceptions that
included a pair of pick-sixes. Those are two very difficult players to replace.
The secondary will be particularly affected, as they lose two other starters in
addition to Jackson. Luckily, Houston has a good enough pass rush to take
pressure off the young defensive backs. Outside linebackers Steven Taylor
and Tyus Bowser can get to the passer off the edge, and the defensive line is
very strong. They have a seasoned unit of upperclassmen as well as a
potential stud in freshman defensive end Ed Oliver. This defense has plenty of
good pieces, but it may take a few games before they really hit their stride.
The games against Oklahoma and Louisville are both in Houston, which gives
the Cougars a chance. Although an undefeated season is possible, it isn't
likely because the rest of the AAC will be gunning for them. Even if they drop
a game or two, Houston will likely make another New Years Six appearance.

28

QB Greg Ward Jr.

Schedule
Opponent
Oklahoma (Houston)

Date
9/3

This is Houston's season. A win

would put them in the driver's seat
for the playoff, but a loss would
ruin those hopes. This is a good
matchup for the Cougars, as their
offense could cause Oklahoma fits.

9/10
9/15 (Th)

9/24
9/29 (Th)

10/8
10/15
10/22
10/29
11/5
11/12
11/17 (Th)

11/25 (F)

Lamar
@Cincinnati
@Texas State
UConn
@Navy
Tulsa
@SMU
UCF
BYE
Tulane
Louisville
@Memphis

Bowl Prediction

Opponent: TCU

Head Coach: Brian Kelly (2nd season)

2015 Results: 10-3
Lost to Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl
In his third season in South Bend, Brian Kelly took the Irish to their first
national championship game of the BCS era. Injuries have derailed the Irish
the past few seasons, but they have stockpiled talent and built depth during
that time. They have entered the reloading stage and could compete for a
playoff spot this season despite an inexperienced starting lineup.

QB DeShone Kizer

Date
9/4 (Sun)

9/10
9/17

Schedule
Opponent
@Texas
Nevada
Michigan State

This is a benchmark game for both

teams. It is also one of ND's three
games against ranked opponents.
They must win two of those to
make the playoff, so winning this
one would be a good start.

9/24
10/1
10/8
10/15
10/22
10/29
11/5
11/12
11/19
11/26

Duke
@Syracuse
@NC State
Stanford
BYE
Miami (FL)
Navy (Jacksonville)
Army (San Antonio)
Virginia Tech
@USC

Bowl Prediction

Opponent: Tennessee

Forced into the starting role as a sophomore due to Malik Zaire's injury,
quarterback DeShone Kizer actually performed very well, leading Notre Dame
to within seconds of a playoff berth. Kizer offers plenty of upside and has two
years of eligibility remaining, so he will probably maintain the starting job
even though Zaire is now healthy. He hopes to take the next step into the top
tier of college football quarterbacks this season. Kizer is accompanied in the
backfield by a stable of proven running backs. Tarean Folston returns after
missing 2015 with an injury, and talented sophomore Josh Adams will also get
plenty of carries. The rest of the offense is less secure, starting with
inexperience at wide receiver. Number one receiver Will Fuller left for the
NFL, Corey Robinson retired due to concussions, and Chris Brown graduated,
leaving the receiving corps decimated. The Irish are counting on Torii Hunter
Jr. and Alize Jones to soak up plenty of targets. Another inexperienced unit is
the offensive line. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley and center Nick Martin went in
the first and second rounds of the draft, respectively. Notre Dame has
featured imposing offensive fronts in recent years and will find new pieces,
but they probably wont be as dominant this season. Having great players at
quarterback and running back will help Notre Dame mask its issues at the
other offensive positions until they build up some experience.
On paper, Notre Dame had the makings of a great defense last season. On the
field, though, they were less than the sum of their parts, posting very average
defensive numbers. With a number of impact players gone, the odds of an
improved defensive output this fall are minimal. Linebackers Jaylon Smith and
Romeo Okwara formed an imposing tandem in the middle of the defense, and
their departures leave a gaping hole. Defensive tackle Sheldon Day, who was
a menace in the heart of the defensive line, has also moved on. That leaves
the Irish with some serious question marks in the front seven. In fact, the
secondary is also incredibly thin outside of top cornerback Cole Luke. Notre
Dames defense has plenty of talent, but they are also very inexperienced.
After underachieving last year, they will probably turn out a similar level of
performance if they stay healthy.
Of all the Top 10 teams, Notre Dame is by far the least attractive. Their
schedule is the easiest they have faced in years, though, which sets up nicely
for another ten win season. The ceiling could be higher if DeShone Kizer
makes a big Year 2 leap. Even if they underperform, the Irish will finish the
season in the Top 15.

