Budge's College Football 2023 Season Preview

Budge's

COLLEGE2023 FOOTBALL Season Preview What is the College Football Macguffin?

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Tyler's top ten 1. Georgia 2.Clemson 3. Michigan 4. USC 5. Ohio State 6. Alabama 7. Penn State 8. Notre Dame 9. Texas 10.Florida State

Meet the top 25 players in the country Page 8

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 2 4 8 10 16 35 36 58 80 100 124 138 142

A MESSAGE FROM BUDGE 2023 SUPERLATIVES THE MACGUFFIN PLAYER RANKINGS TEAM RANKINGS 1-133 THE ACC QUARTERBACK CAROUSEL THE BIG 12 THE BIG TEN THE PAC-12 THE SEC THE GROUP OF FIVE NATIONAL PREDICTIONS A SPECIAL THANK YOU

Photo by Trent Nelson via The Salt Lake Tribune

A Message from The Creator Hello and welcome to my debut college football preview magazine. Enclosed in these pages is a standard preview of all the power five schools with a look into the group of five as well. Also included, is a collection of college football theories and ideas that I have clung to as I have learned more about the sport. Completing this took many long nights, and hours of editing. I owe huge thank you to my Dad for instilling an interest in college football from a young age. My only wish is that he raised me to be an Alabama fan, as it would've saved a lot of heartbreak growing up. Another special thank you to my brother Cameron, who would wake up with me every Saturday morning growing up to watch College Gameday. I am very grateful for the support system that I have had growing up, and its their support that makes this possible. My parents would find my notebooks scattered around the house, full of sports lists and ideas that would never see the light of day. It never occured to me until recently that I could actually take these ideas and share them with other people.

Hopefully this magazine can serve as a tool for you if you're already passionate about the sport, or an intro for you if you're just getting started.

Me

Thank you for reading,

-Budge 1

2023 Superlatives Sleeper Teams Wash state Cougars Miami Hurricanes Cincinnati Bearcats Texas A&M Aggies Auburn Tigers

If Dickert can find a way to protect Cam Ward, the cougars will win some games nobody expects them to.

Already one of the most talented rosters in the ACC. Can Cristobal turn it into on the field success?

Two seasons removed from a CFP playoff spot. We will see if this roster can navigate a favorable Big 12 schedule.

They lost players in the transfer portal. Although, it could actually help this team have better chemistry.

Hugh Freeze raked in talent from the transfer portal. They inherited a roster good enough to do special things.

Potential Disasters Oklahoma Sooners California Bears Florida Gators N. Texas Mean Green Iowa Hawkeyes

They were handed the toughest slate in the Big 12 as their parting gift for the SEC. If the defense doesn't get it together, it could get ugly.

With no real sense of direction for the program, this team could be on the wrong end of some really ugly results in a deep conference.

Lots of strange drama in the offseason plagued this team. They lack a clear quarterback. Floundering in the SEC is a dangerous activity.

Firing their coach after winning his division was questionable at best especially with the program headed to the American this season.

The fanbase is already very on edge as OC Brian Ferentz stays on the staff, despite major struggles, sparking accusations of nepotism.

Heisman Darkhorses Tanner Mordecai Drew Allar Quinshon Judkins Will Shipley Quinn Ewers

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This is the guy who threw for nine TD passes in a game last season. Put him behind an elite O-line at Wisconsin and anything can happen.

He got to sit behind Sean Clifford and learn for a year. Now he has the reigns to a team with championship potential.

After a phenomenal freshman year, a better passing game will allow Ole Miss to be in some big games late, giving him time to shine.

Well known after two stellar years at Clemson. A good year could hinge on his success and push him to the national spotlight.

Starved for passing options from a year ago, Texas has given Ewers some weapons to use on offense.

Most Fun to Watch

Caleb Williams and Lincoln Riley come together for an encore season USC in the Pac-12. This offense will be as fun as ever.

Trojans Washington Michael Penix Jr. has his favorite weapon back, and Deboer gets another season to grow. There's lots of firepower in Seattle.

Huskies Lance Leipold has resurrected the Jayhawks. A full season with Jalon Kansas Daniels at the helm will be electric.

Jayhawks A dark horse in the Big Ten. Taulia Tagovailoa has the weapons and the Maryland coaching to light up defenses all year long.

Terrapins Florida St How about some defense for a change? Jared Verse and a plethora of Seminoles playmakers return for the 'Noles in a massive 2023 campaign.

