After two weeks of school football headlines, it’s time for the main course.
While the SEC doesn’t start until Sept. 26 with its conference-only schedule, the ACC and the Big 12 are kicking off this week, and there’s plenty to get excited about.
If the offseason turns out to have lasted forever, you’re not alone. The coronavirus pandemic was declared at a time when spring football intensified and affected almost each and every region of the planet.
Despite a difficult year, some meetings have a season to start, and while it may not be the same with player withdrawals, week-to-week physical fitness issues, a replaced schedule, and less enthusiastic seats, we are looking for we appreciate the school football we have.
The Pac-12, Big Ten, Mountain West, and MAC meetings may not be played this fall, but there are still some quality matchups to look forward to.
B / R experts David Kenyon, Adam Kramer, Kerry Miller, Brad Shepard and Joel Reuter are looking to rank who’s playing. Each panel member submitted a ballot, with one vote for the first position, 25 questions, followed by 24 questions for the second, 23 for the third, etc.
Top 25 B / R
1. Clemson2. Alabama 3. Georgia 4. Oklahoma5. Florida 6. Notre-Dame 7. State of Oklahoma 8. LSU9. Texas A and M10. North Carolina 11. Texas12. Auburn13. Cincinnati 14. UCF15. Tennessee 16. State of Iowa 17. Louisville18. Kentucky19. Appalachian State 20. Miami21. Virginia Tech22. Memphis23. Baylor24. State of Mississippi 25. State of Florida
Others Receiving Votes: Pittsburgh, Louisiana-Lafayette, SMU, Kansas State
Clemson Tigers
With LSU wasting as many as five of last year’s championship team starters, the favorite to win it all has to be Dabo Swinney’s Clemson Tigers, who lost the national name that fit LSU a season ago and still has firepower, led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence. . and runner Travis Etienne.
Ohio State’s Justin Fields is most likely out of the Heisman Trophy photo with the transferred Big Ten soccer ball, which is why the duo are at the forefront of the individual accolade of school soccer. Lawrence has plenty of other weapons too, including with Justyn Ross out during the year after neck surgery. Wide receivers Amari Rodgers, Joe Ngata and Frank Ladson are quality options.
The Tigers also have a lot of defensive ability for coordinator Brent Venables, despite losing the look of stalwart Isaiah Simmons, A. J. Terrell and Tanner Muse, as well as second-body leaders.
Clemson is there every year. Who would bet against the Tigers at 20?
Alabama Purple Tide
Last season a year died through the popular Crimson Tide. Though top groups go 11-2 each season, Nick Saban lifted popularity in Tuscaloosa, and injuries and inconsistency derailed what could have been a championship year in 2019.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III and others left, but Alabama reloaded. The Tide brings back wide receivers DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle and running back Najee Harris. The most productive news is that Alabama will have come a long way on defense with the return of linebackers Dylan Moses and Joshua McMillon.
The quarterback war is valuable when Mac Jones takes over and genuine rookie Bryce Young takes a deep breath, but the NFL skill is for Saban. Don’t expect a big drop, even if they don’t spray the ball all over the field like they did a year ago.
Georgia Bulldogs
Even with the news last week that Georgia’s supposed rookie quarterback Jamie Newman is leaving the 2020 season, the Bulldogs are still on the minds of our constituents. After all, the caller with the USC JT Daniels movement sign is also eligible without delay, and is the older of the two players.
Head coach Kirby Smart has stocked up on top-tier recruiting categories and built a defense that is the envy of the nation. This offseason, he was also NFL offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
Championship-caliber pieces are everywhere for the Dawgs, and while nothing is certain this year, Smart’s team is a gamble like any other to lift the national name trophy for the first time since 1980.
Oklahoma Sooners
The 3 most sensitive groups are agreed upon, but this is where things get risky. With a lot of uncertainty, why not go over with familiarity? Build trust, after all.
During the Lincoln Riley era in Norman, we entered the Sooners in the school football playoffs on several occasions. Of course, when Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray or Jalen Hurts is the center, it is much less difficult to make such predictions.
Nothing is certain for OU as a quarterback this year. But with the news last week that red-shirted freshman quarterback Spencer Rattler has beaten Tanner Mordecai, there will be a high-ceiling call for the Sooners.
Will coordinator Alex Grinch’s defense be enough?
Oklahoma State Cowboys
With the Big 12 rival Oklahoma far from safe, don’t be surprised if coach Mike Gundy’s Cowboys are making noise.
No wonder an offense led by candidate Heisman, running back Chuba Hubbard, elite wide receiver Tylan Wallace and double-threat quarterback Spencer Sanders.
Defense also has exciting potential. OSU’s secondary is busy and includes the protection duo of Kolby Harvell-Peel and Tre Sterling, and there’s defensive end Trace Ford and linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga, all of conventional caliber.
