Month: August 2024

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College Football

2024 cbhsports College Football 8/29-9/2 Preview

Image Courtesy: Tigernet.com

AP Top 5
1.Georgia 0-0 (0-0) SEC This week: 14.Clemson (Atlanta; Aflac Kickoff Game) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ABC)
2.Ohio State 0-0 (0-0) Big Ten This week: Akron (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
3.Oregon 0-0 (0-0) Big Ten This week: Idaho (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, BIG10)
4.Texas 0-0 (0-0) SEC This week: Colorado State (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, ESPN)
5.Alabama 0-0 (0-0) SEC This week: Western Kentucky (Saturday, 7 PM ET, ESPN)

Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of AP Poll)

Thursday, August 29
North Carolina @ Minnesota
8 PM ET, FOX
Week 1 of the college football season opens on Thursday night in Minneapolis in a rematch between two teams that also played last season between the Tar Heels and the Golden Gophers on FOX. The Drake Maye era at North Carolina is over and in comes former Texas A&M signal-caller Max Johnson to take over the reins at quarterback for Mack Brown. Tailback Omarion Hampton (1504 yards and 15 TDs) returns as does leading receiver JJ Jones (711 yards and 3 TDs). The Tar Heels must improve defensively under new coordinator Geoff Collins, the former Georgia Tech head coach, who replaces Gene Chizik. Defensive end Kaimon Rucker and defensive backs Marcus Allen and Alijah Huzzie will look to lead a better unit in 2024 after the Tar Heels lost four of their last six games after beginning the season 6-0. One of those first four wins was over the Golden Gophers, 31-13, last September in Chapel Hill. Minnesota became one of the only teams last season to make a bowl game with just five regular season games and they defeated Bowling Green, 30-24, in the Quick Lane Bowl. Upcoming sixth year quarterback Max Brosmer, who transferred over from New Hampshire, a finalist for the Walter Payton Award awarded to the top offensive player in the FCS. Darius Taylor, Sieh Bangura, and Marcus Major will be next to Brosmer in the backfield at tailback. Receivers Daniel Jackson, Elijah Jackson, Lemeke Brockington and tight ends Pierce Walsh and Nathan Jones at tight end will look to improve Minnesota’s stagnant passing offense last season. Minnesota head coach PJ Fleck’s team is known for its defense and former LSU edge rusher Jaxon Howard, linebacker Cody Lindenberg, cornerback Justin Walley, and safety Jack Henderson will look to help the Golden Gophers open the season on a high note. In what should be a close game, it is hard to know who to trust so I’m going with the home team here. Projected Score: Minnesota 24, North Carolina 21

Saturday, August 31
8.Penn State @ West Virginia
12 PM ET, FOX
Penn State dominated West Virginia to open the 2023 season last fall. The Nittany Lions make the return trip to face the Mountaineers with a lot on the line in a match up between the Big 12 and the Big Ten conferences. Penn State hired Andy Kotelnicki to be its new offensive coordinator to improve its offense, led by quarterback Drew Allar and tailback Nicholas Singleton. They lost top receiving target KeAndre Lambert-Smith to Auburn so the Nittany Lions need receivers to step up. If they want to make the College Football Playoff in the first year of the 12-team format, James Franklin’s defense will need to be just as good as it has been in years past to win this important nonconference game against the Mountaineers and so they can compete in the new look Big Ten. In a Big 12 with so much talent around the whole league, returning signal-caller Garrett Greene will look to get the ball down the field to receivers Hudson Clement, Preston Fox, and Jayden Bray. Neal Brown’s defense can trust the home crowd’s energy to get stops against Allar and the Penn State offense, being led by senior defensive end Sean Martin, senior nose tackle Fatorma Mulbah, senior defensive tackle Edward Vesterinen, and senior cornerback Garnett Hollis Jr. In many years, an AP top ten ranked team is upset in week 1. I think West Virginia pulls it off against Penn State on Saturday. Projected Score: West Virginia 34, Penn State 27

14.Clemson vs. 1.Georgia (Atlanta; Aflac Kickoff Game)
12 PM ET, ABC
Clemson heads to Atlanta to open their season to face Georgia, a team that is out for their revenge tour in 2024 after falling to Alabama in last season’s SEC Championship game and failing to make the College Football Playoff and thus the national title game after back to back championships in 2021 and 2022. With Nick Saban retired, Kirby Smart is next in line to take over the college football with a roster that can most definitely win it all again in 2024. While there has been a lot of off-season drama with all of the their driving issues on the road. But, on the field Bulldog quarterback Carson Beck and safety Malachi Starks as leaders on the roster. Beck has been getting Heisman hype but Starks is even more important to the team with his playmaking in the defensive backfield. Former Florida running back Trevor Etienne comes over to the Gators’ rival and is expected to start along with fellow offensive weapons Dominic Lovett, Dillon Bell, Arian Smith, and Oscar Delp looking to make up for the loss of terrific tight end Brock Bowers, who is off to Las Vegas to play for the Raiders. Defensively, Kirby Smart will only expect to be better than they were in 2023 after a disappointing end to last season. Joining Malachi Starks, defensive end Mykel Williams and linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. will look to get the Bulldogs going by stopping quarterback Cade Klubnik, running back Phil Mafa, and the Clemson offense. Dabo Swinney’s team must find a reliable receiving weapon with their two returning leading receivers being Tyler Brown, who had 52 catches for 531 yards and 4 touchdowns and tight end Jake Briningstool (50 catches, 498 yards, and 5 TDs). Clemson’s defense will have to keep themselves in the game against such a talented Georgia team that is playing in their backyard of Atlanta. Last season’s second leading tackler Barrett Carter returns at linebacker after having 62 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 1 interception. Carter, a senior, will have to help his defense keep their composure against such a talented offense. This game may be close at the half but the Bulldogs will roll in the second half. Projected Score: Georgia 38, Clemson 17

19.Miami @ Florida
3:30 PM ET, ABC
Miami and Florida both come into the season needing big seasons to keep their head coaches’ job securities sure for next season and beyond. The Hurricanes won seven games but in Mario Cristobal’s third season much more will be expected of him and his team with former Washington State Cam Ward now in the fold. Ward replaces Tyler Van Dyke under center alongside his fellow former Pac-12 player, former Oregon State runnning back Damien Martinez. The Hurricanes return one of the best receiving cores in the ACC with Xavier Restrepo, Samuel Brown, and Jacolby George expected to be the deep threats for Ward’s passing attack. Former Michigan State defensive tackle Simeon Barrow Jr. and the Miami defense will have to deal with a Florida offense that has one of the most underrated quarterbacks, running backs, and receivers in the country. That trio includes quarterback Graham Mertz, tailback Montrell Johnson, and receiver Eugene Wilson III. Many around the country think Gators head coach Billy Napier has the best team of his tenure with those three offensive stalwarts in place next to a revamped defense that was up and down in 2023. The unit loses edge rusher Princely Umanmielen to Ole Miss but Justus Boone, TJ Searcy, Tyreak Sapp, and Kamran James will look to help replace his production on the edge. If the Cam Ward hype out of Miami fall camp is real, we could be looking at a potential ACC champion Hurricanes team. However, Cristobal’s teams have underperformed so far during his tenure. I anticipate a competitive game in “The Swamp” come the hot, humid afternoon of August 31 between the Gators and Hurricanes. Projected Score: Florida 34, Miami 27

7.Notre Dame @ 20.Texas A&M
7:30 PM ET, ABC
A new era of Texas A&M football opens as Mike Elko, their former defensive coordinator, takes over for his former boss Jimbo Fisher this fall. Elko has renewed the focus of the Aggie football program as they face what should be a talented Notre Dame squad in 2024. Former Duke quarterback Riley Leonard steps in for the productive Sam Hartman after he was injured against the Fighting Irish in a Blue Devil loss last season. Replacing tremendous tailback Audric Estime (1,341 yards and 18 TDs in 2023) will be hard to do but the trio of Jeremiyah Love, Jadarian Price, and Kedren Young will be up for the challenge. Everyone knows Leonard is a talented quarterback but coming off the injury, receivers Kris Mitchell, Jaden Greathouse, Jayden Thomas and tight end Mitchell Evans will look to ease him in, in front of what should be a sold out Kyle Field Crowd in College Station. The defense must focus on containing Aggie QB Connor Weigman, who has also had injury problems in his past, will not be an easy chore to do with new offensive coordinator Collin Klein in the fold. Gone is talented receiver Evan Stewart to Oregon, fellow receiver Ainias Smith to the Philadelphia Eagles, and tailback Reuben Owens to a season-ending injury but that will make room for Weigman’s playmakers on this season’s team to step up for him including running backs Le’Veon Moss and EJ Smith, receivers Jahdae Walker, Noah Thomas, Moose Muhammad III, and tight end Donovan Green. Defensively, the Aggies lost tackle Walter Nolen to Ole Miss but have Shemar Turner at that position to lead the unit. In what could be the game of the week in week 1, the quarterback match up between Riley Leonard and Connor Weigman should determine the game. Projected Score: Texas A&M 27, Notre Dame 24

Sunday, September 1
13.LSU vs. 23.USC (Las Vegas; Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic)
7:30 PM ET, ABC
LSU and USC match up in Las Vegas on the opening Sunday night of the season. Brian Kelly has led LSU to back to back ten win seasons in his first two years in Baton Rouge after losing both of his first two season openers, first in their backyard in New Orleans against Florida State (2022) and then in Orlando against the Seminoles again in 2023. A refocused LSU is looking to break through to the playoff now. Lincoln Riley’s Trojans went 8-5 last season. They began the season 6-0 before losing five of their last seven games. With USC in the Big Ten now, competitive football will have to be played annually in Los Angeles for the Trojans to make a run to the new 12-team College Football Playoff. LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier returns to replace last season’s Heisman winner Jayden Daniels (now a Washington Commander) behind center with Kyren Lacy expected to be the next LSU receiver in the NFL (as well as tight end Mason Taylor), following behind Malik Nabers (New York Giants) and Brian Thomas (Jacksonville Jaguars) this past season. A big bounce back is needed by the Tiger defense, known in the past for its tremendous defensive backs. Blake Baker takes over as defensive coordinator, looking to turn things around with linebacker Harold Perkins leading an improved unit on that side of the ball. Like LSU, USC lost a quarterback that won a Heisman Trophy. Caleb Williams was selected with the first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. Lincoln Riley also lost former five-star signal caller Malachi Nelson to transfer to Boise State. So, it is expected to be Miller Moss taking snaps against the Tigers in Las Vegas. Woody Marks assumes the running back position while Zachariah Branch should step in as Moss’ go-to receiver this fall. Riley revamped his defense after he fired Alex Grinch, who also worked for him at Oklahoma and hired UCLA defensive coordinator De’Anton Lynn to improve that side of the ball. If the Trojans have improved defensively in the off-season, there is a good chance they can beat the tigers and be competitive in their first season in the Big Ten. In a showdown of two of college football’s great head coaches, Brian Kelly’s tigers will finally win their opening game of the season. Projected Score: LSU 38, USC 35

Monday, September 2
Boston College @ 10.Florida State (0-1) (Capital One Labor Day Kickoff)
7:30 PM ET, ESPN
Last season, the opening Monday of the season saw Duke upset a top ten Clemson team in Durham. Can Boston College do the same thing when they face Florida State in Tallahassee? Former New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien taking over as head coach, there must be a renewed focus in Chestnut Hill on the football field. Quarterback Thomas Castellanos (formerly of UCF) and tailback Kye Robichaux (formerly Western Kentucky) will both be the engine that gets the Eagles a win over the Seminoles. Jerand Bradley, Lewis Bond, Jayden McGowan, and Jeremiah Franklin will be Castellanos’ pass catchers. Defensively, the linebacker trio of Kam Arnold, Bruce Steele, and Jaylen Blackwell will look to stop new Seminole quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (19-27, 193 yards in loss to Georgia Tech), who just came over from Oregon State after beginning his career in the ACC at Clemson. Uiagalelei replaces Jordan Travis (drafted by the New York Jets) and the Seminoles also lose terrific receivers Keon Coleman (Buffalo Bills) and Johnny Wilson (Philadelphia Eagles), defensive backs Renardo Green (San Francisco 49ers) and Jarrian Jones (Jacksonville Jaguars) Florida State fell to Georgia Tech 24-21 in Dublin last Saturday in week 0 and will look to bounce back against the Eagles back home in Tallahassee. Tailback Roydell Williams (12 carries, 38 yards, 1 TD) and receiver Malik Benson (4 catches and 39 yards) will look to make things easier on DJU while Marvin Jones Jr. and Patrick Payton are looking to continue to ease the loss of terrific edge rusher Jared Verse, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams. A win for Mike Norvell’s team would help them reset after their tough loss to the Yellow Jackets. Having already played in week 0, Florida State will be more comfortable as they play to beat Boston College and they will bounce back. Projected Score: Florida State 20, Boston College 17

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Thoughts, theories, and everything I love about Friday Night Lights

Image Courtesy: Luke Burgis – Medium

*This blog post includes spoilers about the BEST show ever made, Peter Berg’s Friday Night Lights*

To end my high school career and begin my college career, I wanted to write a post about my favorite TV show of all-time, Friday Night Lights. I plan on adding more to this post over time but please enjoy some thoughts I have about the show.

Friday Night Lights (the show) is not perfection. But it is pretty darn close. Retconned ages for students at Dillon and East Dillon high schools is a major flaw. How about Landry Clarke, or as Coach Taylor calls him, “Lance” the geek, who joined the football team and killed the attacker of Tyra Collette in season 2? The show sort of forgot that ever happened. Or when Matt Saracen and Julie Taylor broke up in season 2 and seamlessly get back together a year later in season 3?

In season 4, East Dillon High School is reopened, and we are expected to believe there is an entire side of the small town we have not seen yet. In those same seasons, many viewers question what school students at East Dillon came from. Many of the students come from Dillon High School. Season 1-3 staple Landry and his bandmate Devin head there after they are forced to transfer from West Dillon. Other than that we are expected to believe students come in from West Dillon and Kilroy, a town that was not mentioned until season 4, and is not even fully explained in the entire show. Following Coach Taylor’s questionable firing from what would become West Dillon High School (more on that later), new star running back Luke Cafferty is praised as the next Smash Williams, next to star quarterback JD McCoy. Cafferty, however, is zoned for East Dillon and the listed address for him is booster Buddy Garrity’s mailbox that he set up when he became a Dillon high school football booster decades before.