Hardest to Watch Iowa Hawkeyes Kent State Flashes Umass Minutemen USF Bulls New Mexico Lobos

This team averaged 17.7 points per game in 2022. Even Cade Mcnamara might not help this team.

No roster in college football was massacred in the transfer portal quite like this team. They may struggle to be competitive at all.

This is a team that could be on this list any season from the past 10 years. They have not won more than four games since joining the FBS. Nobody allowed more yards per game last season than the Bulls. New Head Coach Alex Golesh is an offensive minded guy. You do the math.

This program tied for first in their division in 2016. Seven years and two coaches later they are back to being bottom feeders.

Spoiler Teams

S Carolina They spoiled multiple team's seasons in 2022, why not run it back with Gamecocks the same cast in 2023?

San Diego St The Aztecs will play UCLA and Oregon State this season and are always a threat to derail a Pac-12 team's season.

Aztecs If the Beavers go on a run in the Pac-12, they would spoil a number of Oregon St "higher profile" team's seasons that have a shot in the conference.

Beavers Michigan St Despite a down year, this team has always had a knack for derailing other programs in the Big Ten. Tuck Comin.

Spartans Riley Leonard leads an offensive attack capable of catching a highly Duke Blue Devils rated team off guard. Clemson and Florida State must be careful.

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The Macguffin the Ultimate prize

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What is the ultimate prize in college football? People have been attempting to answer the question since the dawn of the sport over 150 years ago. The AP Poll, the BCS era, and most recently the College Football Playoff system have all tried to find ways to have a definite champion. One summer, I workshopped an idea of my own for the ultimate prize. I held onto the idea for a couple of years and when I finally shared it on Tik Tok, it became clear a lot of other people liked my idea too. This idea would become the Macguffin. The Macguffin is tracked throughout the entire lineage of college football through transitive property starting with the very first college football game between Rutgers and Princeton in 1869. Rutgers defeated Princeton, and right then and there, the Macguffin was born. Rutgers would keep the Macguffin until they lost. The team that defeated them would then hold it until they lost to somebody else. I

tracked that pattern all the way up to today. It kind of works like a championship belt, an extra prize to keep an eye on each season. Tracking the Macguffin through the tumultuous history of the sport can be wildly entertaining, especially when you see some of the historic moments that the sport had a prize on the line you didn't even know existed.

2022 Macguffin Path

Sept. 3 sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 OCt. 1 OCT. 8 OCt. 22 OCT. 29 Nov. 5 Nov. 12 Nov. 19 Nov. 26 Dec. 29

Baylor beats Albany BYU Beats Baylor Oregon beats BYU Oregon beats Wash St Oregon beats Stanford Oregon beats Arizona Oregon beats UCLA Oregon beats Cal Oregon beats Colorado Washington beats Oregon Washington beats Colorado Washington Beats Wash St Washington Beats Texas

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Bowl Season

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= Macguffin Transfer = Macguffin Defense

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The Macguffin The Macguffin can be measured in a number of ways, total time with the Macguffin, amount of times with the Macguffin, number of games where a team defended it, and more. As soon as I introduced my idea to the public, a number of helpful college football fans added other creative Macguffin prizes to the list.

My personal favorite being Mr. Macguffin, the "Macguffin MVP" essentially, which goes to the player that had the biggest impact that season.

Why is it called the Macguffin?

The term "Macguffin" was invented by the influential filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock to describe a device in a film or movie that exists simply to move the plot forward. The Macguffin in college football plays a very similar role, an arbitrary object, thats sole purpose is to move things forward. Popular film Macguffins include, the ring from Lord of the Rings or the Death Star plans from Star Wars.

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The college football Macguffin started as nothing more than a baton passed around the Ivy League in the late 1800s. Hardly any teams were playing football at all, so Harvard, Princeton, and Yale hogged the Macguffin for decades. For thirty years only six different teams held the Macguffin. It was when the 20th century hit that Army and Navy, and the Big Ten began to assemble teams good enough to compete with the Ivy League schools, and Macguffin chaos began. The following thirty years saw thirty-one new teams hold the Macguffin. One of the more notable Macguffin events around this time was in 1943 when Auburn held the Macguffin in the offseason.

But, no team was fielded for the entire 1943 season due to World War II. Little quirks like that are what make the Macguffin so special because in tracking it, you almost get a little tour through the history of the sport. Another cool moment was in 1957 when a young Queen Elizabeth attended a game between Maryland and North Carolina, where the Terrapins became the 64th team to hold the Macguffin.