29

Head Coach: Butch Jones (4th season)

2015 Results: 9-4, 2nd in SEC East
Beat Northwestern in the Outback Bowl
It is rare for a team to return 85% of their starters two years in a row, but
Tennessee will enjoy that luxury in 2016. The Volunteers held fourth quarter
leads in three of their four losses last season (Oklahoma, Florida, and
Alabama), and the fourth loss came by just four points to Arkansas. Now that
they are more experienced, they should be able to finish some of those close
games and contend for a playoff position.
Tennessee rolls into 2016 loaded on both sides of the ball. The offense
centers around versatile quarterback Joshua Dobbs, who enters his third year
as the starter. Dobbs flashed enormous potential despite inconsistency as a
sophomore, but as a junior he played more conservatively and his statistics
suffered as a result. Also, his late-game struggles contributed to a few of the
Volunteers collapses. If Tennessee is going to compete for an SEC title, they
will need their quarterback to play with more confidence. Tennessee features
an experienced group of receivers that will be utilized more if Dobbs becomes
comfortable airing it out. His strength is still as a runner, and he is
accompanied in the backfield by one of the SECs best running backs, Jalen
Hurd. The two form the conferences most dangerous rushing tandem
operating out of their read-option attack. It would be tough to find many
teams with more offensive weapons than Tennessee, and they may finally
have the chemistry needed to capitalize on their potential.
The defense is also stacked with playmakers and experience at all three levels.
Up front, defensive end Derek Barnett acts as a catalyst for a monstrous pass
rush. His quickness off the edge gives opposing offensive lines fits and allows
the rest of the Tennessee defensive line to benefit from good matchups. At
the next level, weak side linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin highlights another
strong unit. He can rush the quarterback, drop into coverage, and stop the
run. Reeves-Maybin is not only the leader of the Tennessee defense, but he
belongs in the conversation of college footballs best linebackers. The
secondary may actually be the strongest unit on Tennessees defense.
Lockdown cornerback Cameron Sutton opens up plenty of options for the
defense by taking away the opponents best downfield weapon. Free safety
Evan Berry was a first team All-American selection last season as a return
specialist and has the makings of a great defensive player. Outside of a few
late-game collapses, this defense was stingy in 2015. Closing the game is
obviously important, and they will probably do a better job of that this season.
Despite their 9-4 record, Tennessee was very close to breaking through last
season. They now return one of the most experienced rosters in the country,
so this may be the year they finally break through. If the Vols escape their
four game stretch against Florida, Georgia, Texas A&M, and Alabama with one
or zero losses, they will cruise through the back end of their schedule and play
in the SEC championship game with a playoff berth on the line.

30

LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin

Date
9/1 (Th)
9/10
9/17
9/24
10/1
10/8
10/15

Schedule
Opponent
Appalachian State
Virginia Tech (Bristol)

Ohio
Florida
@Georgia
@Texas A&M
Alabama

Last year, Tennessee was on the

brink of beating Alabama for the
first time since 2006 before
allowing a late touchdown. The
Vols have a chance to break the
streak if they bring their A+ game.

10/22
10/29
11/5
11/12
11/19
11/26

BYE
@South Carolina
Tennessee Tech
Kentucky
Missouri
@Vanderbilt

Bowl Prediction

Opponent: Notre Dame

Head Coach: David Shaw (6th season)

2015 Results: 12-2, 1st in Pac-12 North
Beat Iowa in the Rose Bowl
David Shaw once stated that he hoped to turn Stanford into the Alabama of
the West Coast. Although the Cardinal have yet to win or reach the national
championship game, they have become the face of the Pac-12. A Week 1 loss
to Northwestern kept them out of the playoff last season, and they will be
right in the mix once again this fall despite some significant losses on both
sides of the ball. This staff has earned the reputation for reloading rather than
rebuilding, and they will have this team ready to compete.

DE Solomon Thomas

Date
9/2 (F)
9/10
9/17
9/24
9/30 (F)
10/8
10/15
10/22
10/29
11/5
11/12

Schedule
Opponent
Kansas State
BYE
USC
@UCLA
@Washington
Washington State
@Notre Dame
Colorado
@Arizona
Oregon State
@Oregon

The road to the Pac-12 title game

runs through Eugene, but home
field advantage hasn't played a
huge role in this rivalry. Whichever
team is hotter at the time will have
the edge in this even matchup.

