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AP Top 5
1.Texas 4-0 (0-0) SEC This week: Mississippi State (1-3) (Saturday,)
2.Georgia 3-0 (0-0) SEC This week: @ 4.Alabama (3-0) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
3.Ohio State 3-0 (0-0) Big Ten This week: @ Michigan State (3-1) (Saturday, 7 PM ET, Peacock)
4.Alabama 3-0 (0-0) SEC This week: 2.Georgia (3-0) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
5.Tennessee 4-0 (1-0) SEC This week: Off

Biggest risers and fallers in the AP Top 25 this week:

Risers
12.Michigan 3-1 (1-0) Big Ten Week 4: #18 (Defeated 11.USC 27-24)
15.Louisville 3-0 (1-0) ACC Week 4: #19 (Defeated Georgia Tech 31-19)
17.Clemson 3-1 (1-0) ACC Week 4: #21 (Defeated NC State 59-35)
19.Illinois 4-0 (1-0) Big Ten Week 4: #24 (Defeated 22.Nebraska 31-24)

Fallers
11.Missouri 4-0 (1-0) SEC Week 4: #7 (Defeated Vanderbilt 30-27)
20.Oklahoma State 3-1 (0-1) Big 12 Week 4: #14 (Lost to 12.Utah 22-19)
21.Oklahoma 3-1 (0-1) SEC Week 4: #15 (Lost to 6.Tennessee 25-15)
23.Kansas State 3-1 (0-1) Big 12 Week 4: #13 (Lost to BYU 38-9)

Dropped Out
Nebraska 3-1 (0-1) Big Ten Week 4: #22 (Lost to 24.Illinois 31-24)
Northern Illinois 2-1 (0-1) MAC Week 4: #23 (Lost to Buffalo 23-20)

New
22.BYU 4-0 (1-0) Big 12 Week 4: NR (Defeated 13.Kansas State 38-9)
25.Boise State 2-1 (0-0) Mountain West Week 4: NR (Defeated Portland State 56-14)

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

Saturday, September 28
20.Oklahoma State (3-1) @ 23.Kansas State (3-1)
12 PM ET, ESPN
Projected Score: Kansas State 34, Oklahoma State 27

15.Louisville (3-0) @ 16.Notre Dame (3-1)
3:30 PM ET, Peacock
Projected Score: Notre Dame 24, Louisville 21

19.Illinois (4-0) @ 9.Penn State (3-0)
7:30 PM ET, NBC
Projected Score: Penn State 35, Illinois 28

2.Georgia (3-0) @ 4.Alabama (3-0)
7:30 PM ET, ABC
Projected Score: Georgia 35, Alabama 28

Arizona (2-1) @ 10.Utah (4-0)
10:15 PM ET, ESPN
Projected Score: Utah 31, Arizona 28

Image Courtesy: YouTube

AP Top 5
1.Texas 3-0 (0-0) SEC This week: UL-Monroe (2-0) (Saturday, 8 PM ET, ESPN+/SECN+)
2.Georgia 3-0 (1-0) SEC This week: Off
3.Alabama 3-0 (0-0) SEC This week: Off
4.Ohio State 2-0 (0-0) Big Ten This week: Marshall (1-1) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, )
5.Ole Miss 3-0 (0-0) SEC This week: Georgia Southern (2-1) (Saturday, 7:45 PM ET, SECN)

Biggest risers and fallers in the AP Top 25 this week:

Risers
1.Texas 3-0 (0-0) SEC Week 3: #2 (Defeated UTSA 56-7)
8.Miami 3-0 (0-0) ACC Week 3: #10 (Defeated Ball State 62-0)
23.Northern Illinois 2-0 (0-0) MAC Week 3: #25 (Off)

Fallers
2.Georgia 3-0 (1-0) SEC Week 3: #1 (Defeated Kentucky 13-12)
10.Penn State 2-0 (0-0) Big Ten Week 3: #8 (Off)

Dropped Out
Arizona 2-1 (0-0) Big 12 Week 3: #20 (Lost to Kansas State 31-7)
Boston College 2-1 (1-0) ACC Week 3: #24 (Lost to 6.Missouri 27-21)

New
24.Illinois 3-0 (0-0) Big Ten Week 3: NR (Defeated Central Michigan 30-9)
25.Texas A&M 2-1 (1-0) SEC Week 3: NR (Defeated Florida 33-20)

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

Saturday, September 21
NC State (2-1) @ 21.Clemson (1-1)
12 PM ET, ABC
Projected Score: Clemson 28, NC State 21

11.USC (2-0) @ 18.Michigan (2-1)
3:30 PM ET, CBS
Projected Score: USC 38, Michigan 21

12.Utah (3-0) @ 14.Oklahoma State (3-0)
4 PM ET, FOX
Projected Score: Oklahoma State 35, Utah 28

6.Tennessee (3-0) @ 15.Oklahoma (3-0)
7:30 PM ET, ABC
Projected Score: Tennessee 42, Oklahoma 24

Image Courtesy: Roll Bama Roll

AP Top 5
1.Georgia 2-0 (0-0) SEC This week: @ Kentucky (1-1) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, ABC)
2.Texas 2-0 (0-0) SEC This week: UTSA (1-1) (Saturday, 7 PM ET, ESPN)
3.Ohio State 2-0 (0-0) Big Ten This week: Off
4.Alabama 2-0 (0-0) SEC This week: @ Wisconsin (2-0) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
5.Ole Miss 2-0 (0-0) SEC This week: @ Wake Forest (1-1) (Saturday, 6:30 PM ET, The CW)