One of the major problems in establishing season 4 is who got to go to which school when redistricting was needed. This was caused by the reopening of East Dillon High for the first time since the 1980s. To note, Panther star running back Luke Cafferty’s address was listed where Buddy Garrity put the mailbox when he first became a booster, at 2268 Oakdale Road. The mailbox was put in an empty field for Dillon Panther football needs throughout the years. Buddy then realizes that Luke is using that address to pass by and attend West Dillon High instead of the lowly East Dillon at the time. Buddy is riddled by the guilt in the part he played in getting Coach Taylor fired from West Dillon. So, he, like many times in the show, asks Eric “If he wants to go for a drink?” Of course, it takes a little nudging by Buddy but then he goes on to tell Eric about the fact that Luke is enrolled illegally at West Dillon. Soon thereafter, Coach lets Tami know and she agrees with Eric that he needs to be sent to the right school. Of course, Tami told Luke following football practice that he needed to attend East Dillon High. But then, new lead West Dillon booster Joe McCoy (the father of then West Dillon QB JD McCoy) and head coach Wade Aikmen (who replaced Coach Taylor) have a major problem with it. A day later Joe and Wade meet Tami in the parking lot to discuss the matter, using the fact that Luke was sent to the team where her “husband coaches” despite the fact that is his the correct district where he should be attending school. Just days before Luke is sent to East Dillon, Julie said she had decided to leave West Dillon High to attend East Dillon with her friends, Landry and Devin. So, Luke can’t rightfully choose to go to West but Julie can go to East even if she is zoned for West? On a Reddit post, one person argued that East is a “downgrade” from West and they were accepting new students because of the reopening of the school. Another reason might be that Julie is allowed to attend East Dillon because her father is an employee there. But, either way, Luke should still have the right to go to West Dillon in my opinion if he chooses if Julie can go to East Dillon. Kilroy, although only mentioned a few times in the later seasons, seems to be a suburb of Dillon. Dillon is a small town, so I do not really know how there could be a town much smaller than Dillon but I guess that is just another Friday Night Lights loophole. Anyway, Kilroy has a middle school that many of the future East Dillon players attend. In season four, episode nine, “The Lights in Carroll Park”, Coach gets the lights fixed and cleans the park up after a boy is shot in the area. Then, there is an impromptu football game between the neighborhood kids and the Lions. Coach finds out there are many potential future Lions on the opposing team, many of who attend Kilroy Middle School. If many or all of them have to attend East Dillon High School after attending Kilroy Middle School, viewers assume there is no Kilroy High School. Yet, when East Dillon student Epyck is kicked out of school in season five, she is sent to Kilroy High, making astute viewers question districting in Dillon once again.

Season 1 of Friday Nights is my favorite season of TV I have ever watched. The reason why season 1 is so good is mainly because of the length of the 22 episode season, the nostalgia, but the main reason I believe this is the case because of the impressive quality of the “Pilot” episode to begin the series. Opening the series with “Good morning west Texas. It is Slammin’ Sammy Meade coming at ya with Panther Football Radio,” those iconic opening words by Sammy truly establish how important football is to everyone in Dillon. Jason Street, Dillon’s QB, was the top QB many had ever seen in the high school ranks according to the local radio station. It is mentioned that Street has the best passer rating of any high school quarterback in the country.

In the first game of the season, Street is paralyzed after making a tackle on the defensive back that picked him off with his head down against Westerby. When the show decided to injure the most important player on the Panthers, it gave viewers a reason to continue watching the show. Matt Saracen is thrown into the game at quarterback and after a few mistakes, he throws the game winning touchdown pass in the final seconds to give them the win over the Chaps. After being convinced by his wife to go to begin molding his new quarterback, Coach Taylor goes to Matt’s house to chat with him. He asks Matt’s grandmother, Lorraine Saracen, if he could take her grandson off of her hands for awhile. In her grandmotherly way, Lorraine offers Eric pie and he drives with Matt to Panther field. Coach Taylor helps Matt practice and asks him how he will play the quarterback position at Dillon. Matt says he will “play it perfectly” and Taylor says “we will see about that”.

The Panthers lose their second game after Saracen took over. With Jason’s injury, Coach Taylor’s job is in question. Tim Riggins left practice because he felt Street’s injury was his fault. Parents that had won state championships in the past with the Panthers spoke out about how Taylor’s hire was reliant on the success of Street. Tailback Smash Williams spoke out in a TV interview against Coach Taylor. This caused Eric to call a special practice. It began to rain as Coach Taylor put his team on the bus to take the team to run up and down the hill in season 1, episode 3 “Wind Sprints”. As the team ran up and down the hill, Coach Taylor exclaimed that winning is not easy and you have to work for everything you get. Offensive coordinator Mac said “I think these guys have had enough” but Coach Taylor says “I’ll say when these guys have had enough”. This led Smash to yell “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose” and the team ran up the hill again. After the practice, Eric made Tim walk home from practice in the pouring down rain. He tells him “You owe me a practice”. Tim begins walking and runs into Lyla. Lyla is struggling with her boyfriend, Jason, struggling with his paralyzation diagnosis. She says that he will never walk again and their shared feelings about Jason’s injury converges with a kiss. This leads to their affair and Jason and Lyla’s eventual breakup in the middle of the season and their eventual official split at the end of the season.

Hurricane Katrina victim Ray “Voodoo” Tatum is recruited by every team in Texas, including the Dillon Panthers when the quarterback is displaced. Buddy eventually gets Eric to get him even after they disagree on “recruiting” him and what it could mean the rest of the season with Matt Saracen as another option at the position. Saracen’s crush on Julie causes him to lose focus on football and Taylor to focus on getting Tatum. In the Panthers’ rivalry game against Arnett Meade, “Voodoo” does not listen to the coaching staff’s playcalls, leading Coach Taylor to yell at him saying that “he is done” as a Panther. Matt takes over in the second half for Tatum and Smash Williams scores the game-winning two point conversion to save Coach Taylor’s job. After joy spreads throughout the town after the huge win over the tigers, members of the athletic administration come to meet with Coach Taylor and Buddy about Voodoo’s eligibility. If Tatum is ruled ineligible, the Panthers would have to forfeit their win against Arnett Meade, which would hurt their playoff chances. After the court rules that Dillon’s win would not be forfeited, Voodoo tells his lawyer that he was recruited after Coach Taylor put him at defensive back during practice. The game was forfeited but through the challenge of Tatum, Taylor found his quarterback Matt Saracen. Saracen began dating Taylor’s daughter Julie and Dillon football was succeeding again while Street moved to a rehab facility.

In episode 15, “Blinders”, Mac answers questions from the media after the Panthers playoff opening win. He answers a question and stereotypes Smash Williams talent versus Matt Saracen’s based on their different races. It takes awhile for Smash to begin to go against Mac’s words but after Mac tells Smash to “go to hell” when talking about his interview. after Coach Taylor asks, Mac apologizes for his racist comments but it does not sound like an apology. An uproar goes across Dillon High with African Americans fighting Caucasians across the school. As the school counselor, Tami attempts to ease these problems with a forum but it only makes things worse.

Smash leads all of the other African American football players off of the team until Mac is fired. Coach Taylor has to make a tough decision on whether to get rid of Mac or not. Mac makes Eric’s decision easier when he resigns. But, Eric keeps him on the staff. Smash’s mom tells her son to play in their second round playoff game and Smash helps get all of the other African American players back on the team. They head to Dunston Valley to play the Cardinals where the officials are on the home team’s side. The Panthers go up 40-24 and a fight breaks out between both teams. Because the fight happened in the third quarter, Dillon is awarded the win. On the bus ride home, officers stop the Dillon bus to say that Smash Williams could be charged for throwing the first punches in the fight. Mac steps up and does not allow the officers to charge Smash without a warrant. Smash and Mac make up and the Panthers make their run to the state championship game.

During their run, Texas Methodist offers Coach Taylor their quarterbacks coach role. He takes a lot of time to think but at a media session before the state championship in Dallas, a reporter asks Coach Taylor if he “is sad to be leaving” in episode 22, “State”. But, Coach Taylor responds, saying to not focus on that but the reporter says everything that needs to be said to get everyone in Dillon talking less than 24 hours until the championship game.

Jason, now helping coach the Panthers, calms the players down ahead of the game. Matt is dumbfounded that not only is his girlfriend’s family is moving to Austin but his mentor that helped him earn the starting quarterback role. Voodoo Tatum pops back up, this time as the West Cambria Mustangs’ quarterback as they face the Panthers for the state championship. The Mustangs dominate in the first half with Tatum’s skills offensively and Saracen is unable to get a clean pocket for most of the half, hurting the offense. After a great halftime speech by Coach Taylor at halftime, Dillon fights back into the game. An injured Smash Williams wills himself into the end zone for the game winning touchdown, winning the state championship. After the game, Tami tells Eric that she is pregnant. Eric wants to tell TMU that he is changed his mind and that he needs to stay at Dillon to help with their new baby. But, Tami does not let him, saying that he has always dreamed of being a college coach so he does not argue. Eric Taylor brought Dillon football something that they thought was impossible after their superstar quarterback Jason Street’s terrible injury the opening game of Panther.

As I mentioned earlier, ages being retconned is the only way that the show could continue normally because high school is only a four year period. In the “Pilot” we are made to think Jason Street is a five-star quarterback entering his senior season, being recruited to play at Notre Dame. Based on the conversations between Jason’s parents and the Notre Dame recruiter ahead of Dillon’s opener with Westerby, his commitment to the Fighting Irish seemed like it would be coming soon. After Street suffers his injury and becomes paralyzed, he is the only student that graduates the spring after season 1. Originally, there were only plans for one season. His best friend Tim and then girlfriend Lyla Garrity are supposed to be seniors too. But, once the show was green-lit for season 2, they were adjusted to sophomores in season 1 who eventually graduated in season 3. Matt Saracen and Tyra Collette joined Riggins and Garrity as season 3 graduates. Saracen’s best friend Landry says in season 4 that he and Matt had been best friends since they were five years old. But, Landry is still in high school at East Dillon High three years after he was driving Matt to football practice in the “Pilot” episode. Matt’s longtime girlfriend Julie graduates with Landry at East Dillon after season 4 as well. These changes were made by the directors and writers so that the show could continue for a five season run.

Season 2 wrapped up in 15 episodes instead of the 22 episode run in season 1 because of a writer’s strike. So, many storylines were not wrapped up and most of them were not continued into season 3. As a result, many Friday Night Lights fans believe this is the weakest season as a result. To fix the abrupt ending of season 2, writers put a montage of how things wrapped up. Season 3, episode 1 “I Knew You When”‘s opening montage includes Tami Taylor taking over as principal at Dillon High, Smash injuring his knee to end his high school career in a loss to rival Arnett Mead in the playoffs, Tim taking over for Smash at tailback, and the introduction of freshman quarterback JD McCoy.

But, what if the writers got to end things in season 2? On a Reddit post, I pondered the question, what if season 2 got its proper ending? I believe the writers’ plan was to bring back Coach Bill Mcgregor on a team that eliminated the Panthers deep into the playoffs. A loss deep into the playoffs by Coach Taylor’s team to the coached they fired just months earlier would have explained the disdain the people on the radio had for Taylor to open season 3. Santiago, another victim of the writer’s strike, the juvie boy turned Panther defensive star adopted by Buddy Garrity, is nowhere to be found in season 3. A prolonged season 2 with Santiago could have meant another character important to the Dillon football community with the show not having a quality defensive character until Luke Cafferty in seasons 4 and 5. Lyla’s then boyfriend, Chris, who she met after she got baptized and involved in church after her fallout with Jason Street in season 1, is another character out after season 2.

To open season 3, Lyla is with Tim, who clamored for her the entirety of the year before. Lyla never wanted to date Tim but because of the writer’s strike and thus the elimination of Chris’ character, Lyla fell in love with Riggins. If not for the writer’s strike Lyla would have dated Chris, at least for a few more episodes before her eventual relationship with Tim. Tyra and Landry announce in season 3 that they are taking a break from their relationship after they end up together to end season 2. The couple likely would have split up on screen in a later episode in season 2 if there were more episodes.

Another addition to season 2 might have been the introduction of the McCoy family, earlier than what actually happened in the show, where JD, the freshman quarterback that transferred in from Dallas, was introduced in season 3’s first episode. An early introduction for the McCoys with JD’s skillset seen on screen before McCoy even becomes a Dillon Panther and his dad, Joe, becomes a booster for the Panthers makes his eventual rise to starting quarterback more understandable despite Matt Saracen’s two quality seasons as starting quarterback. Would Smash Williams still go to Whitmore, the HBCU that offered him a scholarship before his injury? In season 3, Smash says that Whitmore is honoring his scholarship but he will not be ready for the season. This leaves Smash’s football future in question because of the writer’s strike.

Following all of the season 2 drama, Coach Eric Taylor is fired by the Dillon Panthers ahead of East Dillon High School’s reopening when the town is set to be redistricted in season 3, episode 11 “A Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall”. In season 3, episode 8 “New York, New York”, Taylor’s offensive coordinator Mac McGill suffers a stroke on the field. Eric is forced to find another playcaller. Booster Buddy Garrity approaches Taylor after they check on Mac at the hospital with the idea to hire freshman quarterback JD McCoy’s personal quarterback coach, Wade Aikmen. The two bicker about it because Eric does not want to compromise his job security with Joe McCoy, JD’s dad who is clamoring for power in the Dillon football program in season three. After some convincing, Eric decides to hire Aikmen. In season 3, episode 10 “The Giving Tree”, Aikmen leads the Panthers to a playoff win after Taylor is thrown out from the game after he argued with the referees over their terrible officiating. Aikmen’s success caused the Dillon football boosters to turn against their lead booster, Buddy Garrity and his good friend Coach Taylor after he loses the state championship game in season 3, episode 12 “Underdogs”.

The board offers Eric the job to head up the football program for the East Dillon Lions after it reopens. This move by the writers gave the show a new look for seasons 4 and 5 as most of the main characters from the first three seasons have graduated. Then, the new main cast, led by Lion QB Vince Howard, Panther turned Lion running back and linebacker Luke Cafferty, singer Becky Sproles, and the misunderstood Jess Merriweather next to the returning Tim (who drops out of college), Landry, Julie (who both are seniors at East Dillon after they transfer from West Dillon. Coach Taylor has a new challenge with a younger team with less experience and no booster support while Tami has to deal with the politics of her husband being fired and Joe McCoy essentially taking over the Panther football program with Wade Aikmen as the new head coach.

Season 5 is an (almost) perfect way to end. Nothing is or can be perfect but the writers did a phenomenal job. Following Landry’s game-winning kick to give East Dillon a win over West Dillon (eliminating the Panthers from the playoffs) in the first “Big Cat Clash” in many years to end season four, expectations were very high for Vince Howard, Luke Cafferty, and the Lions for a big turn around during the 2010 season. Clarke’s kick sent Panther head coach Wade Aikmen, quarterback JD McCoy, and his rich booster dad Joe McCoy out of Dillon. With all of the political power on the west side of town, the McCoy clan were forced out of Dillon after what was an embarrasing 25-24 loss to the season for West Dillon. So, with the quarterback who many thought would be the next Jason Street out, Coach Taylor’s turnaround season for the Lions was a great season of football and TV to watch.