11/19
11/26

@California
Rice

Bowl Prediction

Opponent: Michigan

Stanford has produced some great players recently, but Christian McCaffrey
has the potential to top that list. The uber-athletic running back exploded
onto the scene as a sophomore, giving the Stanford offense a burst that they
desperately needed. Stanford did everything they could to get the ball in
McCaffreys hands, and he delivered by rewriting the record books, surpassing
Barry Sanders for the single-season all-purpose yardage crown. This offense
will start and finish with Christian McCaffrey, and everyone else will play a
supporting role. Some of those role players include wide receivers Michael
Rector and Francis Owusu, a pair of seniors who give the Cardinal the ability to
stretch the field vertically. Another key component is the offensive line, which
loses some important players. The coaches have consistently built powerful
offensive lines, so they should be able to craft a solid unit that can protect the
quarterback and open up lanes for McCaffrey. Blocking will also be provided
by fullback Daniel Marx, who works behind the scenes to help this offense
click. Stanfords offense has the makings of a formidable bunch if Ryan Burns
proves himself to be a worthy replacement for four-year starting quarterback
Kevin Hogan. Hogan led the Cardinal to three Rose Bowls during his time in
Palo Alto, so obviously his consistency, leadership, and clutch performances
will be missed. As long as Burns can get the ball to McCaffrey and keep
defenses honest with his arm, Stanford's offense will be dangerous.
When Jim Harbaugh started building Stanford into a football powerhouse, his
first ingredient was toughness. As a result, defense has always been a point of
emphasis for this football team. They consistently boast the best defense in
the Pac-12. Several leaders from the 2015 defense have moved on, which
presents a challenge. Just like the offensive line, Stanfords defense will be
ready to meet the challenge. The guys who provided depth last year will slide
into starting roles seamlessly and keep the defense ticking like clockwork.
One guy worth mentioning is defensive end Solomon Thomas, who is poised
to become one of college footballs most daunting edge rushers. The Stanford
defense will rank right near the top of the Pac-12, just like they always do.
Stanford may not be a trendy pick, but they have a proven formula that has
produced results in the past and will continue to do so. The Cardinal get my
pick to win their fourth Pac-12 title in five seasons, although a brutal earlyseason schedule will probably knock them out of playoff contention.

31

Head Coach: Jim Harbaugh (2nd season)

2015 Results: 10-3, 3rd in Big Ten East
Beat Florida in the Citrus Bowl
It was clear from the moment he was hired that Jim Harbaugh would
eventually turn Michigan into a national powerhouse, but nobody expected it
to happen so soon. Entering his second season, Harbaugh has his Wolverines
among the favorites to win it all. Although they will have to overcome a
difficult road schedule, they certainly have the horses to contend for the
national title.
In just one season, Michigans offense improved from one of the Big Tens
worst to one of the conferences best. This year, Michigan turns to Wilton
Speight at quarterback, who led the Wolverines to a gutsy comeback victory
on the road against Minnesota in 2015. He has a great football mind and will
have five home games to get his feet wet before the stretch run. He will also
be throwing to arguably the best receiving corps in the country. If Jehu
Chesson and Amara Darboh play a full season at the level they played at to
close out last season, both will be up for All-American consideration. Slot
receiver Grant Perry will make huge strides as a sophomore. Tight end Jake
Butt was an All-American as a junior and looks to outdo himself as a senior.
The Wolverines will also unleash sophomore tight end Tyrone Wheatley Jr.,
who checks in at 276 pounds but can move like hes 226 pounds and can catch
like a wide receiver. With an experienced offensive line, Michigan hopes to
have a more consistent rushing attack in 2016. At the head of the running
back depth chart is senior DeVeon Smith, who is nearly impossible to bring
down once he gets to the second level. Michigans offense has several
cupcake games before they run into a tough defense, giving them time to
morph into an efficient and imposing unit.
The Wolverine defense was a top-five unit last season, and they brought in
number one defensive coordinator Don Brown this offseason. Michigan
boasts a defensive line that is hands-down the best in the country. Not only is
their starting four stacked, but they are backed up by a second string that
could start for most other teams. The linebacker position is the thinnest unit
on the whole team, but the addition of Jabrill Peppers at the SAM position
gives them a boost. The most versatile player in college football, Peppers will
also make a big difference on offense and as a punt returner. Jourdan Lewis,
another All-American, may be the nations best lockdown corner. The safeties
may not be quite as stable as they were last year, but Dymonte Thomas and
Delano Hill are both athletic players who can cover a lot of ground. The
combination of their elite secondary and defensive line make Michigans
defense the best in the country.
People from other fan bases are getting tired of the Michigan hype, but it will
only ramp up once the Wolverines hit the field. They are a near lock to start
7-0 before heading to Michigan State, Iowa, and Ohio State for the stretch
run. The finale in Columbus will likely decide the Big Ten East champion.