Biggest risers and fallers in the AP Top 25 this week:

Risers
2.Texas 2-0 (0-0) SEC Week 2: #3 (Defeated 10.Michigan, 31-12)
5.Ole Miss 2-0 (0-0) SEC Week 2: #6 (Defeated Middle Tennessee 52-3)
6.Missouri 2-0 (0-0) SEC Week 2: #9 (Defeated Buffalo 38-0)
7.Tennessee 2-0 (0-0) SEC Week 2: #14 (Defeated 24.NC State 51-10)
13.Oklahoma State 2-0 (0-0) Big 12 Week 2: #16 (Defeated Arkansas 39-31)
14.Kansas State 2-0 (0-0) Big 12 Week 2: #17 (Defeated Tulane 34-27)
16.LSU 1-1 (0-0) SEC Week 2: #18 (Defeated Nicholls 44-21)
19.Louisville 2-0 (0-0) ACC Week 2: #22 (Defeated Jacksonville State 49-14)
22.Clemson 2-0 (0-0) SEC Week 2: #25 (Defeated Appalachian State 66-20)

Fallers
3.Ohio State 2-0 (0-0) Big Ten Week 2: #2 (Defeated Western Michigan 56-0)
9.Oregon 2-0 (0-0) Big Ten Week 2: #7 (Defeated Boise State 37-34)
Michigan
17.Michigan 1-1 (0-0) Big Ten Week 2: #10 (Lost to 3.Texas 31-12)
18.Notre Dame 1-1 Independents Week 2: #5 (Lost to Northern Illinois 16-14)

Dropped Out
Kansas 1-1 (0-0) Big 12 Week 2: #19 (Lost to Illinois 23-17)
Iowa 1-1 (0-0) Big Ten Week 2: #21 (Lost to Iowa State 20-19)
Georgia Tech 2-1 (1-1) ACC Week 2: #23 (Lost to Syracuse 31-28)
NC State 1-1 (0-0) ACC Week 2: #24 (Lost to 14.Tennessee 51-10)

New
21.Iowa State 2-0 (0-0) Big 12 Week 2: NR (Defeated Iowa 20-19)
23.Nebraska 2-0 (0-0) Big Ten Week 2: NR (Defeated Colorado 28-10)
24.Boston College 2-0 (1-0) ACC Week 2: NR (Defeated Duquesne 56-0)
25.Northern Illinois 2-0 (0-0) MAC Week 2: NR (Defeated 5.Notre Dame 16-14)

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

Friday, September 13
20.Arizona (2-0) @ 14.Kansas State (2-0)
8 PM ET, FOX
Arizona and Kansas State battle in the first Friday night Big 12 action of the season but as nonconference foes. The two schools scheduled the home and home series when Arizona was still a member Pac-12 and they both could not find replacement opponents. The Wildcats head on the road for their first game to face another team with the nickname of the Wildcats. Arizona opened the season by scoring an incredible 61 points in a high scoring win over New Mexico before the offense disappointed in a 22-10 victory over Northern Arizona. Their offense will be tested in a huge way when they play in Manhattan this weekend. Noah Fifita (595 yards, 5 TDs, 2 INT) is a great quarterback but he will need to be much better than he was a week ago and get the ball down the field to one of the best receivers in the country, Tetairoa McMillan (12 catches, 315 yards, 4 TDs) at an even more consistent rate. The defense turned in a much better performance in week 2 (gave up 10 points) than they did in week 1 (39 points) but playing Kansas State’s Avery Johnson (334 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT) will be their biggest test of the season up to this point. Kansas State was challenged in a road trip Tulane that they won 34-27. Another challenge will arrive on Friday night when they face Arizona. Tailback DJ Giddens (238 yards) and receiver Jayce Brown (6 catches and 88 yards) must step up big to support their quarterback and get a victory for their team. It would be impossible not to mention linebacker Austin Romaine, safeties Jordan Riley and VJ Payne who all lead KSU with 11 tackles through a few games this season. They will look to get to Noah Fifita and stop the Arizona offense. In what should be a close game until the end, give me Kansas State to protect their home field.. Projected Score: Kansas State 35, Arizona 31

Saturday, September 14
16.LSU (1-1) @ South Carolina (2-0)
12 PM ET, ABC 
ESPN’s College GameDay heads to Columbia for a match up I don’t think many saw them going to before the season started. The Gamecocks struggled to beat Old Dominion 23-19 to open the season before smacking Kentucky 31-6 on the road in Lexington. Signal-caller Lanorris Sellers went 11-15 for 159 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 interception while his tailback Rocket Sanders carried the ball 13 times for 54 yards and one score. Sellers and Sanders will need to use their legs more for a victory over LSU on Saturday afternoon. Defensively, the Gamecocks will have to deal with the improving passing attack of Garrett Nussmeier (610 yards, 8 TDs, 1 INT on the season) and receiver Kyren Lacy (12 catches, 159 yards, 4 TDs). The Tigers are without running back John Emery, who is out for the season with an injury. They have struggled to run the ball even with one of the better offensive lines in the country. Back up Josh Williams will look to get the ground game better than it has been the first two weeks of the season. Linebacker Greg Penn III and safety Major Burns, both with 12 tackles on the year, will look to lead their unit against a South Carolina offense that improved in week 2. In what should be in an interesting matchup between head coach’s (South Carolina’s) Shane Beamer and (LSU’s) Brian Kelly battle as both look to avoid any hot seat talk early in the season. Projected Score: South Carolina 24, LSU 21