To begin the season, East Dillon upset the eighth ranked Croft Cowboys in episode 1 of season five, titled “Expectations”. Following this win, Coach Taylor goes back to West Dillon to talk to his former offensive coordinator Mac, who has now taken over the head coaching job for the Panthers, to ask him why the Lions are not ranked. Mac tells Eric that the reason that his team is not ranked because “he is an outsider” now that he is at East Dillon. This ruffles the feathers of the team including Luke and defensive lineman Dallas Tinker, who complain at practice until Coach Taylor stops it. Luke is also suspended for the next game after his hit on the Croft QB sent him out of the game. The athletic administration tells Coach Taylor that the referees should have called a penalty on the play but it was never originally called but they have the right to do that. The athletic administration only tried to prove the point that Eric and his team were outsiders but he already knew that was the case with all of the flack coming him and his team’s way.

The Lions begin their season 6-0 after finishing 2-8 in their first season back as a school. The undefeated record including a 37-7 spanking of in-city rival West Dillon, who released the arrest records of the Lions’ players the week of the game. This caused Vince to listen to his father, Ornette Howard, who had just gotten out of prison, to not listen to the media and play his best football. Ornette brought college recruiters to watch Vince despite Coach Taylor telling all of the parents that all recruitment should go through him. Eric and his staff are infuriated when they call a quarterback kneel but Vince instead runs a pass play that goes for another touchdown in the final seconds. Following this win, Vince loses his leadership of the team and he begins to embellish his skill on his teammates. This causes Jess to break up with him and the Lions to lose against West Cambria.

In episode 10, Vince goes on a visit to Oklahoma Tech and lies to Coach Taylor about the reason he missed school and practice. After Vince doesn’t show up to help Luke learn the playbook, Coach Taylor benches him and makes Luke the starter. It takes Luke awhile to learn his play style but he leads the Lions a win over Fort Hood. When Coach Taylor is offered a collegiate head coaching job at Shane State University, Buddy plans an event at the athletic banquet for all of Taylor’s players to speak about their favorite thing about Eric to make him stay. Vince learns that he made a mistake and says nice words to Coach Taylor in his honor. Eric decides to stay and he makes Vince starting quarterback again. He leads a team that includes Buddy’s son, Buddy Garrity Jr., who has returned to Dillon following leaving his mom in California all the way the state championship.

Amid all of East Dillon’s success, budget cuts are necessary in Dillon so only one football program in the town could remain. In episode 12, at a town hall meeting, it is announced that Dillon High would be the only program for high school residents to participate it. On the other hand, Eric’s wife Tami was up for the dean of admissions job at Braemore College in Philadelphia. In the final episode of the series, titled “Always”, it is revealed that the Lions won the state championship when a ring appears on Vince’s hand at Dillon Panthers’ practice. Luke has graduated and is off to the military but Buddy Jr. and Tinker are there. All of Coach Taylor’s assistants, Billy Riggins, Crowley, Spivey, and Buddy are driving the golf cart around the field, smiling. But, Eric is not there. He gave up the opportunity to coach Vince and the new media billed “super team” that was forming with the two Dillon high school football teams coming back together. He gave up a five-year contract to move to Philadelphia for Tami’s dream of working on a college campus.

Matt and Julie are engaged. Tim and Tyra are getting closer again for the first time since they broke up in season 1, episode 3 “Wind Sprints”. Many think Lyla is Tim’s true love, not Tyra and I agree with them. Plus, Tyra never wanted to stay in Dillon. She always wanted to leave and pursue her dreams in a big city. But, Minka Kelley, the actor that plays Lyla, was unable to return for a season five appearance. So, Tim and Tyra having a potential romance is plausible after the series ends but it is not realistic. Tim does not want to move fast on a relationship and Tyra would be returning to Austin for her junior year at the University of Texas in a potential season six. After Coach Taylor is hired by the Pioneers, the journey ends when Eric and Tami walk off the Pemberton High School football field. But is that really where the story ends? Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose

My Top 10 Episodes:
1.”Pilot” (1.1)
2.”Kingdom” (5.5)
3.”State” (1.22)
4.”The Son” (4.5)
5.”Mud Bowl” (1.20)
6.”Full Hearts” (1.9)
7.”Wind Sprints” (1.3)
8.”Thanksgiving” (4.13)
9.”Always” (5.13)
10.”Texas Whatever” (5.12)

My seasonal episode rankings:

Season 1
1.”Pilot” (1.1)
2.”State” (1.22)
3.”Mud Bowl” (1.20)
4.”Full Hearts” (1.9)
5.”Wind Sprints” (1.3)
6.”Eyes Wide Open” (1.2)
7.”Best Laid Plans” (1.21)
8.”Git’Er Done” (1.5)
9.”What to do while your waiting” (1.12)
10.”Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes” (1.19)
11.”Little Girl I Wanna Marry You” (1.13)
12.”Black Eyes and Broken Hearts” (1.16)
13.”Homecoming” (1.7)
14.”Crossing the Line” (1.8)
15.”I Think We Should Have Sex” (1.17)
16.”Blinders” (1.15)
17.”El Accidente” (1.6)
18.”Who’s Your Daddy?” (1.4)
19.”Nevermind” (1.11)
20.”Upping the Ante” (1.14)
21.”Extended Families” (1.18)
22.”It’s Different for Girls” (1.10)

Season 2
1.”The Confession” (2.9)
2.”There Goes the Neighborhood” (2.10)
3.”Pantherama” (2.7)
4.”Who Do You Think You Are?” (2.12)
5.”Jumping the Gun” (2.11)
6.”Bad Ideas” (2.2)
7.”How Did I Get Here” (2.6)
8.”Are You Ready for Friday Night?” (2.3)
9.”Last Days of Summer” (2.1)
10.”Seeing Other People” (2.8)
11.”Leave No One Behind” (2.14)
12.”Backfire” (2.4)
13.”Let’s Get It On” (2.5)
14.”May the Best Man Win” (2.15)
15.”Humble Pie” (2.13)

Season 3
1.”Underdogs” (3.12)
2.”Tomorrow Blues” (3.13)
3.”How the Other Half Lives” (3.3)
4.”New York, New York” (3.8)
5.”Hello, Goodbye” (3.4)
6.”A Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall” (3.11)
7.”Game of the Week” (3.9)
8.”It Ain’t Easy Being J.D. McCoy” (3.6)
9.”The Giving Tree” (3.10)
10.”Keeping Up Appearances” (3.7)
11.”I Knew You When” (3.1)
12.”Tami Knows Best” (3.2)
13.”Every Rose Has Its Thorn” (3.5)

Season 4
1.”The Son” (4.5)
2.”Thanksgiving” (4.13)
3.”After the Fall” (4.2)
4.”A Sort of Homecoming” (4.4)
5.”Toilet Bowl” (4.8)
6.”The Lights in Caroll Park” (4.9)
7.”I Can’t” (4.10)
8.”East of Dillon” (4.1)
9.”In the Skin of Lion” (4.3)
10.”Stay” (4.6)
11.”Laboring” (4.12)
12.”Injury List” (4.11)
13.”In the Bag” (4.7)

Season 5
1.”Kingdom” (5.5)
2.”Always” (5.13)
3.”Texas Whatever” (5.12)
4.”Don’t Go” (5.10)
5.”The March” (5.11)
6.”The Right Hand of the Father” (5.3)
7.”Perfect Record” (5.7)
8.”On the Outside Looking In” (5.2)
9.”Gut Check” (5.9)
1o.”Expectations” (5.1)
11.”Fracture” (5.8)
12.”Swerve” (5.6)
13.”Keep Looking” (5.4)

Categories
College Football

2024-2025 cbhsports College Football Preview

Image Courtesy: Maize n Brew

The 2024-2025 college football season is just a week away! There is so much change in the sport this fall with Oklahoma and Texas now in the SEC and Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington in the Big Ten (and the demise of the Pac-12), Nick Saban’s retirment at Alabama, and the continued challenges of managing the transfer portal and NIL for coaches all around the country. Not to mention, the College Football Playoff has been expanded to 12 teams with the top five conference champions and seven at large teams making the field in December. College football now has a “Power Four” with the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, and SEC with Oregon State and Washington State the only remaining Pac-12 members. Florida State and Clemson are rumored to be leading an ACC exit movement but the legal work must be done for the conference to join the Pac-12 as done. But, now is the time to finally focus on Saturdays. A fourteen week season spanning from Labor Day weekend to rivalry weekend, November 30th includes at least two bye weeks for every team. Excitement and stress looms for the teams that believe they can not only make the first annual 12-team College Football Playoff but that they can win it all. But, in the pre-season every team can still win it all.

*Click each conference’s link to check out my game by game predictions for each team in the country*

*All statistics come from College Football Reference.*

2024-2025 Power 4, Pac-2, and Independents Projected Conference Standings:

ACC
Florida State 10-2 (8-1)
Clemson 9-3 (6-2)
Louisville 8-4 (6-2)
North Carolina State 8-4 (6-2)
Virginia Tech 9-3 (5-3)
Miami 8-4 (5-3)
Georgia Tech 7-5 (5-3)
SMU 7-5 (4-4)
Syracuse 7-5 (4-4)
Boston College 6-6 (4-4)
Pittsburgh 6-6 (3-5)
North Carolina 6-6 (3-5)
Duke 6-6 (2-6)
California 5-7 (2-6)
Wake Forest 5-7 (1-7)
Stanford 3-9 (1-7)
Virginia 2-10 (0-8)

Seven ACC schools, led by Clemson and Florida State, are actively looking for a way to exit the conference as California, SMU, and Stanford enter the league. But, they were unable to do so before the start of the 2024-2025 academic year. So, the focus returns to the football field for all seventeen teams. Last year’s ACC champion Florida State became the first undefeated conference champion to not make the College Football Playoff. That problem should not be there with the new twelve team format in 2024-2025. The Seminoles lost many players to the NFL Draft after their great 2023 season, including QB Jordan Travis. They expect to replace him with former Clemson and Oregon State signal-caller DJ Uiagalelei, who has had problems with his accuracy in the past. Last season’s leading rusher Trey Benson will be replaced by Caziah Holmes while seniorsKentron Poitier, Malik Benson,and Ja’Khi Douglas will catch passes from Uiagalelei after both Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson headed to the NFL. Defensively, they lost tremendous defensive end Jared Verse so junior Patrick Payton will look to help the Seminoles sure up the edge. In Clemson, Dabo Swinney’s offense will look to bounce back from a tough year in which quarterback Cade Klubnik was up and down. Phil Mafa will replace the talented Will Shipley in the backfield. Klubnik’s young receiving unit will make it hard for the media to believe that this offense can make big strides in Garrett Riley’s second season as offensive coordinator. Despite having many new starters defensively, second year coordinator Wes Goodwin should have a top unit again in the ACC. Louisville could not compete with Florida State last December in the conference title game. But, head coach Jeff Brohm has done wonders for the Cardinals so far. It will be up to Texas Tech transfer Tyler Shough at quarterback to get it down the field to talented receiver Chris Bell. Cardinal defensive end Ashton Gillotte and defensive tackle Dezmond Tell will make things difficult for opposing quarterbacks. Miami, North Carolina State, and Virginia Tech also look to be ACC contenders this season.

Best Non-Conference Games
1.Clemson vs. Georgia (August 31; Atlanta; Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Game)
Is Clemson for real? Have they improved their passing offense enough to compete with Georgia? Georgia will be focused on returning to and winning the College Football Playoff National Championship after losing to Alabama in the SEC Championship last season. The Bulldogs should handle the Tigers in their backyard.
2.Florida State @ Notre Dame (November 9)
If this game was in Tallahassee, it would be easier for me to pick Florida State to win this game. But, going on the road to face former Duke QB Riley Leonard, who the Seminoles beat last season, will be a challenge with all of his new weapons in South Bend.
3.Tennessee vs. NC State (September 7; Charlotte; Duke’s Mayo Classic)
NC State can stop the “SEC! SEC! SEC!” chants if they defeat Tennessee in Charlotte. Former Coastal Carolina QB Grayson McCall will be challenged in what will be his second start against an SEC defense, led by the talented James Pearce Jr..
4.Louisville @ Kentucky (November 30)
Kentucky has five consecutive wins over Louisville in their instate rivalry. The Wildcats possess an offense that could be great in 2024, led by former Georgia signal-caller Brock Vandagriff and receiver Barion Brown. Vandagriff will be challenged by new Louisville QB Tyler Shough, who came over from Texas Tech. The winner of the game could be in the discussion for a College Football Playoff berth.
5.South Carolina @ Clemson (November 30)
South Carolina’s Shane Beamer is on the hot seat entering the season while Clemson’s Dabo Swinney led his team to its worst record since 2011. With uncertainty entering the season for the Gamecocks and the Tigers, a win for either team will mean so much good for their fanbase. If South Carolina loses, Beamer could be out the door and if Clemson falls, Swinney’s future will become even more questionable.

Best Conference Games
1.Clemson @ Florida State (October 5)
Clemson almost defeated Florida State last fall at home. But, Florida State came back and won the game. Many of the Seminoles’ contributors are gone from that team but head coach Mike Norvell believes he has a team that can defeat Clemson on their home field.
2.Louisville @ Clemson (November 2)
Clemson has a huge home schedule this season and when Louisville (last season’s ACC title game runners-up) comes to town, the Tigers must be focused on winning that game if they want to make the ACC Championship. A win for the Cardinals could mean a second consecutive ACC Championship game appearance.
3.NC State @ Clemson (September 28)
One of the best games in the ACC every season, NC State can challenge Clemson on the road with Dabo Swinney’s team potentially on the decline. The duel between Grayson McCall and Cade Klubnik should be fantastic to watch in this game.
4.Florida State @ Miami (October 26)
Can Miami finally beat Florida State again? Former Washington State signal-caller Cam Ward comes in to face a relatively young Florida State defense. An upset for Mario Cristobal’s team over FSU could mean big things for Miami in 2024.
5.Clemson @ Virginia Tech (November 9)
After struggling against ACC contenders Florida State, Louisville, and NC State last season Virginia Tech will look to defeat Clemson when they host the Tigers in early November. A win for Brent Pry’s team could mean surprising the league and earning a College Football Playoff bid.

Awards
MVP: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
2023 Stats: 323-485, 3736 yards, 25 TDs, 7 INTs, 120 rushes, 144 yards, 8 TDs (@ Washington State)
Offensive Player of the Year: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
2023 Stats: 253 rushes, 1504 yards, 15 TDs, 29 catches, 222 yards, 1 TD
Defensive Player of the Year: Marlowe Wax, Syracuse
2023 Stats: 110 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 INT, 4 FF
Newcomer of the Year: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
2023 Stats: See Above
Coach of the Year: Jeff Brohm, Louisville

Conference Championship (Charlotte)
Florida State (11-2) over Clemson (9-4)
Florida State will beat Clemson yet again to send the Tigers into the off-season wondering about Dabo Swinney’s future.