32

CB Jourdan Lewis

Date
9/3
9/10
9/17
9/24
10/1
10/8
10/15
10/22
10/29
11/5
11/12
11/19
11/26

Schedule
Opponent
Hawaii
UCF
Colorado
Penn State
Wisconsin
@Rutgers
BYE
Illinois
@Michigan State
Maryland
@Iowa
Indiana
@Ohio State

Harbaugh's first game against Ohio

State didn't go well, but Michigan
has put that behind them. This is a
de facto playoff quarterfinal. The
Wolverines haven't won in
Columbus since 2004.

Bowl Prediction

Opponent: Stanford

Head Coach: Les Miles (12th season)

2015 Results: 9-3, 4th in SEC West
Beat Texas Tech in the Texas Bowl
LSU hasnt been the same since they lost to Alabama in the National
Championship Game following the 2011 season. It looked like they had gotten
back on track last season when they were ranked #2 in the first set of college
football playoff rankings, but three straight losses derailed their season and
nearly resulted in the firing of Les Miles. Miles has one more chance to bring
the Tigers back to the Promised Land, and he has the nations most
experienced roster to work with. If LSU can get decent play out of their
quarterback they will be the favorite to win the national title.

CB Tre'Davious White
Schedule
Opponent

Date
9/3
9/10
9/17
9/24
10/1
10/8
10/15
10/22
10/29
11/5

Wisconsin (Green Bay)

Jacksonville State
Mississippi State
@Auburn
Missouri
@Florida
Southern Miss
Ole Miss
BYE
Alabama

These two teams always play close,

but LSU hasn't beaten the Tide
since 2011. Brandon Harris must
play well if the Tigers are going to
win. If not, Alabama will stack the
box and shut down Fournette.

11/12
11/19
11/24 (Th)

@Arkansas
South Alabama
@Texas A&M

Bowl Prediction

Opponent: Clemson

The one thing that always seems to hold LSU back is the quarterback position.
Last season, the Tigers were rolling until they faced Alabama, who loaded the
box and dared them to throw the ball. Other teams adopted similar
strategies, allowing them to bottle up star running back Leonard Fournette
because there was no passing threat to hold them responsible. Brandon
Harris, who returns under center, is without a doubt the X-factor for LSU. If
he raises his game even to an average level, this offense has the makings of a
great unit. They are loaded with talented receivers such as Travin Dural and
Malachi Dupre who are hungry for an opportunity to showcase their abilities.
Then theres Leonard Fournette, who is hands-down the best NFL prospect in
college football. He put the offense on his back last season and will be
expected to do so again in 2016. Once again, if the passing game can keep
defenses somewhat off balance, Fournette will literally be unstoppable. The
offensive line is great and will pave some massive holes for him to run
through. He will also get blocking from fullback John David Moore and tight
end Colin Jeter, who double as scoring threats in short yardage situations. A
competent passing game would make this offense great, but even with shaky
quarterback play they should be very good.
LSU always features one of the nations most athletic defenses, and the 2016
edition has the potential to be the best yet. They combine immense talent
with an insane amount of experience and depth. The Tiger defense centers on
imposing middle linebacker Kendall Beckwith, who enters the season as an AllAmerican candidate. The front seven will stuff anyone that tries to run on
them and will cause quarterbacks nightmares. Their experience playing
together make them even more daunting. The most star-studded unit is the
secondary, with cornerback TreDavious White and strong safety Jamal Adams
slated for a run at national accolades. Those two are the latest in a long line
of great LSU defensive backs. The Tigers will have a shutdown defense that
will be very difficult to move the ball on, much less score against.
As I stated earlier, if LSU had a 50th percentile quarterback they would be the
favorite to win it all. It is possible that Brandon Harris will answer the bell, but
LSU fans shouldnt count on it. Regardless, the floor for this team is ten wins
and a New Years Six bowl appearance.