4.Alabama (2-0) @ Wisconsin (2-0)
12 PM ET, FOX
Wisconsin’s Luke Fickell will face Alabama for the first time since his Cincinnati team faced the Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff during the 2021 postseason. Fickell’s quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, who transferred over from Miami in the off-season, will have to make big time plays down the field to get the ball down the field against Alabama. Tailback Chez Mellusi (134 yards and 3 TDs) and receiver Will Pauling (10 catches and 108 yards) will look to make big plays for Fickell and Van Dyke. Fickell always has quality defensive play and they will be relying on safety Hunter Wohler (15 tackles, 2 passes defended) and linebacker Jaheim Thomas (12 tackles) to stop a brand new offense under Kalen DeBoer led by quarterback Jalen Milroe (394 yards and 5 TDs) and true freshman receiver Ryan Williams (6 catches, 207 yards, 2 TDs). For the Crimson Tide to avoid a slow start like they had in week 2 against a competitive South Florida team, running back Jam Miller, who has rushed for 194 yards and 2 TDs, will have to be consistent against the Badgers’ quality defense. Alabama’s defense had some problems stopping South Florida’s offense last Saturday so it will need linebackers Jihaad Campbell (20 tackles, 1 pass defended, 0.5 sacks) and Deontae Lawson (14 tackles and 1 pass defended) to stop the Wisconsin offense. Like it did a week ago, it will take a half or three quarters but Alabama should get going and they should beat Wisconsin to improve to 3-0. Projected Score: Alabama 34, Wisconsin 24

24.Boston College (2-0) @ 6.Missouri (2-0)
12:45 PM ET, SECN
Who would’ve thought that Missouri would host a ranked Boston College team in week 3 of the college football season? The second of two ranked versus ranked match ups will take place in Columbia between the Eagles and the Tigers. Boston College beat a Florida State team (who is now 0-2) that was ranked in the top ten of the AP poll before blanking Duquesne this past Saturday. So, the Eagles have not been challenged a ton this season but they definitely will against a Missouri team that won eleven games and a Cotton Bowl last December. Boston College’s defense has been fantastic this season with many players stepping up this season for them. Defensive back Carter Davis (12 tackles and 1 pass defended), linebacker Daveon Crouch (7 tackles and 1 pass defended), and defensive end Net Okpala (6 tackles and 1 sack) will have to deal with a Missouri offense that is phenomenal but has not been up to its standard from last season, being led by quarterback Brady Cook (456 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT) and receivers Theo Wease (16 catches and 179 yards) and Luther Burden (7 catches, 64 yards, and 1 TD). Thomas Castellanos has led a successful offensive attack while passing for 340 yards and 6 TDs. Behind him, running back Treshaun Ward (132 yards and 1 TD) has been successful with receiver Lewis Bond (6 catches, 105 yards, and 1 TD) has done the same. Tiger linebacker Corey Flagg (11 tackles) and defensive tackle Chris McClellan (7 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 1 pass defended) will look to stop the Boston College offense. Missouri has not played another Power 4 team up to this point so they will need to show up against Boston College this Saturday and I think they will. Projected Score: Missouri 38, Boston College 20

9.Oregon (2-0) @ Oregon State (2-0)
3:30 PM ET, FOX
The ninth ranked Oregon Ducks head to Corvallis to continue their rivalry with Oregon State, for the first time as non conference foes. The Ducks are undefeated but have not played as well as they have needed to against Idaho and Boise State. Former Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel has thrown 623 yards and 4 TDs and he has gotten the ball down the field to former Texas A&M receiver Evan Stewart, who has eight catches, 127 yards, and 1 TD. Linebacker Bryce Boettcher (14 tackles and 1 pass defended) and defensive end Jordan Burch (11 tackles, 3 passes defended, and 1.5 sacks) will look to get in the backfield to sack Beavers signal-caller Gevani McCoy (295 yards and 2 TDs). To avoid getting hit in the backfield, McCoy will need to trust his running back Jam Griffin (249 yards and 3 TDs) to get down the field and leading receiver Trent Walker (12 catches and 124 yards) to make plays down the field. Is the game Oregon will finally step up and win a game in dominant fashion? Big Ten play opens for the Ducks in two weeks against UCLA so they must play better against an Oregon State team that is under new leadership with head coach Trent Bray. I believe Oregon will finally play a quality game all the way through ahead of their bye week. Projected Score: Oregon 38, Oregon State 20

Texas A&M (1-1) @ Florida (1-1)
3:30 PM ET, ABC
A huge match up looms in the SEC as Texas A&M looks to continue to bounce back from their season opening loss against Notre Dame. Florida is doing the same after losing to Miami, who has now vaulted into the top ten of the AP poll. The Aggies are led by quarterback Connor Weigman (225 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs), who has had an up and down career with injuries. The lack of playmakers with tailback Rueben Owens out with injury and losing many receivers to the NFL Draft and to the transfer portal has been tough for the A&M offense this season. They will need new guys on the outside such as Cyrus Allen (7 catches and 100 yards) and Noah Thomas (4 catches, 38 yards, and 1 TD) to continue to step up to keep their offense on pace to score touchdowns. The best unit on the field in Gainesville this Saturday afternoon is the Aggie defensive front. Linebacker Taurean York (13 tackles) and and defensive lineman Shemar Turner (9 tackles) need to continue to prove that is true when they face Graham Mertz (91 yards and 1 INT), who is expected to start ahead of freshman DJ Lagway (487 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT), after being out with an injury against Samford last weekend. However, Gators head coach Billy Napier has stated that both quarterbacks will play so Mike Elko’s defense will have to prepare for both guys. Tailback Montrell Johnson, who has rushed for 173 yards and 3 TDs, has paced Florida on the ground while Eugene Wilson (191 yards and 1 TD) has done the same catching the football. The Florida defense has to be better than they were in the loss to Miami if they want to defeat Texas A&M. A loss for Napier and Florida could mean that he is out the door in Gainesville but a win could be huge this season for the Gators. Projected Score: Texas A&M 24, Florida 21