Big 12
Utah 11-1 (8-1)
Kansas State 9-3 (6-3)
Oklahoma State 9-3 (6-3)
Kansas 9-3 (6-3)
West Virginia 8-4 (6-3)
Texas Tech 8-4 (5-4)
Iowa State 7-5 (5-4)
Arizona 7-5 (4-5)
TCU 7-5 (4-5)
UCF 6-6 (4-5)
Arizona State 5-7 (3-6)
Baylor 5-7 (3-6)
Houston 5-7 (2-7)
BYU 4-8 (2-7)
Cincinnati 4-8 (2-7)
Colorado 4-8 (2-7)

The Big 12 was reset when the conference’s two heavyweight teams Oklahoma and Texas officially left the conference for the SEC. Brett Yormark combatted losing the conference’s two high profile names with eight new teams over the last two years. BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF impressed Big 12 fans last fall. This year’s entries Arizona, Arizona State, (former conference member) Colorado, and Utah will look to do the same. One of those new schools this year, Utah, has been one of the most successful programs in college football over the last few seasons, winning the 2021 and 2022 Pac-12 Championships. Veteran QB Cam Rising returns for his seventh season after sitting out last season with an injury. Rising’s favorite target, senior tight end Brant Kuthie, also sat out last season with an injury. Head coach Kyle Whittingham’s defense is always great and will be led by defensive lineman Junior Tafuna and linebacker Karene Reid this season. The Utes will face Oklahoma State in their official Big 12 opener, maybe their biggest competition to win the conference title. Ollie Gordon is the best tailback in the country but many thought he would not play the first few weeks of the season after he drove under the influence. Head coach Mike Gundy punished Gordon by bringing him to Big 12 Media Days and told reporters that he would not be suspended and would be punished by carrying the ball fifty times a game. Gordon will be joined in the backfield by seventh year signal-caller Allen Bowman. The Cowboys defense returns ten starters from a team that made the Big 12 Championship. However, they must be better after giving up almost 30 points per game last season. The Cowboys’ rival Kansas State will miss quarterback Will Howard (who transferred to Ohio State), who is replaced by upcoming sophomore Avery Johnson and offensive coordinator Collin Klein, who left for the same role at Texas A&M. Brown will play behind a veteran offensive line, will hand the ball off to returning running back starter DJ Giddens, and will hope to consistently get the ball to star sophomore receiver Jayce Brown. Head coach Chris Klieman’s defenses have been consistent over his tenure in Manhattan. His defense will look to live up to their talent this fall. Arizona may have lost head coach Jedd Fisch to former Pac-12 foe Washington but new head coach Brent Brennan has a roster, led by veteran quarterback Noah Fifita, who chose to stay in Tucson over joining his former coach in Seattle. I anticipate Lance Leipold’s Kansas Jayhawks, Neal Brown’s West Virginia Mountaineers, Joey McGuire’s Texas Tech Raiders, Matt Campbell’s Iowa State Cyclones, Sonny Dykes’ TCU Horned Frogs, and Gus Malzahn’s UCF Knights to contend in 2024 too.

Best Non-Conference Games
1.UCF @ Florida (October 5)
KJ Jefferson led Arkansas to its first win ever in “The Swamp” last November. He could do so again now as UCF’s quarterback. Gus Malzahn believes Jefferson is similar to one of his former quarterbacks at Auburn, former NFL great Cam Newton. A win for the Knights could mean Billy Napier is out as head coach of the Gators.
2.Pittsburgh @ West Virginia (September 14)
Another “Backyard Brawl” returns to the campus of West Virginia. The Mountaineers could win nine games again this season after they led the Big 12 in rushing last season. Their first big challenge of the season is hosting their rival, Pittsburgh.
3.*Arizona @ Kansas State* (September 13)
Originally scheduled as a nonconference game, new Big 12 member Arizona kept the Kansas State game on their schedule even if it delays them playing their first Big 12 conference game. The battle of the Wildcats should be a fantastic game in Manhattan. Playing at home and having the more experienced head coach should help Kansas State in this game.
4.Iowa State @ Iowa (September 7)
The battle for Iowa returns in week 2 of the 2024-2025 season. Matt Campbell’s team will be challenged when it goes to Kinnick Stadium to face the Hawkeyes. Cyclones’ star quarterback Rocco Becht will try his hand at scoring against what should be another great Iowa defense.
5.Colorado @ Nebraska (September 7)
Colorado is back in the Big 12 and they will look to defeat former Big 12 rival Nebraska for the second consecutive time under head coach Deion Sanders. It will be up to the Buffaloes’ defense full of newcomers next to Travis Hunter to succeed against heralded freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola for the Cornhuskers.

Best Conference Games
1.Utah @ Oklahoma State (September 21)
What could be a preview of the Big 12 Championship will open conference play for both teams. Cam Rising against Allen Bowman should be a show with home field advantage for the Cowboys being huge for them in this game against such a tough opponent in the Utes.
2.Kansas @ Kansas State (October 26)
The “Sunflower Showdown” should be pure cinema again in 2024. If the Jayhawks’ veteran signal-caller Jalon Daniels can avoid injuries this season after missing most of 2023, Kansas State will be challenged at home against the Jayhawks.
3.Oklahoma State @ Kansas State (September 28)
Kansas State’s first big home conference game will be Oklahoma State’s second consecutive challenging game in a row. The Cowboys must beat Utah if they go into Manhattan and lose to Kansas State because the Cowboys have had many September struggles the last few seasons.
4.Arizona @ Utah (September 28)
Two teams that succeeded in the last season of true Pac-12 football battle in Salt Lake City in late September. Like Oklahoma State, Utah will be challenged in consecutive weeks too. If the Utes look past the Wildcats, a College Football Playoff spot could be out of reach later this season.
5.BYU @ Utah (November 9)
The “Holy War” finally returns to the final month of the regular season as Utah has joined BYU in the Big 12. Most people want the two to square off to end their regular season but the most important part is that the game is back. BYU should be better after winning five games in 2023 but not good enough to beat a Utah team that should be competing to win the Big 12 title year in and year out under Kyle Whittingham.

Awards
MVP: Ollie Gordon, RB, Oklahoma State
2023 Stats: 285 rushes, 1732 yards, 21 TDs, 39 catches, 330 yards, 1 TD
Offensive Player of the Year: Ollie Gordon, RB, Oklahoma State
2023 Stats: See Above
Defensive Player of the Year: Karene Reid, LB, Utah
2023 Stats: 67 tackles, 1 INT, 1 TD
Newcomer of the Year: LaJohntay Wester, WR, Colorado
2023 Stats: 108 catches, 1168 yards, 8 TDs, 8 rushes, 44 yards, 1 TD (@ Florida Atlantic)
Coach of the Year: Kyle Whittingham, Utah

Conference Championship (Arlington)
Utah (12-1) over Kansas State (9-4)
Utah proves they are the best team in the Big 12 in their first season in the league by defeating Kansas State in Arlington for the conference title.

Big Ten
Oregon 11-1 (8-1)
Michigan 10-2 (8-1)
Ohio State 10-2 (7-2)
Penn State 9-3 (6-3)
Wisconsin 8-4 (6-3)
Minnesota 8-4 (5-4)
Iowa 8-4 (5-4)
Nebraska 8-4 (5-4)
USC 6-6 (5-4)
Maryland 7-5 (4-5)
Rutgers 6-6 (4-5)
Washington 6-6 (3-6)
Michigan State 6-6 (3-6)
Northwestern 5-7 (3-6)
Illinois 5-7 (3-6)
UCLA 4-8 (1-8)
Indiana 4-8 (1-8)
Purdue 1-11 (0-9)

Ohio State may have its most talented roster in Ryan Day’s tenure in 2024 after adding former Ole Miss tailback Quinshon Judkins, former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard, phenomenal freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith next to a returning receving group of senior Emeka Egbuka and sophomore Carnell Tate. Right guard Josh Fryar is the only starting offensive lineman to return but second year defensive coordinator Jim KNowles’ defense has nine projected returning starters coming back including defensive linemen JT Tuimolau, Jack Sawyer, Ty Hamilton, Tyliek Williams next to linebacker Sonny Styles and defensive backs Denzel Burke, Davison Igbinosuun, Jordan Hancock, and Lathan Ransom. But, Day’s team has lost to reigining national champion Michigan three seasons in a row. The Wolverines’ lost head coach Jim Harbaugh, who is now the Los Angeles Chargers head coach. The Wolverines promoted offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore to be the new head coach after he became the interim coach during Harbaugh’s two suspensions last season. Moore will look to lead his team that lost both quarterback JJ McCarthy and running back Blake Corum to the NFL. Former longtime NFL defensive coordinator “Wink” Martindale comes to lead one of the top defenses in the country in Ann Arbor. Junior cornerback Will Johnson joins junior defensive linemen Derrick Moore and Mason Graham as the leaders of the unit. With Oregon, UCLA, USC, and reigning national runners-up Washington joining the conference this year, the Big Ten should have much more depth this season. Oregon is the most talented of the four teams leaving the Pac-12 for the Big Ten. Dan Lanning’s NIL money from Nike has helped him put together a roster that includes both high end incoming transfers and freshmen. Losing starting signal-caller Bo Nix is tough but former Oklahoma starter Dillon Gabriel is a plug and play guy Lanning can trust throwing to former Texas A&M target Evan Stewart and seniors Tez Johnson and Traeshon Holden. The defensive only returns end Jordan Burch, linebacker Jeffrey Bassa, cornerback Jahlil Florence, and free safety Tysheem Johnson. Returning Penn State QB Drew Allar will now look to get the ball down the field to former Ohio State receiver Julian Fleming with trusted tailback Nick Singleton next to him the backfield. On defense, Abdul Carter leads the way for the Nittany Lions. Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, USC and Nebraska are also seen as potential contenders entering this season.

Best Non-Conference Games
1.Texas @ Michigan (September 7)
The top nonconference game in college football in 2024 pits two 2023 College Football Playoff teams at the Big House, the home of the reigning national champions. Michigan, with a new head coach in Sherrone Moore, will have to deal with Steve Sarkisian’s offense, led by Quinn Ewers, tailback CJ Baxter, and a new receiving unit led by former Alabama star Isaiah Bond.
2.LSU vs. USC (September 1; Las Vegas; Vegas Kickoff Classic)
Third year LSU head coach Brian Kelly is 0-2 in season opening games. Both of those losses happen to be to Florida State. The Tigers’ coach will look to get his first season opening game against Lincoln Riley, who enters his third season at USC as well. His first game without quarterback Caleb Williams will feature new signal-caller Miller Moss against an LSU defense that must be better in 2o24. Tiger linebacker Harold Perkins should lead a turnaround this fall but if not Riley’s team could open their season with a win in Las Vegas.
3.Alabama @ Wisconsin (September 14)
Kalen DeBoer’s first test at Alabama comes on Big Noon Kick-Off in Madison against the Wisconsin. Luke Fickell’s team should be much better in his second season at Wisconsin but they will be challenged against Jalen Milroe’s Crimson Tide.
4.USC @ Notre Dame (November 30)
USC must beat Notre Dame if they plan on making the College Football Playoff with their tough Big Ten schedule this season. Facing Riley Leonard’s offense and a defense full of All-Americans in South Bend should be a challenge for the Trojans.
5.Penn State @ West Virginia (August 31)
See in Best Big 12 Non-Conference Games

Best Conference Games
1.Michigan @ Ohio State (November 30)
Because of their tremendously talented roster, Ohio State does not beat Michigan for the second time in Ryan Day’s tenure, the Buckeyes might move on from their head coach.
2.Ohio State @ Oregon (October 12)
On September 11, 2021, Ohio State fell to Oregon 42-35 in Eugene. Now, the Buckeyes look to avenge that loss against the Ducks in the same place almost exactly three years and a month later. Two of the most talented rosters in the country and two veterans quarterback battling,Will Howard versus Dillon Gabriel, to determine who will be the frontrunner to win the Big Ten in the middle of October.
3.Oregon @ Michigan (November 2)
Oregon’s toughest road test of the season will be at the Big House against Michigan. Oregon’s great offense will test Michigan’s great defense to begin the last month of the regular season.
4.Ohio State @ Penn State (November 2)
Penn State will look to defeat Ohio State for the first time since they beat the Buckeyes in State College in 2016. The Buckeyes are tremendously talented on both sides but going to a tough environment at Penn State will be a challenge as they face their former receiver Julian Fleming, who will be catching passes from Drew Allar, who will be gaining more experience as the starter this year for head coach James Franklin.
5.Michigan @ Washington (November 30)
Michigan heads to Seattle to face Washington in a new conference match up in a rematch of last January’s College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Washington head cocah Kalen DeBoer left for the same job at Alabama so former Arizona head coach Jedd Fisch will fill in for him. Fisch will have a challenge facing Michigan’s tough defense with former Mississippi State signal-caller Will Rogers, who dealt with injury problems last fall in Starkville.

Awards
MVP: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
2023 Stats: 27 tackles, 4 INTs, 1 TD
Offensive Player of the Year: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
2023 Stats: 41 catches, 515 yards, 4 TDs, 5 rushes, 25 yards
Defensive Player of the Year: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
2023 Stats: See Above
Newcomer of the Year: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State / Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon
2023 Stats: 271 rushes, 1158 yards, 15 TDs, 22 catches, 149 yards, 2 TDs (@ Ole Miss) / 38 catches, 514 yards, 4 TDs, 4 rush TDs (@ Texas A&M)
Coach of the Year: Dan Lanning, Oregon

Conference Championship (Indianapolis)
Oregon (12-1) over Michigan (10-3)
Oregon keeps Michigan from winning a third consecutive Big Ten title by winning their first in year one.

Independents
Notre Dame 11-1
Connecticut 7-5
Massachusetts 3-9

In the new 12-team College Football Playoff format, the highest seed the Independent Notre Dame Fighting Irish can get is a five seed, meaning they cannot get a first round bye. The schedule is hard but new offensive coordinator Mike Dembrock, formerly of LSU and the coach of last season’s Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, will get to coach former Duke quarterback Riley Leonard, who suffered an injury in the Blue Devils’ loss to the Fighting Irish last fall. Losing star running back Audric Estime will be eased by the duo of Jeremiyah Love and Jadan Price. Tight end Mitchell Evans will be a trustworthy target for Leonard next to receivers Jaden Greathouse, Jayden Thomas, and Kris Mitchell. The Fighting Irish return three starters along their defensive line including tackles Rylie Mills, Howard Cross III and end Jordan Botelho in addition to defensive backs Benjamin Morrison and Xavier Watts. A big season is needed for head coach Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame to appear in the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2021. Connecticut head coach Jim Mora has done a terrific job for the Huskies during his tenure. He will look to lead his team to a good season in 2024 after losing many players to the transfer portal to Power 4 teams including Ta’Quan Roberson (Kansas State) while UMass’ odds to return to the postseason are not great for the same reason after losing starter Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams to Michigan State.