33

Head Coach: Dabo Swinney (8th season)

2015 Results: 14-1, 1st in ACC Atlantic
Lost to Alabama in National Championship
In 2015, Clemson finally got the monkey off their back, shaking the stereotype
that they couldnt go through a complete season without choking a game
away. They proved they were worthy of the number one seed by thrashing
Oklahoma in the semifinal and then taking Alabama to the wire in the
championship game. Clemson has the best offense in college football and a
defense that should be good enough to back that offense up. The main
concern is that trip to Tallahassee, a place where they havent won since 2006.
Last year I called for Clemsons offense to reach new heights behind
sophomore quarterback DeShaun Watson and they did not disappoint.
Watson is the most valuable player in college football given his ability to
single-handedly win football games. His first-class arm and complimentary
running ability put him alongside Vince Young and Cam Newton in a class of
all-time great dual threat quarterbacks. There is literally no weakness in his
game, making him impossible to game plan for. Making things even scarier for
defensive coordinators is the fact that Watson is surrounded by college
footballs best group of skill position players. Last years offense was great
even without their best wide receiver, Mike Williams, who was injured prior to
the season. Not only is Williams now healthy, but literally everyone from last
year is back as well. Artavis Scott has emerged as the top target and will put
up All-American caliber numbers. Hunter Renfrow really came on late in the
season and is joined by fellow sophomores Deon Cain, Ray-Ray McCloud, and
Trevion Thompson to round out this incredibly deep unit. Thats without even
mentioning All-American tight end Jordan Leggett, who is a matchup
nightmare as a pass-catcher. The best passing game in the country is joined
by a top ten rushing attack spearheaded by Wayne Gallman. The bruising ball
carrier ran is way to first team All-ACC honors as a sophomore and has set his
sights on even greater goals as a junior. Between Gallman and Watson, the
Tigers will rack up plenty of yards on the ground. With so many explosive
playmakers, saying that Clemsons offense will be great does not do them a
justice. A scoring average of 50 points per game is certainly within reach.
Brent Venables has proven that he can replace defensive talent without
issues, which gives me confidence that the Tigers will be stout again this fall.
Sure, plenty of players from 2015 are gone, including All-American defensive
end Shaq Lawson. However, Clemson brings back linebacker Ben Boulware,
the heart and soul of their defense. Another budding star is cornerback
Cordrea Tankersley. Assuming a few players step up along the defensive line
to give the Tigers another ferocious pass rush, this defense will continue to
rank among the best in the country.
All in all, Clemson is the best football team in college football. They feature a
historically great offense and a defense that is very good in its own right. If
Clemson gets into the playoff, they will be the team to beat. Unfortunately,
that road game against FSU may keep them out of the four team field.

34

RB Wayne Gallman

Date
9/3
9/10
9/17
9/22 (Th)

10/1
10/7 (F)
10/15
10/22
10/29

Schedule
Opponent
@Auburn
Troy
South Carolina
@Georgia Tech
Louisville
@Boston College
NC State
BYE
@Florida State

It has been ten years since

Clemson won in Tallahassee, and
Florida State has the athletes on
defense to slow them down.
Those two factors are huge, but it
doesn't mean Clemson has no
shot. This game could be a classic.

11/5
11/12
11/19
11/26

Syracuse
Pittsburgh
@Wake Forest
South Carolina

Bowl Prediction

Opponent: LSU

Last year Oklahoma was matched up against the

undefeated ACC champs, and I'm predicting a
similar situation this season. This time around,
the ACC team will be Florida State, which won a
tight game against Clemson earlier in the season.
At 13-0, they will be the #1 seed. Oklahoma is a
less certain pick, as an early-season loss to TCU
will put their Big 12 title hopes in jeopardy.
However, marquee nonconference victories
against Ohio State and Houston, as well as the
Big 12 co-champion label, will be enough to get
the Sooners in the four-team field. They will put
up a much better fight against Florida State than
they did against Clemson a year ago, making this
the most entertaining of the two semifinal
matchups. Ultimately, Florida State's power
running game will help them win a one-score
game that will come down the final possession.

35

In last year's national title game, Clemson

legitimately fought punch-for-punch with
Alabama. Although Florida State is a very
talented and well-balanced football team,
they don't quite have the horses to go toeto-toe with the Tide. Both teams will
establish a downhill rushing attack early
on, but in crunch time one of the
quarterback will have to step up and make
a big play. Even though I don't know for
sure who either team's starting
quarterback will be, I have more faith in
Alabama to develop a quarterback who
can handle that type of pressure. These
two teams are basically mirror images of
each other, so Alabama's slight talent edge
will be the difference.

Predicted 2016-17 CFP

National Champion

Alabama hasn't gone 12-0 in the regular season

since 2009, and there's a good chance that they
lose to either Ole Miss or LSU on the road but
still win the SEC. That would make them the #2
seed, behind undefeated FSU. The winner of
Ohio State vs. Michigan will likely be the #3 seed,
and the Buckeyes' slightly superior talent level
and home field advantage gives them the edge.
This Fiesta Bowl matchup would be a rematch of
the 2015 Sugar Bowl, when Ohio State upset the
top-ranked Crimson Tide en route to winning the
first CFP national championship. This time
around the result will be much different. Ohio
State is incredibly inexperienced and thin at the
majority of positions on the depth chart. They
won't be able to compete with Alabama for four
quarters. The Crimson Tide will pull away in the
second half and cruise to the national
championship game, getting revenge what
happened two years ago.