1.Georgia (2-0) @ Kentucky (1-1)
7:30 PM ET, ABC
Kentucky has to play AP 1.Georgia and 5.Ole Miss after getting throttled by a South Carolina team they probably thought they were going to beat pretty handily last Saturday. Head coach Mark Stoops’ quarterback is Brock Vandagriff (199 yards, 3 TDs, and 2 INTs), who backed up Georgia’s Carson Beck (520 yards and 7 TDs) last season in Athens. Stoops’ team is known for its ground and pound style and if they want to even keep things close against the top ranked Bulldogs, they must establish their ground game against the Bulldogs’ vaunted defense with tailback Demi Sumo-Karngbaye leading the way (129 yards and 1 TD). If that does not happen, Georgia’s linebacking trio of CJ Allen (9 tackles), Jalon Walker (9 tackles and 1.5 sacks), and Smael Mondon Jr. (7 tackles) will be able to take advantage of another Kentucky offense that has to rely on tremendous receivers Dane Key (5 catches and 96 yards), Ja’Mori Maclin (3 catches and 68 yards), and Barion Brown (4 catches, 28 yards, and 2 TDs). For Beck, the complimentary offense of his passes down the field to Arian Smith (9 catches, 129 yards, and 1 TD) and the running of former Florida tailback Trevor Etienne (78 yards) and freshman back Nate Frazier (111 yards and 1 TD). This may be a game in the first half but Georgia will dominate in the second half en route to their first SEC victory of 2024. Projected Score: Georgia 35, Kentucky 10

Image Courtesy: KXAN

AP Top 5
1.Georgia 1-0 (0-0) SEC This week: Tennessee Tech (0-1) (Saturday, 2 PM ET, ESPN+/SECN+)
2.Ohio State 1-0 (0-0) Big Ten This week: Western Michigan (0-1) (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, BTN)
3.Texas 1-0 (0-0) SEC This week: @ Michigan (1-0) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, FOX)
4.Alabama 1-0 (0-0) SEC This week: South Florida (1-0) (Saturday, 7 PM ET, ESPN)
5.Notre Dame 1-0 Independents This week: Northern Illinois (1-0) (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, NBC)

Biggest risers and fallers in the AP Top 25 this week:

Risers
3.Texas 1-0 (0-0) SEC Week 1: #4 (Defeated Colorado State 52-0)
4.Alabama 1-0 (0-0) SEC Week 1: #5 (Defeated Western Kentucky 63-0)
5.Notre Dame 1-0 Independents Week 1: #7 (Defeated 20.Texas A&M 23-13)
9.Missouri 1-0 (0-0) SEC Week 1: #10 (Defeated Murray State 51-0)
11.Utah 1-0 (0-0) Big 12 Week 1: #12 (Defeated Southern Utah 49-0)
12.Miami 1-0 (0-0) ACC Week 1: #19 (Defeated Florida 41-17)
13.USC 1-0 (0-0) Big Ten Week 1: #23 (Defeated 13.LSU 27-20)
14.Tennessee 1-0 (0-0) SEC Week 1: #15 (Defeated Chattanooga 69-3)
15.Oklahoma 1-0 (0-0) SEC Week 1: #16 (Defeated Temple 51-3)
16.Oklahoma State 1-0 (0-0) Big 12 Week 1: #17 (Defeated South Dakota State 44-20)
17.Kansas State 1-0 (0-0) Big 12 Week 1: #18 (Defeated UT-Martin 41-6)
19.Kansas 1-0 (0-0) Big 12 Week 1: #22 (Defeated Lindenwood 48-3)
20.Arizona 1-0 (0-0) Big 12 Week 1: #21 (Defeated New Mexico 61-39)
21.Iowa 1-0 (0-0) Big Ten Week 1: #25 (Defeated Illinois State 40-0)

Fallers
7.Oregon 1-0 (0-0) Big Ten Week 1: #3 (Defeated Idaho 24-14)
10.Michigan 1-0 (0-0) Big Ten Week 1: #8 (Defeated Fresno State 30-10)
18.LSU 0-1 (0-0) SEC Week 1: #13 (Lost to 23.USC 27-20)
25.Clemson 0-1 (0-0) ACC Week 1: #14 (Lost to 1.Georgia 34-3)

Dropped Out
Florida State 0-2 (0-2) ACC Week 1: #10 (Lost to Georgia Tech 24-21 and Boston College 28-13)
Texas A&M 0-1 (0-0) SEC Week 1: #20 (Lost to 7.Notre Dame 23-13)

New
22.Louisville 1-0 (0-0) ACC Week 1: NR (Defeated Austin Peay 62-0)
23.Georgia Tech 2-0 (0-0) ACC Week 1: NR (Defeated 10.Florida State 24-21 and Georgia State 35-12)