Best Games
1.Florida State @ Notre Dame (November 9)
See in Best ACC Nonconference Games
2.Notre Dame @ Texas A&M (August 31)
Mike Elko’s first game back in College Station, this time as head coach, will be against a tough Notre Dame team. The battle between quarterbacks Riley Leonard and Connor Weigman. The team that can get stops consistently in this game will get the win.
3.Louisville @ Notre Dame (September 28)
The reigning ACC-runners up Louisville will head to Notre Dame to end their September schedule. A win for the Cardinals over the Fighting Irish could help elevate them to make a College Football Playoff appearance.
4.USC @ Notre Dame (November 30)
See in Best Big Ten Nonconference Games
5.Notre Dame @ Georgia Tech (October 19)
Georgia Tech has been improving under head coach Brent Key. An October home game against a tough opponent, Notre Dame. Former Texas A&M quarterback Haynes King has settled in and if he can lead a balanced attack, the Yellow Jackets can win this game.

Awards
MVP: Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame
2023 Stats: 95-165, 1102 yards, 3 TDs, 3 INT, 58 rushes, 752 yards, 4 TDs (@ Duke)
Offensive Player of the Year: Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame
2023 Stats: See Above
Defensive Player of the Year: Xavier Watts, Safety, Notre Dame
2023 Stats: 52 tackles, 7 INTs, 1 FF, 1 FR
Newcomer of the Year: Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame
2023 Stats: See Above
Coach of the Year: Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame

Conference Championship
N/A

Pac-2
Oregon State 6-6 (1-0)
Washington State 5-7 (0-1)

Oregon State and Washington State stand together as the final “Pac-2” members. The Beavers and Cougars were left behind by Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington who went to the Big Ten, Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah who moved to the Big 12 and California and Stanford who headed to the ACC. They will both play a majority of their schedule against Mountain West opponents. But, both programs will not be considered to play in the conference championship game. Both the Beavers and Cougars lost a number of their players to the transfer portal after failing to find a new conference destination but both teams can be competitive in 2024. Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith led his team to a 8-5 campaign in 2023 and he quickly left after the season for the same job at Michigan State. Trent Bray comes in as the new head coach. Bray and offensive coordinator Ryan Gunderson retooled the offense with Idaho QB transfer Gevani McCoy (replacing DJ Uiagalelei). All-Pac-12 tailback Damien Martinez headed out via the transfer portal too and he will be replaced with a duo of Colorado transfer Anthony Hankerson and returner Jam Griffin. Left guard Joshua Gray is the one starter returns along the offensive line at left guard while just tight end Jermaine Terry II is the only receiving option back that started in 2023. The pass rush is the Beavers’ strength, being led by linebackers Nikko Taylor and Oluwaysei Omotosho. No starters return along the defensive line while cornerback Jaden Robinson is the only member of the secondary back in Bray’s first year as the head coach. In Pullman, Washington State comes off a 5-7 season that ended with a tough three point loss to eventual national championship runner-up Washington in the Apple Cup. Head coach Jake Dickert lost star quarterback Cam Ward to the transfer portal to Miami but junior John Mateer has been in the program for two years and is capable of getting the ball down the field to star receiver Kyle Williams and tight end Cooper Mathers. Only junior center Devin Kylany is a new starter along the offensive line so protection and run blocking should not be an issue for Mateer and running back Djouvensky Schlenbaker. The Cougars return three defensive starters including tackle David Gusta, linebacker Kyle Thornton, and safety Jack Lataimua. So, players will need to step up to support Gusta, Thornton, and Lataimua.

Best Games
1.Oregon @ Oregon State (September 14)
Oregon has one of the best rosters in the country so Oregon State will have to show up at home if they want to win against Dan Lanning and the Ducks. Veteran QB Dillon Gabriel’s poise and his ability to make plays down the field against a weak secondary (outside of Jaden Robinson) should help the Ducks win this one over the Beavers.
2.Washington State @ Washington (September 14; Lumen Field)
Washington State has a real chance to beat their instate rival Huskies despite the game being on the road. They were so close last season but without Cam Ward at quarterback, John Mateer will have to mature quickly and help lead his Cougars to victory. A rivalry game can go either way. 
3.Washington State @ Oregon State (November 23)
The battle for the best team in the “Pac-2” will be the second to last Saturday of the regular season in Salem. With Oregon State having the home field advantage and the better roster it’s hard to believe Washington State can come on the road and win that game.
4.Oregon State @ Boise State (November 30)
With former 5-star (and USC) QB Malachi Nelson likely taking snaps for the reigning Mountain West champions Boise State this fall, Oregon State will have to travel to face a quarterback that was in their conference last season. It will be up to the Oregon State defense to stop Nelson and wide receiver Latrell Caples. 
5.UNLV @ Oregon State (October 19)
Before heading to Boise to face the winners of the Mountain West championship last season, Oregon State will host the runners-up, UNLV, led by former Missouri head coach Barry Odom the third Saturday of October. A win for Odom’s team led by tailback Jai’Den Thomas and former Arkansas transfer linebackerJackson Woodard could mean another appearance for the Rebels in the Mountain West Championship. Oregon State can keep that from happening by playing good ground and pound football.

Awards
MVP: Anthony Hankerson, RB, Oregon State
2023 Stats: 78 rushes, 319 yards, 1 TD, 16 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD (@ Colorado)
Offensive Player of the Year: Anthony Hankerson, RB, Oregon State
2023 Stats: See Above
Defensive Player of the Year: Jaden Robinson, CB, Oregon State
2023 Stats: 33 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 1 FF
Newcomer of the Year: Anthony Hankerson, RB, Oregon State
2023 Stats: See Above
Coach of the Year: Trent Bray, Oregon State

Conference Championship
N/A

SEC
Georgia 11-1 (7-1)
Ole Miss 10-2 (6-2)
Alabama 10-2 (6-2)
Texas A&M 10-2 (6-2)
Missouri 10-2 (6-2)
Tennessee 9-3 (5-3)
Texas 9-3 (5-3)
LSU 8-4 (5-3)
Oklahoma 8-4 (5-3)
Kentucky 8-4 (4-4)
Auburn 7-5 (3-5)
Florida 6-6 (3-5)
Arkansas 5-7 (2-6)
Mississippi State 5-7 (1-7)
South Carolina 4-8 (1-7)
Vanderbilt 3-9 (0-8)

Oklahoma and Texas’ move to the SEC in July was only overshadowed by the greatest college football coach of all-time, Nick Saban announcing his retirement in January from Alabama after winning seven national titles. To replace Saban, the Crimson Tide hired Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer, who has a gaudy 104-12 head coaching record, even coaching at lower levels. DeBoer’s team lost a group of transfers following Saban’s exit, most notably safety Caleb Downs to Ohio State, who many think is the best player in all of college football. Quarterback Jalen Milroe returns to learn under the quarterback whisperer DeBoer, who helped former Washington QB Michael Penix become the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft (Atlanta Falcons) after a great two year run in Seattle after transferring from Indiana. Milroe lost former Georgia transfer Jermaine Burton to graduation and lost Isaiah Bond to transfer to Texas. Kane Wommack takes over as defensive coordinator for the defense that will be led by safety Malachi Moore, defensive tackles Tim Keenan III, and Tim Smith. The team Alabama beat in last December’s SEC Championship, Georgia, is again the favorite to win the league in a post-Saban world. Signal-caller Carson Beck is all over Heisman lists and he will be joined in the backfield by former Florida tailback Trevor Etienne. With Beck’s top two targets Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey off to the NFL, he will have to find new guys to get the ball to down the field. The defense took a step back in 2023 after dominant performances during national championship seasons in 2021 and 2022 but Kirby Smart should have them refocused. Mykel Williams and Nazir Stackhouse lead the front seven and the defense overall in Athens. After the Bulldogs dominated Ole Miss last November, Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin said they needed to get better on the line of scrimmage. Kiffin and his staff did just that this off-season adding both Texas A&M’s Walter Nolen and Florida’s Princely Umanmielen to their front seven. Adding that talent on to two year starter Jaxson Dart at quarterback, Tre Harris at receiver, and Caden Prieskorn at tight end, this Ole Miss team is a team the SEC media expects to contend to make and win games in the College Football Playoff. Missouri expects to have their best team in years in 2024 after winning 11 games and the Cotton Bowl in Dallas last December. Missouri’s offense returns a lot of continuity including receivers Luther Burden, Theo Wease, and quarterback Brady Cook. Cook will miss tailback Cody Schrader, who graduated. The Tigers defense will miss defensive coordinator Blake Baker, who took the same job at LSU. The Tigers should contend in the SEC again this season with an improved defense under Baker and Garrett Nussmeier stepping into Jayden Daniels’ quarterback spot. Texas’ Steve Sarkisian said he has his deepest roster of his tenure in Austin. Quinn Ewers enters his third season as the starting quarterback  with Arch Manning sitting behind them. Replacing Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Worthy at receiver with Isaiah Bond and others will take time but the Longhorns’ can rely on the run game with CJ Baxter. Losing defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat will be difficult for the Longhorns but Barryn Sorrell and Ethan Burke return as starters along the front seven in Austin. Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma are also contenders in the SEC as the fall begins.

Best Non-Conference Games
1.Michigan @ Texas (September 7)
See in Best Big Ten Non-Conference Games
2.Clemson vs. Georgia (August 31; Atlanta; Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Game)
See in Best ACC Non-Conference Games
3.LSU vs. USC (September 1; Las Vegas; Vegas Kickoff Classic)
See in Best Big Ten Non-Conference Games
3.Notre Dame @ Texas A&M (August 31)
See in Best Independents Games
4.Alabama @ Wisconsin (September 14)
See in Best Big Ten Non-Conference Games
5.Tennessee vs. NC State (September 7; Charlotte; Duke’s Mayo Classic)
See in Best ACC Non-Conference Games

Best Conference Games
1.Georgia @ Alabama (September 28)
If Kirby Smart and his Georgia Bulldogs cannot defeat Kalen DeBoer and Alabama to open each of their SEC campaigns, questions need to be asked in Athens if a third national championship in four years is an expectation Bulldogs fans can have. The chess match between the two defenses and quality quarterbacks, Jalen Milroe and Carson Beck will be interesting to watch to close out the September college football slate.
2.Georgia @ Texas (October 19)
After going 1-1 the last two seasons against Nick Saban and Alabama, the Texas Longhorns will try their luck at home against likely pre-season number one Georgia. Texas QB Quinn Ewers will look to prove himself with a different group of receivers this season against Kirby Smart’s terrific defense. On the other side, Georgia tailback Trevor Etienne will attempt to create holes against the Longhorns’ renewed run defense.
3.Texas vs. Oklahoma (October 12)
The first Red River Showdown with Oklahoma and Texas as SEC opponents will be a mid-October match up as it has been in year’s past. Brent Venables’ Sooners won on a game-winning drive with former quarterback Dillon Gabriel leading the way. But with Grabriel in Euguene at Oregon now, Jackson Arnold will start in his first game against Texas barring an injury against a team with a veteran quarterback in Quinn Ewers, a balanced ground attack led by CJ Baxter, and a receiving group with lots of talent. 
4.Georgia @ Ole Miss (November 9)
Like I mentioned above, Lane Kiffin gained the talent he did in the off-season so that he could beat Georgia. The Rebels welcome the Bulldogs to Oxford the second weekend of November, after getting dominated by Kirby Smart’s team in Athens last season. A win for Kiffin and company could mean a chance to make the SEC Championship and appear in the College Football Playoff.
5.Texas @ Texas A&M (November 30)
There are so many games that deserve this fifth and final spot of the best SEC games that I am ranking but because Texas entered the league this summer, Texas-Texas A&M should be on this list, at least going into this season. New head coach Mike Elko returns to College Station as head coach instead of defensive coordinator this time, ready to lead the Aggies in beating their arch nemesis for the first time since November of 2011, when Justin Tucker hit a walk-off winner for the Longhorns, sending Texas A&M to the SEC. 

Awards
MVP: Carson Beck, QB, Georgia
2023 Stats: 302-417, 3941 yards, 24 TDs, 6 INTs, 60 rushes, 116 yards, 4 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Luther Burden, WR, Missouri
2023 Stats: 86 catches, 1212 yards, 9 TDs, 7 rushes, 31 yards
Defensive Player of the Year: James Pearce Jr., DL, Tennessee
2023 Stats:
Newcomer of the Year: Trey Moore, LB, Texas
2023 Stats: 45 tackles, 14 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF, 1 FR (@ UTSA)
Coach of the Year: Kirby Smart, Georgia

Conference Championship (Atlanta)
Georgia (12-1) over Ole Miss (10-3)
Georgia avenges their only loss in the regular season and proves that they may be the best team in the country.

National Preview:

Top 5 Non-Conference Games
1.Texas @ Michigan (September 7)
2.Clemson vs. Georgia (August 31; Atlanta)
3.LSU vs. USC (September 1; Las Vegas; Vegas Kickoff Classic)
4.Florida State @ Notre Dame (November 9)
5.Notre Dame @ Texas A&M (August 31)

Top 5 Conference Games
1.Michigan @ Ohio State (November 30)
2.Georgia @ Alabama (September 28)
3.Georgia @ Texas (October 19)
4.Ohio State @ Oregon (October 12)
5.Clemson @ Florida State (October 5)

2024-2025 College Football Playoff Top 12 Projection:
1.Georgia 12-1 (7-1) SEC
2.Oregon 12-1 (8-1) Big Ten
3.Utah 12-1 (8-1) Big 12
4.Florida State 11-2 (7-1) ACC
5.Notre Dame 11-1
6.Alabama 10-2 (6-2) SEC
7.Michigan 10-3 (8-1) Big Ten
8.Ole Miss 10-3 (6-2) SEC
9.Ohio State 10-2 (7-2) Big Ten
10.Texas A&M 10-2 (6-2) SEC
11.Missouri 10-2 (6-2) SEC
12.Memphis 11-2 (7-1) American Athletic

2024-2025 College Football Playoff Schedule

First Round (December 20-December 21)

Oxford
8.Ole Miss
9.Ohio State

South Bend
5.Notre Dame
12.Memphis

Tuscaloosa
6.Alabama
11.Missouri

Ann Arbor
7.Michigan
10.Texas A&M

Quarterfinals (December 31-January 1)

Peach Bowl (Atlanta)
1.Georgia
9.Ohio State

Sugar Bowl (New Orleans)
4.Florida State
5.Notre Dame

Fiesta Bowl (Glendale)
3.Utah
6.Alabama

Rose Bowl (Pasadena)
2.Oregon
7.Michigan

Semifinals (January 9-10)

Orange Bowl (Miami Gardens)
1.Georgia
5.Notre Dame

Cotton Bowl (Arlington)
2.Oregon
6.Alabama

2025 College Football Playoff National Championship (January 20; Atlanta)
1.Georgia
6.Alabama

Projected 2025 College Football Playoff National Champion: 1.Georgia

Check out the top 25+ incoming recruits to college football in 2024 (per 247sports composite).