36

Head Coach: Bob Stoops (18th season)

2015 Results: 11-2, 1st in Big 12
Lost to Clemson in the Orange Bowl
Oklahoma has developed the reputation of overachieving when expectations
are low and underachieving when expectations are high. That was great for
the Sooners last year, as they worked their way into the College Football
Playoff after opening the season ranked #19. Now, they will have to manage
the expectations that come with that success. Bob Stoops team has the
horses to make another playoff run as long as they can stay focused.

RB Samaje Perine
Schedule
Opponent
Houston (Houston)

Date
9/3

Oklahoma had better come ready

to play, because Houston will come
out firing on all cylinders. Because
there are several tough Big 12
games ahead, OU must beat
Houston to make the playoff.

9/10
9/17
9/24
10/1
10/8
10/15
10/22
10/29
11/3 (Th)

11/12
11/19
11/26
12/3

ULM
Ohio State
BYE
@TCU
Texas (Dallas)
Kansas State
@Texas Tech
Kansas
@Iowa State
Baylor
@West Virginia
BYE
Oklahoma State

Bowl Prediction

Opponent: Florida State

The biggest reason for Oklahomas rise last season was quarterback Baker
Mayfield. The former Texas Tech walk-on lit the world on fire in his first
campaign in Norman, showing grit and poise in several big wins. His ability to
create plays when nothing is open makes him one of the most dangerous
signal-callers in the nation. Mayfield is the ring leader of a star-studded
backfield that also features two great running backs and arguably the best
fullback in America. Samaje Perine holds the NCAA single-game rushing
record and possesses a unique combination of power, speed, and quickness.
At times, Oklahoma will use Perine in conjunction with Joe Mixon, a rising
sophomore who also presents huge problems for opposing defenses due to
his breakaway speed. Fullback Dimitri Flowers not only serves as an
outstanding blocker, but he is a threat to get the ball as well. Mayfields arm
provides the offense with a whole other dimension. He is a true gunslinger
who isnt afraid to take chances. He does lose his favorite target, Sterling
Shepard, so it will be vital that he forms a good rapport with Dede Westbrook,
Michiah Quick, Justin Brown, and the other receivers on the roster. This is a
high-upside offense that has seemingly unlimited potential with Baker
Mayfield at quarterback.
The defense, on the other hand, is a bit of a concern heading into the season.
If the Sooners were to take a step back this season, it would be because the
defense has trouble replacing the departed players who were cornerstones of
the 2015 unit. Linebackers Eric Striker, Dominique Alexander, and Devante
Bond are all gone, leaving the defense completely devoid of experience in the
middle. Star defensive end Charles Tapper joins the list of notable departures,
as does cornerback Zach Sanchez. There are some contributors coming back,
such as cornerbacks Jordan Thomas and Ahmad Thomas, second-leading
tackler Jordan Evans, and defensive end Charles Walker. Those guys provide a
strong core for defensive coordinator Mike Stoops to build around. Oklahoma
definitely has the pieces to put together a strong defense, but they enter the
season with a certain level of uncertainty.
Given their history of underachieving, it is scary to pick Oklahoma to live up to
their high preseason expectations. It is definitely possible that they drop a
game early, but they could recover from that and still make the playoff. The
Sooners are definitely the shakiest of my four playoff teams, but the lack of
depth in the Big 12 makes them a good bet to win a lot of games.

37

Head Coach: Urban Meyer (5th season)