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

Saturday, September 7
3.Texas (1-0) @ 10.Michigan (1-0)
12 PM ET, FOX
In the game of the day, Texas heads to the Big House to face Michigan in Ann Arbor in a match up of two of last season’s College Football Playoff teams. The Longhorns were dominant in their 52-0 home opener against Colorado State. Quarterback Quinn Ewers threw for 260 yards three touchdowns, and one interception. Freshman receiver Ryan Wingo caught four passes for 70 yards while freshman tailback Jerrick Gibson had ten carries for 67 yards and a score. Ewers’ will have to depend on more of his weapons on the outside, including Alabama transfer Isaiah Bond, Johntay Cook II, and Houston transfer Matthew Golden to stay undefeated on the road in Ann Arbor. Ahead last Saturday’s opener against Fresno State, new Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore surprisingly named Davis Warren as his starting quarterback instead of Alex Orji, who many expected to be named the starter this offense. Warren accounted for 118 passing yards, 1 TD, and 1 interception in the Wolverines’ up and down 30-10 win over the Bulldogs. Warren, running back Donavan Edwards (27 rushing yards), and tight end Colston Loveland (87 receiving yards and 1 TD) will have to help lead their offense to a much better performance in week 2 against the Longhorns if they want to improve and win this game. The Wolverine defense was good enough in their week 1 victory but they will have to better when the Longhorns’ hot offense comes to town. Projected Score: Texas 34, Michigan 24

Iowa State (1-0) @ 21.Iowa (1-0)
3:30 PM ET, CBS/Paramount+
In a battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy and the state of Iowa, the Hawkeyes look to build upon their 40-point performance against the Cyclones at home in Kinnick Stadium. Former Michigan signal-caller Cade McNamara was terrific in Iowa’s season opener, going 21-31 for 251 yards and 3 TDs against Illinois State. In the backfield, running backs Kaleb Johnson (119 yards and 2 TDs), Kamari Moulton (65 yards), and receiver Reece Vander Zee (66 yards and 2 TDs) powered the Hawkeyes to victory. Iowa is known for their defense and linebackers Jay Higgins will look to get in the backfield and force problems against Matt Campbell’s offense, led by signal-caller Rocco Becht, who threw for 266 yards and 2 TDs in their 21-3 win over North Dakota. Going into a hostile Iowa City environment, the Cyclones must get something out of their offensive weapons, including running back Abu Sama III (36 yards) and receiver Jaylin Noel (135 yards and 1 TD). Defensive back Jontez William had an impressive season opener with 11 tackles and knocking down one pass against North Dakota. He will have to help lead the Cyclone defense against an improved Iowa offense. The winner of this game will gain momentum as conference play looms in the coming weeks for both programs. Projected Score: Iowa 24, Iowa State 17

South Carolina (1-0) @ Kentucky (1-0)
3:30 PM ET, ABC
Kentucky had an odd opening game against Southern Miss on Saturday night in their 31-0 win. A lightning delay caused a late start and an early end to their dominant win. Former Georgia QB Brock Vandagriff threw for 169 yards, 3 touchdowns, and rushed for 35 more. Barrion Brown caught two of Vandagriff’s touchdowns but only had 28 receiving yards. Defensive back Zion Childress and linebacker D’Eryk Jackson will look to contain South Carolina’s La’Norris Sellers (114 yards and no touchdowns) and Rocket Sanders (88 yards and 1 TD), who struggled in a 23-19 victory over Old Dominion at home in Columbia. It is possible that former Auburn signal-caller Robby Ashford could replace Sellers at some point during this game if the starter does not improve early against the Wildcats. The one huge bright spot in the Gamecocks’ win over the Monarchs were the two interceptions by defensive backs O’Donnell Fortune and Jalen Kilgore. Shane Beamer’s team will need to force turnovers against the Wildcats if they want to keep their coach’s name out of hot seat talk early this season. Projected Score: Kentucky 28, South Carolina 17

Colorado (1-0) @ Nebraska (1-0)
7:30 PM ET, NBC/Peacock
Five-star freshman Dylan Raiola’s debut under center for his father’s alma mater, the Nebraska Cornhuskers went well in a dominant win over UTEP, 40-7. Raiola, who spent time committed to Ohio State and Georgia during his high school career, threw for 238 yards and 2 TDs. He got the ball down field to two targets in particular, Isaiah Neyor (121 yards and 1 TD) and Jahmal Banks (61 yards and 1 TD). Defensive back Malcolm Hartzog was impressive in the season opening win over the Miners, getting five tackles and one interception. Hartzog and the Cornhuskers defense will look to avenge a loss last season when the Colorado Buffaloes come to town this Saturday. Deion Sanders’ team is again being led by his son Shedeur Sanders at quarterback and receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter. Sanders threw for an impressive 445 yards, 4 TDs, and 1 interception in a back and forth 31-26 win against FCS powerhouse North Dakota State in week 1. Travis Hunter took just two plays off the entire game, catching seven passes for 132 yards and 3 TDs and making three tackles defensively. It was Jimmy Horn Jr. who led the way receiving for the Buffaloes, catching seven passes for 198 yards and 1 TD. Sanders’ team will have to be much better rushing the ball when they head to Lincoln to face the Cornhuskers as starting tailback Dallan Hayden had just 20 yards on nine carries in the opener. The Buffaloes’ defense must be better after giving up 449 yards to the Bison in Boulder on August 29th. Matt Rhule must trust his star freshman quarterback to lead him to a victory against an old rival in his second season as head coach in Lincoln and I believe Dylan Raiola will give it to him. Projected Score: Nebraska 38, Colorado 28