Categories
NFL

2024-2025 cbhsports NFL Preview

Image Courtesy: NBC

It is crazy to think that the 2024-2025 NFL regular season will begin on the night of Thursday, September 5th with the two time reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Baltimore Ravens in a rematch of last season’s AFC Championship game. Check out how I think the NFL season will pan out by reading my preview below.

*All statistics come from Pro Football Reference.*

Here are my projected division standings for the 2024-2025 NFL season:

AFC

East
Miami Dolphins (10-7)
New York Jets (9-8)
Buffalo Bills (9-8)
New England Patriots (4-13)

It will be a three man race in AFC East this season between the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and Buffalo Bills. The Dolphins are the favorite returning quarterback Tua Tagovailoa next to receivers Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and talented pass rusher Jaelan Phillips. If Jets QB Aaron Rodgers (with the help of receiver Garrett Wilson) can avoid injury in 2024, the New York Jets can win the division too. The Buffalo Bills won the division again last season. Josh Allen did throw 18 interceptions but he made the plays to get his team another AFC East title in January. However, they lost a bunch of veteran players so they should fall a bit in 2024. After Bill Belicheck left Foxbourgh, the New England Patriots pegged Jerod Mayo their next head coach. With rookie QB Drake Maye, the Patriots will be entering a new era in 2024.

Top Divisional Games
1.Bills vs. Dolphins (9/12, 11/3)
The battle for the AFC East has gone through Bills-Dolphins games the last two seasons. Josh Allen versus Tua Tagovailoa is always entertaining but the Dolphins’ defense should definitely be better than the Bills’ defense after they lost safety Jordan Poyer.
2.Bills vs. Jets (10/14, 12/29)
Aaron Rodgers versus Josh Allen. How about that match up? With Aaron Rodgers getting to the end of his career, these two games could be the last time we see Rodgers’ best play. I anticipate the Bills and Jets splitting those games.
3.Dolphins vs. Jets (12/8, TBA)
The winner of these two games will determine the AFC East in my opinion. The Dolphins’ and Jets’ rosters are the two best in the division entering this fall and with the Bills’ retooling their roster this offseason.
4.Bills vs. Patriots (12/22, TBA)
The Bills must sweep the Patriots this season if they want to win the division and make the playoffs. If not, they will be staying home in January.
5.Dolphins vs. Patriots (10/6, 11/24)
Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins are undefeated against the Patriots during his career. They should continue that streak this fall when they meet in early October, and the Sunday before Thanksgiving.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Chiefs @ Bills (11/17)
The match ups between Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and Bills QB Josh Allen have been fantastic over the last three seasons. What will they give us during their match up this season?
2.Jets @ 49ers (9/9)
Aaron Rodgers heads to his home state of Californa with his New York Jets to face the reigning NFC champion 49ers. A win over San Francisco would mean a lot for the Jets and head coach Robert Saleh, the former 49ers defensive coordinator.
3.49ers @ Dolphins (12/22)
The Dolphins host the 49ers in what will be a very important game for them to grab a playoff spot with the Bills and Jets likely right around them in standings. It will be a tough to do against one of the best teams in the NFL, San Francisco.
4.Bills @ Ravens (9/29)
The Bills head to Baltimore, one of the toughest road environments in the league to end their September slate this fall. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is now joined by terrific running back Derrick Henry in an offense that includes All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews. This one will be tough for the Bills to win.
5.Texans @ Jets (10/31)
A young group of Texans heads to face the Jets, who also have young group of playmakers (outside of veteran QB Aaron Rodgers). The Jets can definitely win this game but it won’t be easy against CJ Stroud, Tank Dell, and the Texans.

Awards
MVP: Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
2023 Stats: 385-579, 4306 yards, 29 TDs, 18 INT, 111 rushes, 524 yards, 15 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins
2023 Stats: 119 receptions, 1799 yards, 13 TDs
Defensive Player of the Year: Haason Redick, OLB, New York Jets
2023 Stats: 38 tackles, 13 TFL, 11 sacks
Coach of the Year: Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins

North
Cincinnati Bengals (11-6)
Baltimore Ravens (10-7)
Pittsburgh Steelers (9-8)
Cleveland Browns (8-9)

The AFC North should be the best division in the NFL yet again this fall. A healthy Joe Burrow returns for Cincinnati next to his talented receiving weapons including Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Baltimore, who appeared in last season’s AFC Championship game, added Derrick Henry to its already talented running back room. All four defenses are phenomenal in this divison. Pittsburgh linebacker TJ Watt and Cleveland defensive end Myles Garrett compete for the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year annually. Pittsburgh and Cleveland will hope to make things work with relatively new players on their offenses (Russell Wilson and Justin Fields for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Deshaun Watson for the Cleveland Browns). This division will be competitive again and it will be so fun to watch.

Top Divisional Games
1.Bengals vs. Ravens (10/6, 11/7)
Lamar vs. Joe two times again this season should be fantastic. If both teams stay healthy, these two games should determine who wins the AFC North.
2.Ravens vs. Steelers (11/17, 12/21)
Two late season match ups between two old rivals should be fun between two great coaches; Baltimore’s John Harbaugh and Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin. The Steelers’ TJ Watt makes things happen defensively but it will be up to Russell Wilson (or Justin Fields) getting the ball down the field against the terrific Ravens’ defense.
3.Bengals vs. Browns (10/20, 12/19)
Joe Burrow always struggles against the Cleveland Browns. It will be up to him and his Cincinnati Bengals to get at least one win over the Browns so they can return to the playoffs this winter.
4.Ravens vs. Browns (10/27, TBA)
If Baltimore has a playoff spot all locked up when they meet Cleveland the last weekend of the regular season, they will rest their starters. But, I think this season both the Ravens and the Browns will be able to clinch playoff spots the first weekend in January if they have not done so already.
5.Bengals vs. Steelers (12/1, TBA)
Similarly to Browns-Ravens, the Bengals and Steelers will meet the last weekend of the regular season. Both games between Cincinnati and Pittsburgh will be important in determining who will be the AFC North champion this season.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Ravens @ Chiefs (9/5)
A rematch of last season’s AFC Championship will open the 2024-2025 season. The Chiefs lost last season’s opening game to the Detroit Lions but I don’t think they will overlook this one.
2.Bengals @ Chiefs (9/15)
Cincinnati has been one of the few teams that has had success against Kansas City during Patrick Mahomes’ career as Kansas City’s quarterback. Going into Arrowhead and getting a win will be tough but if any team can do it, Zac Taylor’s team definitely can.
3.Eagles @ Ravens (12/1)
Philadelphia’s revamped offense, led by former Giants’ running back Saquon Barkley heads to Baltimore to face the Ravens on the first day of December. Despite it being an interconference game, the loser will definitely need to bounce back with a month left in the regular season.
4.Ravens @ Texans (12/25)
A rematch of the AFC Divisional round game last January, the Baltimore Ravens will look to continue their success against the Texans with their ground and pound game, led by new running back Derrick Henry. DeMeco Ryans’ defense must be up to defend both Henry and the electric pass and run game of Lamar Jackson as well.
5.Ravens @ Chargers (11/25)
John Harbaugh’s Baltimore Ravens head to Los Angeles to face his brother Jim Harbaugh, and his new team, the Los Angeles Chargers. The two brothers last met up in Super Bowl XLVII in 2013 when John led the Ravens to a win over Jim’s 49ers before Jim returned to Michigan, his alma mater.

Awards
MVP: Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
2023 Stats: 244-365, 2309 yards, 15 TD, 6 INT, 31 rushes, 88 yards
Offensive Player of the Year: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
2023 Stats: 100 receptions, 1216 yards, 7 TDs
Defensive Player of the Year: TJ Watt, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers
2023 Stats: 68 tackles, 19 TFL, 1 INT, 19 sacks
Coach of the Year: Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals

South
Houston Texans (10-7)
Indianapolis Colts (9-8)
Jacksonville Jaguars (8-9)
Tennessee Titans (5-12)

The Houston Texans are the favorites to win the AFC South again this season after advancing to the AFC Divisional Round last winter, being led by new head coach DeMeco Ryans and QB CJ Stroud. The Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars are capable and will compete with the Texans but with former Titans tailback Derrick Henry in Baltimore with the Ravens, Tennessee is not expected to be in the running but could surprise with new expected signal-caller Will Levis behind center. The division always comes down to the first weekend of January, with all four of the teams in the division somehow still able to win the division and clinch a playoff berth. But, a team must emerge again this season and if second year Colts QB Anthony Richardson can emerge coming off of an injury last season, the Texans and Jaguars must watch out. In Jacksonville, Trevor Lawrence must prove that he was worth the money the Jaguars gave him this summer. Tennessee made the surprising move to fire Mike Vrabel. They then hired former Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan as its head coach, going in a different direction than the defensive minded Vrabel with Levis now under center.

Top Divisional Games
1.Texans vs. Colts (9/8, 10/27)
In games that are always close, the Texans and Colts match up to begin the season and close out their October slates. Houston and Indianapolis are always fighting atop the AFC South and it will be no different this season. I anticipate them to split the series again this season.
2.Texans vs. Jaguars (9/29, 12/1)
Trevor Lawrence versus CJ Stroud two more times this season should make for some awesome games to watch in 2024. It will be up to each quarterback’s defense to win these games and help their team advance to this winter’s playoffs.
3.Colts vs. Jaguars (10/6, TBA)
If CJ Stroud has a sophomore slump and the Texans underperform this fall, the Colts-Jaguars games to begin October and to end the season could very well determine who advances to the playoffs out of the AFC South.
4.Texans vs. Titans (11/24, TBA)
The Titans could be very upset minded under new head coach Brian Callahan. The offensive minded head coach could do some things to fool the terrific Texans defense. The Texans may be division champions again in 2024 but the Titans could definitely take one from Houston.
5.Colts vs. Titans (10/13, 12/22)
The Colts must win both of these games against the Titans if they want to be in contention for another division championship and playoff spot because they also have to deal with the Jaguars and Texans.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Texans @ Chiefs (12/21)
The Saturday before Christmas, the Houston Texans head to Arrowhead Stadium to face the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. A win for DeMeco Ryans’ team in Kansas City would send shockwaves through the sport that the Texans are here to stay at the top of the sport.
2.Ravens @ Texans (12/25)
See in Top AFC North Interdivisional Games
3.Texans @ Cowboys (11/18)
The battle for Texas will be at AT&T Stadium on Monday in primetime. Despite the Cowboys many free agent losses, if Houston comes out of “Jerry World” with a win, they could be on their way to locking up a playoff berth in December.
4.Texans @ Jets (10/31)
See in Top AFC East Interdivisional Games
5.Lions @ Colts (11/24)
Crazy things happen in Indianapolis and the Sunday before Thanksgiving could allow for another chance for more wild football to ensue when the reigning NFC North champions Detroit Lions come to town. A win for young quarterback Anthony Richardson could establish him as a top quarterback in this league against one of the league’s top defenses. The Colts defense will also face challenges against a tremendous Lions offense, led by a pair of fantastic running backs (Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery) and a terrific receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown catching passes from veteran quarterback Jared Goff.

Awards
MVP: CJ Stroud, QB, Houston Texans
2023 Stats: 319-499, 4108 yards, 23 TDs, 5 INT, 39 rushes, 167 yards, 3 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Tank Dell, WR, Houston Texans
2023 Stats: 47 receptions, 709 yards, 7 TDs
Defensive Player of the Year: Josh Allen, OLB, Jacksonville Jaguars
2023 Stats: 66 tackles, 17 TFL, 1 INT, 17.5 sacks
Coach of the Year: DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans

West
Kansas City Chiefs (12-5)
Las Vegas Raiders (9-8)
Los Angeles Chargers (8-9)
Denver Broncos (6-11)

The AFC West runs through Kansas City and Arrowhead Stadium once again this fall. The Chiefs have won eight consecutive division titles and have won back to back Super Bowls. Andy Reid’s team biggest challenger in the AFC West is normally a different team every season. Last season, the Las Vegas Raiders challenged Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, getting a win on Christmas Day. New permanent head coach Antonio Pierce has a new quarterback in former Indianapolis Colts gunslinger Gardner Minshew. If Minshew can get it to his targets, namely one of the top receivers in the game, Davante Adams at a more consistent rate than former signal-caller Jimmy Garapollo, the Raiders can be a much better team this fall. I Los Angeles, new College Football Playoff National Champion head coach Jim Harbaugh (at Michigan) takes over as head coach. Talented quarterback Justin Herbert will have to establish a connection with young receivers Josh Palmer, Quentin Johnson, and Ladd McConkey taking over for veteran receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams who are out the door. The Denver Broncos have a lot of questions with Sean Payton entering his second season as head coach. With Russell Wilson now in Pittsburgh, it is questionable who will replace him behind center. Whether it is rookie Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham, or Zach Wilson, they will have to lead the offense with lots of talent on that side of the ball.

Top Divisional Games
1.Chiefs vs. Raiders (10/27, 11/29)
Like I mentioned above, the Chiefs-Raiders games at the end of October and November will likely determine the winner of the AFC West. Kansas City really has to struggle for Las Vegas to truly compete for the division but the Raiders definitely are capable with pass rusher Maxx Crosby wrecking havoc in the backfield,
2.Chargers vs. Chiefs (9/29, 12/8)
The Chargers-Chiefs games are always entertaining but with Jim Harbaugh in LA now as head coach, the duels between him and Andy Reid should be phenomenal.
3.Chargers vs. Raiders (9/8, TBA)
Similar to their battles with the Chiefs, the Chargers’ match ups with the Raiders are always entertaining. The winner of this match up will have to make game-changing plays offensively with changes on that side of the ball for both teams.
4.Broncos vs. Chiefs (11/10, TBA)
Can the Broncos upset the Chiefs once in 2024? The loss of veteran quarterback Russell Wilson means their is less stability on Sean Payton’s offense so there is less hope for Denver.
5.Broncos vs. Raiders (10/6, 11/24)
Sweeping the Broncos would do wonders for the Raiders’ chances at getting a playoff spot even if they can’t overcome the Chiefs for the top spot in the division. Salvaging at least a win for the Broncos over the Raiders will be necessary if the Broncos want to avoid finishing in last place in the division.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Chiefs @ 49ers (10/20)
The Super Bowl LVIII rematch will be in San Francisco as the 49ers host the Chiefs, looking to avenge their overtime loss last February. The chess match between Andy Reid’s offense and Nick Sorensen’s defense will again determine the winner of this game.
2.Ravens @ Chiefs (9/5)
See in Top AFC North Interdivisional Games
3.Bengals @ Chiefs (9/15)
See in Top AFC North Interdivisional Games
4.Ravens @ Chargers (11/25)
See in Top AFC North Interdivisional Games
5.Raiders @ Ravens (9/15)
The Raiders most challenging game outside of playing the Kansas City Chiefs may very well be their trip to Baltimore to play the Ravens in week two of the season. Playing not only a talented offense (led by QB Lamar Jackson) but a tremendous defense (led by safety Kyle Hamilton among others) with a great coaching staff (led by head coach John Harbaugh) will be a challenge for Antonio Pierce’s team and a game that will prepare them for a potential playoff run.