If the Cowboys stay healthy, they will be tough.
North Carolina Tar Heels
It’s one of the biggest stages on the list, but what if coach Mack Brown’s team made a monumental leap this year? The Tar Heels are talented all over the court, led by quarterback Sam Howell, who is a second-year pick from Heisman.
He’s got elite receivers Dyami Brown and Dazz Newsome, a formidable running back duo with Michael Carter and Javonte Williams, and plenty of intensity and delight on defense. Brown’s recruiting quality on that aspect of the ball means there will be some talented reinforcements, too.
Before saying that the ACC is owned by Clemson, the UNC almost disappointed the Tigers a year ago, and it’s still not a deep enough league to allow another team to warm up and gain confidence. With Howell at the helm, the Tar Heels can take it with anyone.
Cincinnati Bearcats
If there will be a year in which a Group of Five team gets the advantage of doubt for a spot in the college football playoffs, it is 2020, with two Power Five meetings missing on the field in the fall.
Let’s say parity in the SEC and the Big 12 means that groups in one’s meetings are fighting each other, and the Bearcats (or UCF or Memphis) run the table at the AAC and do so with matters of style. Would the playoff committee make things even more interesting?
Coach Luke Fickell has built a forged program and the Bearcats have a formidable defense. While Cincinnati will miss Michael Warren II and his 2,900 yards in the more than two seasons, Alabama midfielder Jerome Ford is an intriguing option who may have a spectacular year alongside quarterback Desmond Ridder.
Texas A&M Aggies
The third year of the Jimbo Fisher era is full of intrigue, especially the depletion of the manpower that protected the champion LSU Tigers he experienced.
There are several tough opponents from SEC West, but Fisher saw appellant Kellen Mond lead the way. The Aggies can compete with the Bayou Bengals, who would leave Alabama in their tracks in this aspect of the league.
Coordinator Mike Elko’s defense turned big recruiting victories like DeMarvin Leal and Demani Richardson into an instant effect on players, and those guys can take the next step to stardom in 2020. Don’t count the guys at Station School in the SEC.
If they get out of this league, they are eliminated.
Syracuse North Carolina
North Carolina Brown Tar Heels are getting massive hype the moment it returns to Chapel Hill. Are they too high?
This weekend’s season opener with Syracuse may be a barometer.
Howell and the UNC attack got the most of their weapons back, and the defense has a lot of veteran leadership combined with fresh faces. But Orange cannot be counted, despite a disappointing 5-7 season. This will be one of Slim Slate’s flagship games in week 2.
Georgia Tech in the state of Florida
Question marks abound for those two shows that were once proud. Even though head coach Geoff Collins has the Yellow Jackets in mind, they deserve to remain a tick with the talented Seminoles.
The closet is far from empty for Florida State coach Mike Norvell, who takes over after Willie Taggart was fired a season ago. Defense especially has a lot of star power.
For Georgia Tech, this is the time the season is heading toward a more classic offense after head coach Paul Johnson retired and left the Bees with a triple-option hangover. We will see how far they have come this weekend.
Clemson in Wake Forest
The Swinney Tigers have no challenge opening the season against Wake Forest and are favorites with more than 30 points, according to Oddsshark. But there are many reasons to watch other than to see how well Lawrence is doing with his new offensive playmakers.
Life without Newman might not be simple for the Demon Deacons, however, signalman Sam Hartman will lead an offense that still has smart pieces for head coach Dave Clawson. However, the Tigers have many weapons on both sides of the ball.
Everyone will have to start earlier than a season ago, when they slow down, because there is little room for error.
Duke at Notre Dame
Perhaps the ACC’s opening weekend game will involve Notre Dame, a player in the league of transience.
Everyone is excited about what the Fighting Irish can do with the emerging competition, and betting on the Blue Devils in the season opener will be a smart indicator for both teams. Former Clemson quarterback Chase Brice will start and Duke can be smart this year.
Even though the Irish will be favorites, there are plenty of reasons for everyone to see it.
The biggest showdown of the weekend destined to be TCU-SMU, however, COVID-19 considerations at TCU caused the adjustment to be postponed. Another demo game in the Big 12 would have been Oklahoma State-Tulsa, but it carried over to September 19.
Welcome to 2020.
With those games off the board, there are so many big 12 games for web users, but some still have value to search.
Louisiana-Lafayette to the state of Iowa
If you need a big disappointed “name” this weekend, you must sing in this game.
Coach Matt Campbell’s cyclones are expected to occur this year with veteran Brock Purdy at quarterback, Breece Hall leading the attack in a hurry and the tight ending Charlie Kolar as the All-Out candidate. -American.