14.Tennessee (1-0) vs. 24.NC State (1-0) (Charlotte; Duke’s Mayo Classic)
7:30 PM ET, ABC
NC State was slow to open in as they trailed in the fourth quarter of their 38-21 win to open their season against West Carolina in Raleigh. They travel a few hours to Charlotte to face Tennessee in what is a huge game between teams from the ACC and the SEC. The Wolfpack need to start faster if they want to beat an offensive juggernaut like the one Josh Heupel has been leading over the last couple of seasons in Knoxville, led by quarterback Nico Iamaleava (22-28, 314 yards, 3 TDs). Former Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall got it going in the second half against the Catamounts, throwing for over 300 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. Running back Jordan Waters exploded for 123 yards and 2 TDs while receiver Kevin Concepcion caught nine passes for 121 yards and 3 TDs and tight end Justin Joly caught five passes for 75 yards. McCall and the rest of the NC State offense will have to make sure they have similar production against a Tennessee defense that is improved from 2023 to get their second win of the season. The aforementioned Iamaleava got the ball down the field to receivers Dont’e Thornton Jr. (3 catches, 105 yards, and 2 TDs), Bru McCoy (6 catches and 89 yards), and Tulane transfer Chris Brazzell II (5 catches and 59 yards) to help the Volunteers get the win over Chatanooga. Tailback Dylan Sampson also turned in a great performance behind Iamaleava in the backfield, rushing for 124 yards and 3 TDs on just 12 carries. Defensive back Will Brooks (5 tackles) and linebacker Jalen Smith (4 tackles) will look to rattle Robert Anae’s offense so the Vols can help their offense and go for the win in this week 2 showdown. This Saturday night match up will be close but the Volunteers should prove that they are ready to compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff with a win over the Wolfpack. Projected Score: Tennessee 35, NC State 24

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

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).

Image Courtesy: CBS Sports

Will SEC football ever join the Big 12 and Big Ten at nine conference games? Following the 2025-2026 season, the SEC will have to make that decision. Remaining with an eight game conference slate, the SEC set up the 2024 and 2025 football schedules with each conference member playing either new member, Oklahoma or Texas, home and away over the next two seasons. When the 2024 schedule was announced last December, SEC fans hoped to play conference opponents it had not played over the last few seasons in the fall of 2025. In March, the SEC announced that the 2025 football opponents for each member would be the same as they were in 2024, with the home games flipped to away games and the away games flipped with home games. With the SEC’s decision, we will see essentially the same exact conference schedule in 2024 and 2025. In 2026, the SEC and the Disney TV people have to agree on what the best for the future will be. With a nine game conference slate, every SEC team will play every other conference opponent home and away over each player’s four year college career. Coaches may not like this because it will take away important nonconference games (or games against FCS opponents). But, conference match ups need to become even more important than they already are with the NIL, the transfer portal, and realignment becoming more important by the second. So, it will be up to Disney and the SEC, but the SEC needs to move to a nine game conference schedule. Earlier in July, many SEC teams began cancelling multi-year out of conference series including Georgia-UCLA (2025 & 2026), California-Florida (2026 & 2027), and Auburn-UCLA (2027 & 2028). Those teams cancelling games allows the league will move to a nine game conference schedule in the fall of 2026 and beyond.

With Texas entering the SEC, their Thanksgiving weekend rivalry with Texas A&M will be renewed. The league also kept Oklahoma-Texas (“Red River Rivalry”) at its traditional second weekend of October slot in Dallas at the Cotton Bowl. But, without Oklahoma State in the SEC, the league needed to find a replacement for Oklahoma’s “Bedlam” game. Because Texas A&M will now face Texas annually the last weekend of the regular season annually, during the Sooners’ transitional years into the SEC, they will face LSU, who was left behind by the Aggies. But, if the league does not keep as the Sooners and the Tigers as an annual match up, things will have to be shifted. If the SEC goes to a nine game conference schedule like I discussed in the previous paragraph, LSU’s permanent foes in a nine game conference schedule will likely be Alabama, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M while Oklahoma’s three will likely be Missouri, Texas, and Texas A&M. So, the Arkansas-LSU (“The Battle For the Golden Boot”) and Missouri-Oklahoma match ups may be forced into Thanksgiving weekend the two years when the Sooners and Tigers are not scheduled to play during the four year period.

Image Courtesy: Burnt Orange Nation

Saturday, November 2
Ole Miss
12-1 PM ET, TBA
Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss Rebels have never won against the Arkansas Razorbacks in Fayetteville at Donald W. Reynolds Razorbacks. In 2020, the Razorback defense picked Rebel QB Matt Corral off six times on their way to a 33-21 win and Arkansas beat Ole Miss 42-27 behind a dominant ground attack. Now, the two guys at the forefront of those victories, quarterback KJ Jefferson and running back Rocket Sanders, have transferred out and former Boise State signal caller Taylen Green and former Utah tailback Ja’Quinden Jackson are in. Receivers Andrew Armstrong, Tyrone Broden, Isaiah Sategna, and tight end Luke Hasz will have to be able to match Ole Miss’ terrific offensive production, led by returning QB Jaxson Dart. The Razorback defense has been able to deal with pretty well since taking over Kiffin’s offense. But, a new group of defensive starters for Travis Williams will have to deal with this challenge after he lost a big group to the portal. Returning senior receivers Tre Harris, Jordan Watkins, and former South Carolina receiver “Juice” Wells will be the group catching passses from Dart. What the Razorback defense needs to take advantage of is the new Ole Miss running back room. With former starter Quinshon Judkins at Ohio State now, seniors Ulysses Bentley and Jacory Croskey-Merritt will have to step up this season and against the Razorbacks. The Rebels defense is now stronger entering the 2024 season following the additions of defensive tackle Walter Nolen (Texas A&M) and senior linebacker Princely Umanmielen (Florida) under second year defensive coordinator Pete Golding, who came over from Alabama. A name on the Rebel defense Arkansas fans will be familiar with is junior linebacker Pooh Paul, who led the Razorbacks in tackles last season. Those are just three of the names Kiffin and Golding added on the defensive side, so Bobby Petrino’s offense will have its hands full. The chess match between the two coaching staffs will be fun to watch in this game. Only Lane Kiffin can be blamed if his Ole Miss Rebels are unable to finally get a win in Fayetteville on November 2. Projected Score: Ole Miss 45, Arkansas 24