Awards
MVP: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
2023 Stats: 401-597, 4183 yards, 27 TDs, 75 rushes, 389 yards
Offensive Player of the Year: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
2023 Stats: See Above
Defensive Player of the Year: Maxx Crosby, DE, Las Vegas Raiders
2023 Stats: 90 tackles, 23 TFL, 14.5 sacks
Coach of the Year: Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs

NFC

East
Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)
Dallas Cowboys (9-8)
Washington Commanders (6-11)
New York Giants (3-14)

The NFC East should run through Philadelphia again after general manager Howie Roseman made many great off-season moves, namely signing former New York Giants’ running back Saquon Barkley during free agency. Cam Jurgens is expected to replace the tremendous Jason Kelce (who retired) at center, who will block for Barkley and his new quarterback Jalen Hurts. If Hurts can avoid some of his turnover issues from last season, there is no doubt that he can get the ball down field to receivers AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith. The defense was also improved in Philadelphia this offseason when they signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneer linebacker Devin White, defensive back CJ Gardner-Johnson (who returns after a year in Detroit), former New York Jet defensive end Bryce Huff. The adds on defense for the Eagles should help losing former All-Pro defensive tackle Fletcher Cox to retirement. The Dallas Cowboys lost many defensive players to the Washington Commanders, who took their defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. So, linebacker Micah Parsons and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence will have to lead what will be a younger unit this fall. Quarterback Dak Prescott and receiver CeeDee Lamb return without a multi-year contract signed next to recently re-signed running back Ezekiel Elliott. The Cowboys will look to bounce back after the Green Bay Packers came into AT&T Stadium and destroyed them in the Wild Card Round last January. The Washington Commanders should be better in 2024 with new head coach Dan Quinn, former LSU QB Jayden Daniels, and a defense that looks similar to the one its head coach led in Dallas. The question for the Commanders will be if they can win their home games against all three of their divisional opponents. If so, they have a better shot of making the playoffs. The New York Giants are again likely the worst team in the division, with Daniel Jones remaining as the expected starting quarterback for Brian Daboll. Without Saquon Barkley there is not much offensive firepower for the Giants outside of 2024 first round selection (wide receiver) Malik Nabers. New York’s defense is fantastic but if it does not show up against Philadelphia and Dallas’ offenses it won’t matter how good it is in every other game.

Top Divisional Games
1.Cowboys vs. Eagles (11/10, 12/29)
Over the last few seasons the winner of the Dallas-Philadelphia games go on to win the NFC East. The two teams normally split their match ups annually. Dallas won the 2021 and 2023 NFC East titles sandwiched between Philadelphia’s 2022 NFC East crown. With new defensive playcaller Mike Zimmmer and not as much depth on the his defense, I would anticipate the Eagles offense to take advantage the Cowboys unit that’s not as good as it was last season.
2.Commanders vs. Eagles (11/14, 12/22)
If Dan Quinn’s first year in Washington goes well, it will be because they take at least one game from their Philadelphia rivals. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and Quinn’s improved defense must step up to beat the Eagles.
3.Commanders vs. Cowboys (11/24, TBA)
Dan Quinn takes on his old team, the Dallas Cowboys, the Sunday before Thanksgiving and the last weekend of the regular season. Quinn knows everything about the Dallas offense being the former Cowboys defensive coordinator so don’t be surprised if they ca pick up a win or two over his old team. Similarly to their games against the Eagles, the Commanders can make the playoffs if they can beat their division rival Cowboys.
4.Eagles vs. Giants (10/20, TBA)
Former Giants tailback Saquon Barkley and the Eagles will take on his former team the second to last Sunday of October and the last weekend of the regular season. An upset by the Giants over the Eagles is unlikely this season as Philadelphia looks to bounce back from a bad end to last season.
5.Cowboys vs. Giants (9/26, 11/28)
Dallas must win both of these games over New York like they normally do with Dak Prescott as their quarterback if they want to be a playoff team again in 2024 with a weaker defense this season. A win for the Giants in this series would be huge for the continuation of Brian Daboll’s tenure at MetLife Stadium.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Eagles @ Ravens (12/1)
See in Top AFC North Interdivisional Games
2.Eagles @ Bengals (10/27)
A battle between former SEC quarterbacks Jalen Hurts and Joe Burrow will finish October play for the Eagles and Bengals. Two of the most talented receiving cores in the NFL (AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith for Philadelphia & Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins for Cincinnati) will determine who will win this match up.
3.Lions @ Cowboys (10/13)
A crazy “New Year’s Eve Eve” game at AT&T Stadium last season was crazy. It took almost losing the game for the Cowboys to pull through and beat the Lions on a controversial call. Something tells me that Detroit will come back to AT&T Stadium for revenge this fall.
4.Eagles vs. Packers (9/6; Brazil)
On the opening Friday of the regular season, the first ever NFL game is Brazil pits the upstart Green Bay Packers against the Philadelphia Eagles. Green Bay and Philadelphia should both be competitive this fall so it should be a fantastic game. A win would help both teams get a good start on building their playoff resumé.
5.Texans @ Cowboys (11/18)
See in Top AFC South Interdivisional Games

Awards
MVP: AJ Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
2023 Stats: 106 receptions, 1456 yards, 7 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
2023 Stats: 247 rushes, 962 yards, 6 TDs
Defensive Player of the Year: Micah Parsons, LB, Dallas Cowboys
2023 Stats: 64 tackles, 18 TFL, 1 FF, 14 sacks
Coach of the Year: Dan Quinn, Washington Commanders

North
Detroit Lions (11-6)
Green Bay Packers (10-7)
Chicago Bears (8-9)
Minnesota Vikings (5-12)

The Detroit Lions won their first NFC North title in 2023 in years. They return quarterback Jared Goff, receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and what should be a vaunted defense again headed by former Michigan Wolverine pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Matt LaFleur’s Green Bay Packers have a roster again that can compete for the NFC North title again, making a run to the NFC Divisional Round last winter. Losing tailback Aaron Jones to the division rival Minnesota Vikings stings but having both former Las Vegas Raider Josh Jacobs and returner AJ Dillon to replace him should help young quarterback Jordan Love with his composure throughout the season. Defensive end Rashan Gary and linebacker Quay Walker head LaFleur’s defense as they enter this fall. I anticipate the Chicago Bears having a much improved season with number one overall pick Caleb Williams (QB, USC) now taking snaps from behind center. Williams will get to throw to former Los Angeles Charger Keenan Allen and DJ Moore. With a one of the best defenses in the NFL on top of their offensive improvements, the Bears will be much better in 2024. Losing veteran QB Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons will be difficult for the Minnesota Vikings to get past. Kevin O’Connell’s team replaces Cousins with Sam Darnold, who last was Brock Purdy’s backup with the San Francisco 49ers. Having All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson to throw to will ease things for him as well as adding the aforementioned former Packer running back Aaron Jones to the mix. Darnold will have his work cut out for him. It will be up to the Vikings’ defense to support an inexperienced starting quarterback.

Top Divisional Games
1.Lions vs. Packers (11/3, 12/5)
The Packers will challenge a Lions team that is inexperienced as the favorite entering the year to begin both their November and December schedules. The young Jordan Love battles with Jared Goff likely for the divisional crown this season. The two best rosters in the division should split their meetings this season.
2.Bears vs. Packers (11/17, TBA)
The rivalry that Aaron Rodgers and the Packers owned for years now has a new feel with two new quarterbacks battling it out. Caleb Williams versus Jordan Love should be a treat. The winner of these two games will have the better defense on November 17th and the final weekend of the regular season.
3.Bears vs. Lions (11/28, 12/22)
The Lions will battle an NFC North opponent on Thanksgiving yet again in 2024, this time it will be the Bears. Detroit fell to Green Bay on the holiday last year so they must bounce back. They head to Chicago three weeks later for a pre-Christmas match up with the Bears. If the Lions win both of those games, they could be in the running to be the NFC’s top seed in the playoffs this winter.
4.Packers vs. Vikings (9/29, 12/29)
The Packers and Vikings end their Septembers and Decembers playing each other. Green Bay must avoid losses against Minnesota if they want to compete with Detroit for a playoff spot.
5.Lions vs. Vikings (10/20, TBA)
The Lions cannot overlook the Vikings if they want to accomplish what they want to accomplish in Dan Campbell’s third season as head coach. They want to win a Super Bowl and if they want to do that winning games against what should be the weakest team in the division should be no problem for Detroit.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Lions @ 49ers (12/30)
A rematch of last season’s NFC Championship Game should be fantastic. Dan Campbell and his team know that they should have defeated the San Francisco 49ers last season. An appearance in the Super Bowl was at their fingertips and they lost the lead late in that game. But, there’s always next season and Detroit should be focused on avenging their loss to San Francisco the day before New Year’s Eve.
2.49ers @ Packers (11/24)
Another fantastic game in the NFC Divisional Round was played between Green Bay and San Francisco in January. How sweet would it be for Matt LaFleur to beat his former colleague Kyle Shanan again at their Lambeau Field home. Jordan Love must get it to his favorite target Christian Watson down the field against the tremendous 49ers defense if they want to win this game.
3.Lions @ Cowboys (10/13)
See in Top NFC East Interdivisional Games
4.Lions @ Rams (9/8)
Maybe the most even trade in NFL history occurred between the Lions and Rams a few years ago. The Rams sent QB Jared Goff to the Lions for Lions QB Matthew Stafford. The season after being traded Stafford led Los Angeles to a Super Bowl win and the season after that Jared Goff helped the Lions to the NFC Championship Game. A rematch of last season’s NFC Wildcard game, the Lions look for a second consecutive win over the Rams.
5.Eagles vs. Packers (9/6; Brazil)
See in Top NFC East Interdivisional Games

Awards
MVP: Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
2023 Stats: 68 receptions, 1074 yards, 5 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions
2023 Stats: 119 receptions, 1515 yards, 10 TDs
Defensive Player of the Year: Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Detroit Lions
2023 Stats: 51 tackles, 14 TFL, 1 INT, 3 FF, 11.5 sacks
Coach of the Year: Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions

South
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7)
Atlanta Falcons (9-8)
New Orleans Saints (6-11)
Carolina Panthers (4-13)

A huge season looms in the NFC South, normally dubbed as the worst division in the NFL. Tampa Bay returns quarterback Baker Mayfield next to two terrific receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Losing linebacker Devin White to the Philadelphia Eagles (a team the Buccaneers beat in the playoffs last winter) hurts but veterans (defensive tackle) Vita Vea and linebackers Lavonte David and KJ Britt next to star safety Antoine Winfield Jr. should make up for his loss. In Atlanta, the addition of former Minnesota Vikings signal-caller Kirk Cousins paired with new head coach Raheem Morris has Falcons’ fans buzzing. The Falcons drafting Washington Husky QB Michael Penix Jr. was a surprise with the eighth overall selection back in April but he is a solid backup plan if Cousins were to get hurt. Cousins being placed next to second year running back Bijan Robinson, receiver Drake London, and tight end Kyle Pitts should make for a great offense this upcoming season. With former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris taking over the Falcons defense, defensive end Grady Jarrett and safety Jessie Bates III should be in for big years in 2024. Dennis Allen and the Saints should be ready for a step back this upcoming season with quarterback Derek Carr having an up and down season last fall. There are many questions for the Saints entering next season. In Charlotte, the Carolina Panthers should win a few more games in an NFC with less depth than the AFC. Second year quarterback and former top overall pick Bryce Young should be better in year 2 with a new receiving core of Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen, and Xavier Legette.

Top Divisional Games
1.Buccaneers vs. Falcons (10/3, 10/27)
The winners of the games between the Buccaneers and Falcons, both in October, should go on to win the NFC South. The Falcons finally have a roster and a coach to compete for a playoff spot but the Buccaneers are the team they will have to get past.
2.Falcons vs. Saints (9/29, 11/10)
For many years during the 2010s, the Falcons-Saints games would determine who would top the NFC South and the NFC overall with Matt Ryan and Drew Brees dueling it out. Now, as questions surround the Saints and the Falcons have a trusted veteran quarterback in Kirk Cousins, this series has split written all over it this fall.
3.Buccaneers vs. Saints (10/13, TBA)
It will be a competitive race in the NFC South and the Bucs and Saints should be at the forefront of the race. The Buccaneers could lock up a playoff spot by defeating the Saints not only on the second Sunday of October but the last weekend of the regular season when they face off again.
4.Buccaneers vs. Panthers (12/1, 12/29)
The Panthers could take a fourth consecutive NFC South Division title away from Tampa Bay by beating the Buccaneers either to open the month of December or during the second to last weekend of the regular season, just two days before New Year’s Eve, when every game in the NFL feels like its playoff football.
5.Falcons vs. Panthers (10/13, TBA)
The Falcons and Panthers battle each other in both the middle of October and to end their regular season schedules. Imagine if the Panthers took the Falcons chances at a playoff spot away the first weekend of January.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Eagles @ Buccaneers (9/29)
A rematch of the 2024 NFC Wildcard Round, the Buccaneers will look to continue their win streak against the Eagles with former linebacker Devin White now playing for Philadelphia. It is definitely not a game that they need to win to capture another division title but it would surely help their playoff chances early in the season.
2.49ers @ Buccaneers (11/10)
The Buccaneers host both the Eagles, 49ers, and Ravens (see below) before the month of December again. QB Baker Mayfield will be challenged in both of those games but if he can step up and get it down the field against the vaunted 49ers’ defense, anticipate another Tampa Bay team that can win a playoff game or two in the winter of 2025.
3.Chiefs @ Falcons (9/22)
The two time reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs may be challenged a little more than you might think when they come to Atlanta to face the Falcons in late September. Kirk Cousins and his offensive weapons, Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts with one of the best defensive coaches in the NFL has “trap game” written all over it.
4.Ravens @ Buccaneers (10/21)
Another challenging game for Tampa Bay comes at home against the last season’s AFC runner-up, the Baltimore Ravens. The Buccaneers face another team with a great quarterback in Lamar Jackson, quality weapons around him, and a defense that can get constant stops.
5.Falcons @ Vikings (12/8)
Kirk Cousins makes his first return to face his old team, the Minnesota Vikings, in early December with the Atlanta Falcons. Losing a game to a conference opponent with a young quarterback like Sam Darnold will not help the Falcons make the playoffs.