2015 Results: 12-1, 2nd in Big Ten East
Beat Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl
The term reload has become commonplace in college football to describe
teams that have so much talent that they can forego the rebuilding process.
Sometimes, though, even the most elite teams lose so much talent that they
cannot avoid taking a step back. That may be the case for the Buckeyes this
season after they set a record for most first round draft picks by a school in
any given year. Even if they take a step back, though, Ohio State will still be a
leading contender for the Big Ten title.
The good news for Ohio State is that they return their starter at quarterback.
J.T. Barrett is back and ready to return to 2014 form after a weird 2015 season
in which he never really had job security. Barrett now has the peace of mind
of knowing that the job is his and his alone. That will allow him to take more
risks and play with more confidence, giving the offense for big-play potential
through the air and on the ground. Another piece of good news is the return
of Pat Elflein, who gives the offense an anchor from the center position. Now
for the bad news: literally everybody else is gone. That includes running back
Ezekiel Elliott, wide receiver Michael Thomas, H-back Braxton Miller, left
tackle Taylor Decker, and all the other pieces that made the Buckeye offense
so dangerous. J.T. Barrett is going to have to do everything early in the season
until other guys, such as redshirt freshman running back Mike Weber, get
comfortable in the offense. If the protection from the young offensive line
isnt adequate, the entire experiment could fall apart. By November this
offense should be firing on all cylinders, but OSU could accumulate a couple of
losses before things comes together.
In most cases, when a team loses so much on one side of the ball, they lean
heavily on the other side of the ball to carry them. Unfortunately, Ohio
States defense is just as devoid of experience as the offense. They, too,
return just three starters, and the list of departures is just as notable. Without
Joey Bosa, Adolphus Washington, Eli Apple, Vonn Bell, Darron Lee, Joshua
Perry, and Tyvis Powell, the Buckeyes are seriously hurting for depth on
defense. Their strategy for 2016 will be to build around middle linebacker
Raekwon McMillan and hope some of the young guys fill important roles at
other positions. McMillan is truly an exceptional player who gives the Ohio
State defense a true attack dog. The Buckeyes hope that defensive ends Sam
Hubbard and Tyquan Lewis can provide a pass rush that disrupts opposing
quarterbacks and helps cover for the inexperience in the secondary. In the
long term, the defense may actually turn out to be a bigger concern than the
offense, but they should still rank near the top of the conference.
The theme for this years Ohio State Buckeyes is the contrast between raw
talent and an alarming lack of experience. If there is a roster in America that
can withstand such drastic turnover and remain elite it would be Ohio State.
As long as they avoid losses early on in the Big Ten schedule they will have a
shot at the playoff heading into the stretch run.

38

LB Raekwon McMillan

Date
9/3
9/10
9/17
9/24
10/1
10/8
10/15
10/22
10/29
11/5
11/12
11/19
11/26

Schedule
Opponent
Bowling Green
Tulsa
@Oklahoma
BYE
Rutgers
Indiana
@Wisconsin
@Penn State
Northwestern
Nebraska
@Maryland
@Michigan State
Michigan

Ohio
State
has
absolutely
dominated "the team up north"
for the past decade, and they
trounced Harbaugh's first team.
This year the Wolverines will
provide much better competition,
but the Buckeyes will be ready.

Bowl Prediction

Opponent: Alabama

Head Coach: Jimbo Fisher (7th season)

2015 Results: 10-3, 2nd in ACC Atlantic
Lost to Houston in the Peach Bowl
Florida State went through a major rebuild last season but still managed to go
10-3. This year most of the Seminoles playmakers return, especially on the
offensive side of the ball. They have a Heisman candidate at running back and
plenty of surrounding talent. After surviving their rebuilding year, Florida
State will be back in contention for the national title this fall.

SS Derwin James

Date
9/5 (M)
9/10
9/17
9/24
10/1
10/8
10/15
10/22
10/29

Schedule
Opponent
Ole Miss (Orlando)
Charleston Southern
@Louisville
@USF
North Carolina
@Miami (FL)
Wake Forest
BYE
Clemson

Florida State lost a tight one to

Clemson last year, and now they
have the experience to compete
with the Tigers.
Home field
advantage is huge in this rivalry,
giving FSU the edge.