Saturday, November 16
Texas
12 PM ET, ABC/ESPN
Hatred fills the Arkansas-Texas rivalry. Gone permanently since the Razorbacks left the Longhorns and the SWC for the SEC in the early 1990s, the two teams reignited their rivalry in 2021 at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in primetime. The Razorbacks dominated the Longhorns 40-21. Since that loss to Arkansas in just the second week of his tenure, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian proved his time under Nick Saban as Alabama’s offensive coordinator was worth it, turning the Longhorns into a College Football Playoff team this past season. The momentum created from making a College Football Playoff will gave Texas the ability to attract many top transfers in the portal and future recruits down the road. But, the challenges the Texas will face as a full SEC member will be different than the ones they faced in the Big 12 over the last two and a half decades or so. Junior QB Quinn Ewers matured last season as the starter after an inconsistent first campaign in Austin after transferring from Ohio State. Of course, with sophomore Arch Manning waiting in the wings, Ewers must play quality football again this fall if he wants to keep his starting job. After losing many offensive weapons to the NFL (receivers Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, Jordan Whittington, tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders, and tailback Jonathan Brooks) Sarkisian went into the transfer portal to add former Alabama receiver Isaiah Bond, former Alabama tight end Amari Niblack, former Houston receiver Matthew Golden, and former Oregon State receiver Silas Bolden next to returning running backs Jaydon Blue, CJ Baxter, and returning receiver DeAndre Moore. Arkansas may end up facing the two toughest offenses it will face all year back to back games when it plays Ole Miss, takes November 9th off for its bye, before playing Texas. Defensively, Texas was phenomenal in 2023, losing three important front seven pieces to the NFL Draft. With Outland Award winner T’Vondre Sweat, Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year Byron Murphy, and All-Big 12 linebacker Jaylan Ford out the door, former Arizona defensive tackleTiaoalii Savea looks to help the returners up front stop Arkansas’ offensive attack. Fantastic kicker Bert Auburn returns so if special teams determines this game, I would favor the Longhorns over Razorback kicker Matthew Shipley. The Longhorns should come into this game, focused on winning this game after being dominated three seasons ago, just two weeks before the Texas-Texas A&M rivalry returns. Projected Score: Texas 38, Arkansas 28

Saturday, November 30
@ Missouri
3:30-4:30 PM ET, TBA
After most of their fanbase wanted Eliah Drinkwitz fired entering the season, Missouri won 11 games in 2023. The Tigers put a punctuation mark on their season with a 14-3 win over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl last New Year’s. Losing defensive coordinator Blake Baker to LSU will hurt (Corey Batoon takes over for Baker), but the offensive weapons returning for the Tigers gives me confidence that they can be just as good as they were last season. Since the two programs became permanent Thanksgiving weekend rivals, Arkansas has gone 2-8 against the Tigers. This season, Arkansas and Missouri will square off on a Saturday for just the second time as SEC members (COVID 2020 season was the only other time) after the conference decided to not flex the game to Black Friday with new conference members Oklahoma and Texas in the league. Instead, the Georgia-Georgia Tech “Old Fashioned Hate” and Mississippi State-Ole Miss “Egg Bowl” rivalries were flexed to Black Friday. Terrific receivers Luther Burden and Theo Wease Jr. are awesome targets for Brady Cook, who could become one of the best quarterbacks in the nation this season. Drinkwitz was able to add former Notre Dame and Arizona State QB Drew Pyne to back up Cook, in the off-season. Incoming senior transfers Marcus Carrol (Georgia State) and Nate Noel (Appalachian State) will have to attempt to replace the production last season’s SEC leading rusher Cody Schrader but the Tigers get half of what he produced in 2023 this fall, they should not skip a beat offensively. Returning starters edge Johnny Walker (senior), tackle Kristian Williams (senior), nickleback Daylan Carnell (junior), and safety Joseph Charleston (senior) should make things easier for Batoon in his first season as the defensive playcaller in Columbia. Missouri will keep their winning ways against the Razorbacks going with another “W” to finish the season in 2024. Projected Score: Missouri 42, Arkansas 28