But you can’t see Coach Billy Napier’s Ragin ‘Cajuns, who just finished an 11-3 year with a more no-nonsense 10-point offense. QB Levi Lewis leads the unit, as do running backs Trey Ragas and Elijah Mitchell, whose 5,203 career yards are evidence that Louisiana has some capable playmakers on the rushing offense.
This game can happen either way.
UTEP in Texas
There is hardly a spitting UTEP, who fought Stephen F. Austin in the opener of the 24-14 season, will stay close to the Longhorns.
The explanation as to why seeing this is to see how the new pieces of Coach Tom Herman’s puzzle are compatible. The Horns leader had to blank out the space after a disappointing and injury-plagued season that raised high expectations.
Now, when quarterback Sam Ehlinger enters his senior year, Texas has to make a comeback, or Herman’s seat may get hotter than a belt buckle in an Austin summer. Offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich is back in the Big 12 after spending a season at Ohio State under Ryan Day, following a season at Oklahoma State.
Former Rutgers head coach Chris Ash is the new defensive coordinator tasked with helping a players’ organization bounce back from two horrible seasons. Everything begins opposite to the minors.
State from Missouri to Oklahoma
The Big 12 has got some gimmicks this weekend, and while Louisiana Tech-Baylor would possibly be more entertaining than this, if you worry about the long-term possibility of hitting Oklahoma, it wouldn’t be a bad idea. to take a look at this.
After all, Rattler will start his first career and the Sooners have a lot of holes to fill on both sides of the ball. Jadon Haselwood is out with a leg injury, Rhamondre Stevenson is serving a suspension and there, as many have shown playmakers on both sides of the ball.
Rattler and star catcher Charleston Rambo want help. Where will it come from? The answers will be clearer starting this weekend. The state of Missouri is horrible, but head coach Bobby Petrino is on the sidelines, making it valuable entertainment in its own right.
Several players will turn heads because they have already built their superstar résumé. College football fans will sing at the Clemson game to see Lawrence and Etienne.
Texas caller trio Ehlinger, Houston-to-Miami relocation D’Eriq King and super sophomore from North Carolina Howell have already given enthusiasts an explanation as to why to watch them.
But who are the other guys you’re keeping an eye on this weekend?
Spencer Rattler’s party begins
The Oklahoma quarterback has to follow in the massive footsteps of Hurts, Murray and Mayfield as the guy who makes Riley’s offensive symphony magnificent. While the state of Missouri doesn’t present many hurdles, it’s fun to keep an eye out for your first steps.
Rattler had a cleanup time a season ago, however, he was the former star prospect of the Sooners, and with the return of running back Kennedy Brooks and Haselwood out of the game with a leg injury, Rattler might not get some of the stars. what I expected. . He will have to leave himself in a hurry.
Freshman runners in position to shoot
It may not be Chris Tyree’s display at South Bfinish or Jahmyr Gibbs in Atlanta, however the end of this week will give you your first look at a couple of running backs who can simply create plays. elite until the end of the season.
Kyren Williams will likely be Notre Dame’s first running back across the field from Duke, but Tyree may not be far behind. It was given top-tier speed and it’s the kind of game-changing comeback the Irish have missed.
“He has wonderful vision, he has patience and he sees the hole very well,” Irish head coach Brian Kelly told the Chicago Tribune Teddy Greenstein. Reading between the lines, those sound like strong words from a coach who is hesitant to congratulate the youngsters.
As for Gibbs, the Georgia Tech freshman phenomenon will split time with Jordan Mason. Running back coach Tashard Choice told Ken Sugiura of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: “The kid is amazing. There’s no point looking for him to get into (the game); he’s going to play. “
Texas catchers take over
It might not be easy for the Longhorns to update the production of Devin Duvernay and Collin Johnson, but they have the playmakers to do it.
Michigan’s move, Tarik Black, starts at wide receiver X, through Paul B. Livengood II, and it might be a great year for him with a lead shot. There are plenty of teens with breakup potential too, like Jordan Whittington, sophomore Jake Smith, and Junior Brennan Eagles.
Baylor coach Dave Aranda
Granted, it will be hard to “see” Aranda on the sidelines, but it will be attractive to see what the Baylor Bears look like in the post-Matt Rhule era.
What Rhule did in short order in Waco after the Art Briles debacle was impressive enough to land him the job of leading with the Carolina Panthers. Now Aranda is securing his first head coaching assignment after a successful stint as defensive coordinator for Wisconsin and LSU.
What will your show look like? Will the Bears still be a Big 12 contender with quarterback Charlie Brewer leading the way? These are top-notch paintings that no one talks about.
All statistics are provided through CFBStats. com and Sports Reference, and recruiting scores according to 247Sports composite ratings, unless otherwise noted.
Follow Brad Shepard on Twitter at @Brad_Shepard.