11/5
11/11 (F)
11/19
11/26

@NC State
Boston College
@Syracuse
Florida

Bowl Prediction

Opponent: Oklahoma

Jimbo Fisher has typically featured a pass-first offense, but that changed last
season as FSU turned to Dalvin Cook as their workhorse running back. Cook
looked nearly unstoppable on several occasions, carrying an offense that
struggled to find consistency at quarterback. This year the Noles should have
a more balanced attack, as Sean Maguire returns as the starter under center.
He will do well if he starts, but the FSU offense may offer more upside if
redshirt freshman Deondre Francois can wrestle the job away from Maguire.
Both quarterbacks as well as Dalvin Cook will enjoy great blocking from an
elite offensive line. Left tackle Roderick Johnson has All-American written all
over him. The QBs also have plenty of weapons to choose from at receiver.
Travis Rudolph hopes to live up to the high expectations that he failed to meet
last season. He appears poised to become a true No. 1 receiver for this
option. Jesus Wilson and return specialist Kermit Williams are also dangerous
options. Everybody knows that the running game will be special, and if
Francois or Maguire steps up the entire offense will be nearly unstoppable.
Florida State's strength last season was defense, and they are loaded on that
side of the ball again in 2016. The combination of an imposing defensive line
and elite secondary will overwhelm opposing quarterbacks. DeMarcus Walker
will be a sack machine coming off the edge. Sophomore Josh Sweat will attack
from the other side of the line, giving Florida State a great edge rush. With
little time to throw, QBs will be feasted upon by the defensive backs. Strong
safety Derwin James is one of the most versatile defensive players in the
nation. He acts as a menace in rush defense and pass support. Free safety
Nate Andrews also plays at an all-conference level, and the cornerbacks are
strong as well. The depth of talent in the secondary will allow the Seminoles
to move on from the loss of first-round pick Jalen Ramsey. The rush defense
won't be quite as dominant as the pass defense, but it will also be strong.
Florida State's defense will be a top-tier unit once again.
Jimbo Fisher has recruited and developed talent as well as any coach in
America in recent years, allowing his team to make a New Year's Six bowl
game in a down year. This year, they return more production than most other
teams, and they have the talent to back up that experience. Clemson has
been pegged as the team to beat in the ACC, and they probably have more
guns than Florida State does. The fact that the game is in Doak Campbell
Stadium, however, gives the edge to the 'Noles. They will be favored in the
rest of their games and have a great chance to run the table.

39

Head Coach: Nick Saban (10th season)

2015 Results: 14-1, 1st in SEC West
Beat Clemson in National Championship
Considering the vast number of competitive teams in modern college football,
Alabama's Saban-era dynasty ranks right near the top of all time college
football dynasties. After failing to win the national championship in 2013 and
2014 (the first time they had come up short in back-to-back years since
Saban's first two seasons in Tuscaloosa), the Tide climbed back to the top last
season. As always they lose a lot of good players, but Saban will have his team
competing at the highest level just like he does every year.
When Lane Kiffin was first brought in as Alabama's offensive coordinator, it
seemed like a strange marriage. Just like every other move Saban makes,
however, it has worked out perfectly. Kiffin faces the challenge of replacing
some key players in 2016, but it won't be any tougher than it's been in the
past. For the third straight year, Alabama enters the season without a clear
starter under center. That has worked out just fine for them the past two
years, so fans have no reason to fret. Whether it's Cooper Bateman or Blake
Barnett, the Alabama quarterback will take care of the football and do just
enough to help the team win. That includes getting the ball to wide receiver
Calvin Ridley, who holds the No. 1 receiver torch that was passed down to him
from Julio Jones and Amari Cooper. Tight end O.J. Howard will also demand
targets after he finally showed his playmaking ability in the national
championship game. In the running game, Alabama's two-back system will be
filled by Bo Scarborough and Damien Harris. Both are true sophomores, but
that would be impossible to tell by watching them run. Oh, and Alabama also
has Cam Robinson at left tackle, who is college football's best offensive
lineman and the potential No. 1 overall draft pick. Yes, the Tide lose the
Heisman Trophy winner and their starting quarterback; but no, Lane Kiffin isn't
losing any sleep about the upcoming season.
Unsurprisingly, Alabama's defense is pretty darn good too. Maybe even
better than the offense. They have an All-American shoe-in, Jonathan Allen,
at defensive end. They have the best group of linebackers in the country,
even though most of them weren't even starters last season. The secondary
may feature three sophomores, so that is where they could get burned early
in the season. By the time October rolls around, though, talented players such
as Minkah Fitzpatrick will have blossomed into stars. Alabama's defense will
be one of the two best in the SEC.
It is almost meaningless to highlight the individual stars on this team because
there are just so many of them. It would be easy to grow numb to Alabama's
success, but in reality the dominance they have sustained is something to
marvel at. There is no guarantee that the Crimson Tide will win the national
title, as road trips to Oxford, Knoxville and Baton Rouge could derail those
hopes. They do have the most talent and depth of any team in the country,
though, and that seems like a pretty good recipe for success.

40

LT Cam Robinson

Date
9/3
9/10
9/17
9/24
10/1
10/8
10/15
10/22
10/29
11/5

Schedule
Opponent
USC (Arlington)
Western Kentucky
@Ole Miss
Kent State
Kentucky
@Arkansas
@Tennessee
Texas A&M
BYE
@LSU

This is always one of the most

talent-filled games of the year.
Alabama has one the last five, but
this is the best LSU team since
2011. The winner of this game will
become the SEC West frontrunner.

11/12
11/19
11/26

Mississippi State
Chattanooga
Auburn

Bowl Prediction

Opponent: Ohio State

41