Final Projected Record: 5-7 (2-6) SEC

Image Courtesy: LSU Athletics

Saturday, October 5
Tennessee
3:30-8 PM ET, TBA
Arkansas has defeated Tennessee three consecutive times, winning over the Volunteers in 2011, 2015, and 2020. Since the two teams ended their time as permanent cross division rivals, the Razorbacks have dominated the series against the Volunteers. Outside of the Razorbacks’ run with Bobby Petrino (2008-2012) and the Vols’ run with Josh Heupel (2021-), both programs have been up and down this century. In their last match up in 2020, Arkansas’ defense got into the Volunteer backfield time and time again on their way to a dominant 24-13 win in Fayetteville. Tennessee again heads on the road for this early October match up with former five-star QB (redshirt freshman) Nico Iamaleava behind center. He takes the reins of Josh Heupel’s high-powered offense after playing in four games in a redshirt season in 2023. Talented receivers (senior) Bru McCoy and (junior) Squirrel White next to Tulane transfer sophomore Chris Brazzell II. The running back duo of Dylan Sampson and Cameron Seldon will comfort Iamaleava on the road behind an offensive line that returns four seniors; Cooper Mays, Javontez Spraggins, John Champell Jr., and Andrej Karic. On defense, junior defensive end James Pearce Jr. may be the most underrated player in the country entering the fall. Pearce joins senior nose tackle Omari Thomas and senior defensive tackle Bryson Eason as the lone returning starters on that side of the ball. The defensive line is definitely strong with the aforementioned Pearce, Thomas, Eason, and new starter Tyre West. Sophomore Arion Carter and senior Keenan Pill will be the new starters at linebacker while there will also be many new names in the secondary for the Vols. Former Oregon State cornerback Jermod McCoy, former Temple cornerback Jalen McMurray, and former Middle Tennessee safety Jakobe Thomas are all expected to start. Bobby Petrino’s passing offense can take advantage of the Vols’ back end group with Petrino’s knowledge of how to get his receivers open so easily. With former Tennessee center Addison Nichols and nickleback Doniko Slaughter, the Arkansas Razorbacks will upset the Tennessee Volunteers. Projected Score: Arkansas 38, Tennessee 34

Saturday, October 19
LSU (Homecoming)
6-8 PM ET, TBA
For the first time ever, the Razorbacks will face LSU on Arkansas soil not in the month of November. The Razorbacks and the Tigers have played some close battles of late, including a 34-31 win for LSU in Baton Rouge in 2023. With Nick Saban retired, Brian Kelly is the clear second best coach in the SEC behind Georgia’s Kirby Smart. He retooled his defensive coaching staff after a dismal showing from that side of the ball last fall, replacing fired defensive coordinator Matt House with Missouri’s Blake Baker. With former Tiger QB Jayden Daniels now with the Washington Commanders after they selected him with the second pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and receivers Malik Nabers (sixth pick to the New York Giants) and Brian Thomas (twenty third overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars). Grant Nussmeier replaces Daniels with some starting experience, including success in a loss against Georgia in the 2022 SEC Championship Game and in a victory over Wisconsin ReliaQuest Bowl. Tremendous tight end Mason Taylor returns for his third year and receiver Kyren Lacy returns for his fourth year as targets for Nussmeier. Could Lacy be in for a year similar to Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas next year? If Nussmeier can get the ball to him consistently, it very well could happen. Nussmeier will play behind an experienced offensive line that returns junior left tackle Will Campbell, senior left guard Garrett Dellinger, senior right guard Miles Frazier, and junior right tackle Emery Jones Jr. Arkansas’ defensive line, led by defensive end Landon Jackson, can take advantage of a new LSU running back room including senior Josh Williams and sophomore Kaleb Johnson. With junior Harold Perkins Jr. slated at linebacker instead of at defensive end, LSU’s defense can be better than it was in 2023. Next to Perkins, senior defensive end Sai’vion Jones, senior inside linebacker Greg Penn III, and senior STAR Major Burns return. If this defense shines, LSU can finally make a College Football Playoff under Kelly. If not, hard questions need to be asked in Baton Rouge. As I said earlier, the Razorbacks always play the Tigers close. But, the Tigers have too much talent. Projected Score: LSU 38, Arkansas 27

Saturday, October 26
@ Mississippi State
12-1 PM ET, TBA
By the time the clock hits triple zeroes of Arkansas’ trip to Starkville against Mississippi State in late October, memories of the 2023 game between the two schools that resulted in a 7-3 Bulldog win, should be put in the rearview mirror. As Jeff Lebby returns to the state of Mississippi to coach the Bulldogs instead of call plays for Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss Rebels, points should come in waves in year 1 of his tenure. Arkansas’ explosive returning offense with quarterback Taylen Green, tailback Ja’Quiden Jackson, and a group of receiving targets returning (Andrew Armstrong, Isaiah Sategna, Tyrone Broden, Isaac TeSlaa, and Luke Hasz) will help Mississippi State show both fanbases that offense has returned to this series. The Bulldogs return only two starters (both on defense) from last season next to what Lebby’s coaching staff adding their transfer portal additions. Lebby hand picked former Baylor signal caller Blake Shapen (2,188 yards and 13 passing TDs in 2022) to take over his offense in his senior year. Bulldog veteran Jordan Mosely will play his first season as a starter at wideout next to former UTEP Miner Kelly Akharaiyi, and former Louisville Cardinal Kevin Coleman. Former Arkansas offensive line coach Cody Kennedy was hired by Jeff Lebby. Kennedy’s line is full of veterans, including junior left tackle Makylan Pounders, junior left guard Jacoby Jackson, senior center Ethan Miner, junior right guard Albert Reese IV, and junior right tackle Leon Bell. It will be up to the Arkansas defensive line to sack Blake Shapen to help them win this game. The Mississippi State defense lost the SEC’s top two leading tacklers the last two years in linebackers Nathaniel Watson and Jett Johnson to the pros as well as defensive lineman Jaden Crumedy and cornerback Decamerion Robinson. Defensive linemen De’Monte Russell and Deonte Anderson, returning linebacker John Lewis and former South Carolina linebacker Stone Blanton, and defensive backs Corey Ellington and Issac Smith to try to stop what should be a much more exciting Arkansas offense under Bobby Petrino. Arkansas must win this game to make a bowl game this fall. Projected Score: Arkansas 31, Mississippi State 24

Projected Record: 5-4 (2-3) SEC