Awards
MVP: Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2023 Stats: 364-566, 4044 yards, 28 TDs, 10 INT, 62 rushes, 163 yards, 1 TD
Offensive Player of the Year: Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2023 Stats: 79 receptions, 1255 yards, 13 TDs
Defensive Player of the Year: Brian Burns, DE, Carolina Panthers
2023 Stats: 50 tackles, 16 TFL, 2 FF, 8 sacks
Coach of the Year: Raheem Morris, Atlanta Falcons

West
San Francisco 49ers (13-4)
Los Angeles Rams (10-7)
Seattle Seahawks (8-9)
Arizona Cardinals (5-12)

The NFC North should again run through San Francisco with the 49ers coming just six points short of adding another Super Bowl to their trophy case in February. Young quarterback Brock Purdy proved he could lead the 49ers to the Super Bowl alongside 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey, receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, and tight end George Kittle. San Francisco’s defense is one of the best in the league, being led by defensive end Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner. They must hope fellow linebacker Dre Greenlaw heals fast from tearing his achilles running onto the field in Super Bowl 58 against the Chiefs and that new promoted defensive coordinator Nick Sorenson can ease his unit on the field. For the Los Angeles Rams, it will be the first year without future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Aaron Donald. The makeup of Braden Fiske, Bobby Brown II, and Kobie Turner on the defensive line won’t make up for the absence of Donald but rookie edge rusher Jared Verse, former Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White, and former Commanders safety Kam Curl will help support their defensive line without their retired superstar. Offensively it will be up to Matt Stafford to get the ball down the field to terrific second year wideout Puka Nacua and help fellow receiver Cooper Kupp have a bounce back campaign in 2024. LA will look between Kyren Williams, former Michigan Wolverine rookie Blake Corum, and Boston Scott to be their feature running back. Geno Smith surprised everyone in his first season as a Seattle Seahawk and with tailback Kenneth Walker III, and receivers DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba coming back, I anticipate this Seattle offense giving the NFL a challenge every weekend. Defensively, they must improve with defensive end Leonard Williams and noseback Devon Witherspoon headlining the unit. In Phoenix, the Arizona Cardinals are relying on their signal-caller, Kyler Murray to get the ball to one of the best receiver prospects of all-time, the fourth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, Marvin Harrison Jr. The Cardinals challenged many playoff teams last season, including a decisive win over the Dallas Cowboys. With Harrison Jr. placed next to the talented Zay Jones on the outside, it will make it harder for defenses to stop them. Defensively, an impact player must emerge for the Cardinals to be serious contenders to make the NFC Playoffs this fall.

Top Divisional Games
1.49ers vs. Rams (9/22, 12/12)
A series that is full of close games every year with fans of both teams in opposing cities, the 49ers and Rams should battle again at the top of the NFC West. To me, it will be up to the prolific Rams offense against the terrific 49ers defense. That will be what determines those games.
2.49ers vs. Seahawks (10/10, 11/17)
The rivalry between San Francisco and Seattle goes back so many years. Similar to the two games between the 49ers and Rams, the game between the 49ers and Seahawks will be determined by the winners of the battle between Seahawks’ offense and the 49ers’ defense.
3.Rams vs. Seahawks (11/3, TBA)
The winner of these Rams-Seahawks games will likely be in position to win the division behind the 49ers. Both teams have fantastic receivers (The Rams’ Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua and Seattle’s DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba) and will test the opposing defense with their offensive firepower.
4.49ers vs. Cardinals (10/6, TBA)
San Francisco can and probably will sweep the season series against Arizona. But, if they overlook them, the Cardinals could find themselves back in a position to clinch a playoff spot for the first time in a few seasons.
5.Cardinals vs. Rams (9/15, TBA)
If the Rams want to upend the 49ers for the top spot in the NFC West, they must sweep the Cardinals. If not, they will likely be second or worse in the division. The two games between the Cardinals should be shootouts without strong defensive identities for either team entering the 2024 campaign.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Chiefs @ 49ers (10/20)
See in Top AFC North Interdivisional Games
2.Lions @ 49ers (12/30)
See in Top NFC North Interdivisional Games
3.49ers @ Packers (11/24)
See in Top NFC North Interdivisional Games
4.Rams @ Lions (9/8)
See in Top NFC North Interdivisional Games
5.Jets @ 49ers (9/9)
See in Top AFC East Interdivisional Games

Awards
MVP: Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers
2023 Stats: 272 rushes, 1459 yards, 14 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers
2023 Stats: See Above
Defensive Player of the Year: Nick Bosa, DE, San Francisco 49ers
2023 Stats: 53 tackles, 16 TFL, 2 FF, 10.5 sacks
Coach of the Year: Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers

Top AFC Games
1.Ravens @ Chiefs (9/5)
2.Texans @ Chiefs (12/21)
3.Ravens @ Texans (12/25)
4.Bengals @ Chiefs (9/15)
5.Bengals vs. Ravens (10/6, 11/7)
6.Chiefs @ Bills (11/17)
7.Bills vs. Dolphins (9/12, 11/3)
8.Ravens vs. Steelers (11/17, 12/21)
9.Texans @ Jets (10/31)
10.Texans vs. Colts (9/8, 10/27)

Top NFC Games
1.Lions @ 49ers (12/30)
2.49ers @ Packers (11/24)
3.Lions vs. Packers (11/3, 12/5)
4.Cowboys vs. Eagles (11/10, 12/29)
5.Lions @ Cowboys (10/13)
6.Eagles vs. Packers (9/6; Brazil)
7.49ers vs. Rams (9/22, 12/12)
8.Lions @ Rams (9/8)
9.Eagles @ Buccaneers (9/29)
10.Buccaneers vs. Falcons (10/3, 10/27)

My Projected Playoff Bracket (Based off of my projected standings):

AFC
1.Kansas City Chiefs (12-5)
2.Cincinnati Bengals (11-6)
3.Houston Texans (10-7)
4.Miami Dolphins (10-7)
5.Baltimore Ravens (10-7)
6.Indianapolis Colts (9-8)
7.New York Jets (9-8)

NFC
1.San Francisco 49ers (13-4)
2.Detroit Lions (11-6)
3.Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)
4.Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7)
5.Los Angeles Rams (10-7)
6.Green Bay Packers (10-7)
7.Dallas Cowboys (9-8)

Wildcard Round (Saturday-Monday, January 11-13, 2025)

AFC
2.Cincinnati Bengals over 7.New York Jets
Joe Burrow and the Bengals open the playoffs with a win over the Jets in what could be Aaron Rodgers’ final game in the NFL.
3.Houston Texans over 6.Indianapolis Colts
In a great in division game in the playoffs, the Texans prove they are the better team than the Colts and advance to the divisional round.
5.Baltimore Ravens over 4.Miami Dolphins
Baltimore defeats Miami on the back of their run game and defense.

NFC
2.Detroit Lions over 7.Dallas Cowboys
Detroit and Dallas have had a lot of history the last two seasons but the Lions put it to bed that they are the better team and move on.
3.Philadelphia Eagles over 6.Green Bay Packers
Philadelphia will win its first playoff game since the 2023 NFC Championship Game if they beat the Packers at home.
4.Tampa Bay Buccaneers over 5.Los Angeles Rams
Tampa Bay takes advantage of an Aaron Donald-less Rams’ defense and gets the ball down the field constantly to Mike Evans in a back and forth win.

Divisional Round (Saturday-Sunday, January 18-19, 2025)

AFC
1.Kansas City Chiefs over 5.Baltimore Ravens
On its path to a third consecutive Super Bowl, Kansas City defeats Baltimore in the playoffs for the second consecutive season, this time in the divisional round not in the AFC Championship Game.
2.Cincinnati Bengals over 3.Houston Texans
In a game of premiere quarterbacks Joe Burrow and CJ Stroud, the Bengals and Texans battle back and forth. But after struggling last season due to injury Burrow leads the Bengals to right where he had them in 2022, the AFC Championship Game.

NFC
1.San Francisco 49ers over 4.Tampa Bay Buccaneers
San Francisco defeats Tampa Bay as they look to avenge their two Super Bowl losses to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019 and 2023 against whoever their opponent would play after potentially winning another NFC title.
2.Detroit Lions over 3.Philadelphia Eagles
Howie Roseman did upgrade the Eagles’ roster with Saquon Barkley and many defensive additions but the Lions’ home field advantage will get them a second consecutive appearance in the NFC Championship.

Conference Championship Round (Sunday, January 26, 2025)

AFC
1.Kansas City Chiefs over 2.Cincinnati Bengals
A rematch of the 2021 and 2022 AFC Championship Games, Kansas City will move onto the Super Bowl for the third consecutive season, looking for a third title in a row.

NFC
2.Detroit Lions over 1.San Francisco 49ers
Detroit learns from their mistakes in the NFC Championship a season ago giving up their lead to the 49ers and finishing it off. The Lions would appear in the Super Bowl for the first time ever after beating the 49ers.

Super Bowl 59 (New Orleans; Sunday, February 9, 2025)
2.Detroit Lions over 1.Kansas City Chiefs
Detroit will deny Kansas City a third consecutive Super Bowl and will win their first in franchise history, led by head coach Dan Campbell, quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra Brown, and defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.

Projected Super Bowl Winner: 2.Detroit Lions

Awards:
MVP: Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
2023 Stats: 244-365, 2309 yards, 15 TD, 6 INT, 31 rushes, 88 yards
Offensive Player of the Year: Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions
2023 Stats: 119 receptions, 1515 yards, 10 TDs
Defensive Player of the Year: TJ Watt, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers
2023 Stats: 68 tackles, 19 TFL, 1 INT, 19 sacks
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
2023 Stats: 68 receptions, 1177 yards, 17 TDs (@ LSU)
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Dallas Turner, LB, Minnesota Vikings (@ Alabama)
2023 Stats: 53 tackles, 14.5 TFL, 2 FF, 10 sacks
Comeback Player of the Year: Aaron Rodgers, QB, New York Jets
2023 Stats: Was injured in Jets’ 2023 opener against the Buffalo Bills
Coach of the Year: DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans

Categories
Schedules/Updates

2024-2025 cbhsports post schedule *TENTATIVE*

Image Courtesy: Football Scoop

Fall post schedule on the cbhsports Instagram

*Each post will be published at the time in parentheses to the right of the post listed*

August 11
2024-2025 cbhsports NFL Preview (2 PM CT)

August 17
2024-2025 cbhsports College Football Preview (2 PM CT)

August 19
Surprise Post (11 AM CT)

August 29
2024 cbhsports College Football 8/29-9/2 Preview (1 PM CT)

September 6
2024 cbhsports College Football 9/7 Preview (3 PM CT)

September 12
Not dead yet: The Pac-12 makes attempt at comeback with four MWC programs (1 PM CT)

September 13
2024 cbhsports College Football 9/14 Preview (3 PM CT)

September 20
2024 cbhsports College Football 9/21 Preview (3 PM CT)

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Categories
College Baseball

Can Dave Van Horn and Arkansas baseball finally break through and win it all?

Image Courtesy: Whole Hog Sports

It is hard to believe Arkansas baseball has not won it all in Omaha at the College World Series. It is even harder to believe the Razorbacks did not finish the job in 2018 when they were just one out away from the win. Arkansas was up 1-0 in the College World Series National Championship Series and the Oregon State was down to its last out in the top of the ninth inning with the Razorbacks up 3-2. Beavers shortstop Cadyn Grenier hit a pop up to foul territory on the right and the ball fell right in the middle of three Arkansas defenders including first baseman Jared Gates, second baseman Carson Shaddy, and right fielder Eric Cole. It was first baseman Jared Gates’ ball the entire way but none of the three called the ball. Grenier went on to hit a single to the left to tie it at 3. Then, the next batter Trevor Lanach hit a two-run home run to give the Beavers distance. They went on to win game 2 in the bottom of the ninth before winning it all the next day in game 3, 5-0.

It took a lot of time Razorback baseball fans to get over that loss. But, head coach Dave Van Horn quickly got over the loss to Oregon State, getting his team back to Omaha a year later. Arkansas did go 0-2 in 2019 in Omaha but they returned talented second baseman Casey Martin and right fielder Heston Kjerstad for 2020. When the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the 2020 season in mid-March Razorback fans believed they missed another great chance for them to win it all. Martin and Kjerstad were gone but a new group came in for Van Horn including shortstop Jalen Battles, second baseman Robert Moore, and first baseman Brady Slavens to join pitcher Kevin Kopps. Kopps had always been a quality relief pitcher for pitching coach Matt Hobbs. But what he did in the spring of 2021 was something that will be remembered by Razorback fans for a long time. Kopps went 13-1 as Arkansas won a ten of its SEC series during the regular season, including a tremendous series win over Tennessee, led by former Van Horn assistant Tony Vitello. Razorback fans are frustrated that Vitello got his Tennessee team a national title before Van Horn could with Arkansas. Entering the NCAA Tournament following another victory over Tennessee in the SEC Tournament Championship, the Razorbacks were announced as the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. Arkansas was forced to play an extra game but they were able to get past Nebraska to advance to the super regional. Then, in game one of the supers the Razorbacks crushed NC State in game 1, 21-2. Despite the confidence that gained the Arkansas offense, many fans believed they had used all of their runs. Those fans were somewhat right. The Arkansas offense fell apart in their situational hitting and they fell short of returning to Omaha for the third consecutive time. Not even starting Kevin Kopps in game three helped the hogs. Arkansas fans again had to deal with the pain and torment of not having a national championship in the sport they love.

In 2022, veteran Razorback baseball players Jalen Battles, Brady Slavens, Robert Moore, Connor Noland, and former Kent State catcher Michael Turner led Arkansas back to Omaha in 2022 after the disappointment of how the 2021 season ended. Arkansas headed on the road to the Stillwater Regional after a disappointing end to the regular season. After defeating Grand Canyon to open regional play, the Razorbacks won the 1-0 game over 7.Oklahoma State in a classic, 20-12. The Cowboys eliminated Missouri State the next day in an elimination game before beating the Razorbacks to force a winner-take-all game seven. Without much pitching available, catcher Michael Turner and freshman pitcher Hagen Smith put the team on their back to get the Razorbacks back to the super regional round. Arkansas swept 10.North Carolina on the road before heading to Omaha again. Would this be the year Dave Van Horn and the Razorbacks finally do it? Wrong. They ran into Ole Miss in the College World Series semifinals, who had an underachieving regular season. But, they were able to become the third consecutive SEC champion in a row. In 2023 and 2024, Arkansas turned in regular seasons where it seemingly overachieved in the regular season before falling in its own regional in back to back seasons.

So… will Dave Van Horn ever get it done? I don’t know. No one knows. But it is the clear that the long time Razorbacks head coach will change things up after back to back disappointing seasons that included not getting out of their own regional as a top five national seed. He needs players on his roster that want to win it all. He needs consistent pitching in June. He also needs hitters that hit their stride in June, too. Of course, he needs a team that makes it to the NCAA Tournament. Van Horn has not had a problem getting his Razorback teams there. But, if he is unable to win it all, Arkansas fans may not respect him as much as they should. Not many coaches in college baseball have the pedigree and resumé of Dave Van Horn. Is a national championship ever going to reside in Fayetteville? Van Horn always has Arkansas in position to be in position. So, here is some advice: Patience, is a virtue my friend.