The Macguffin has also made some pit stops in some of the most influential plays in college football history.

Miami held the Macguffin in the 2003 National Title game, which was marred by controversy after a questionable PI penalty extended the game and gave the Buckeyes a victory. That game ended a monster thirty one-game Macguffin streak from the Hurricanes. It strikes a similar feeling to when Vince Young sliced through USC defenders and into the endzone to snap a twentyfive-game USC Macguffin streak in the 2006 National Title. From "Tebow-Time," to historic chokes, to "The Crabtree Catch," the Macguffin never fails to be present at a key moment. The Macguffin currently resides in Seattle, Washington, where Michael Penix Jr. has announced he will return for his senior season (to defend the Macguffin undoubtedly).

The Husky's first game of the season will be at home versus the Boise State Broncos, a team coming off of a ten win season. So kick back, relax, and enjoy trying to track where the Macguffin goes in 2023.

The triple crown

The rarest feat in the Macguffin world is the Triple Crown. The Triple Crown is when a player holds the Macguffin at the end of the season, wins the national title, and wins the Heisman trophy. Only seven players have ever achieved this in a season. The first two players to pull it off played for the same Army team in the 1940s. They were Doc Blanchard and Glenn Davis.

Army won the 1945 and 1946 National Titles, and Blanchard won the Heisman in '45, while Davis took it home in '46. Army initially won the Macguffin for this stretch against Columbia in December of 1945 and held it through all of 1946 as well.

After them, the Triple Crown did not happen for more than 50 years until Matt Leinart got it at USC in 2004. USC defeated Michigan for a National Title and the Macguffin, and Leinart took home the Heisman trophy in one swoop. The fourth Triple Crown was Mark Ingram, who ran his way to a Heisman in 2009, taking down Florida late in the process to get the

Macguffin Leaders Most Games Held 1. Yale - 125 2. Princeton - 105 3. Harvard - 82 4. USC - 71 5. Ohio State - 61

Longest Streaks

Joe Burrow Photo via 247 Sports

Macguffin. In 2010 we had the first back to back Triple Crown since Blanchard and Davis did it, with Cam Newton ending the drought.

The Macguffin virtually fell into their lap in the SEC championship game versus South Carolina. In 2019, LSU took the college football world by storm and got Joe Burrow a Triple Crown. LSU snatched the Macguffin from Clemson in the National Championship game, undoubtedly making that post-game cigar hit a little different. Then in 2020, for the seventh and most recent Macguffin, Devonta Smith was the first receiver to win a Triple Crown. Thanks in large part to Auburn, who fumbled the Macguffin away to them.

1. Yale - 36 Games 2. Princeton - 31 Games 3. Miami - 31 Games 4. Yale - 28 Games 5. USC - 25 Games

3 Big Longest Time Held Questions 1. Princeton - 6,871 Days

Will their road woes go 2. Yale - 4,690 Days 3. Harvard - 2,977 Days away?

4. USC - 2,762 Days 5. Alabama - 2,614 Days

Who gets the Macguffin if the game ends in a tie?

Ties used to be very common in college football in the early days, so the Macguffin saw many throughout its journey.

However, to steal the Macguffin, one must earn it.

So for a tie the team that held the Macguffin going into the game keeps it. Ties do not belong in football and therefore are ignored in the Macguffin world.

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Unit Rankings Best Offense

Best Defense

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USC Tennessee Ohio State Washington Clemson

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Georgia Michigan Kansas State Utah Oregon State

Georgia Iowa Michigan Florida State Texas

Best Staff

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Florida State Georgia Oregon Illinois LSU

Alabama Oregon State San Diego State Michigan Iowa

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Georgia Clemson Penn State Alabama Utah

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Best Special Teams

Michigan Georgia Ohio State Auburn Oregon State

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Iowa Texas A&M Kentucky Alabama Iowa State

Player Rankings The Most Talent Ever Covid eligibility, the transfer portal and the added incentive of NIL money have improved the overall talent level in college football. Players like Jared Verse, Michael Penix Jr., and Brant Kuithe are back when they would already be playing on Sundays in a different era. There are a lot of talented quarterbacks in our league and there are five of them on this list, the most of any position. However, the current crop of edge rushers in college football is also overflowing, not to mention the outstanding pass defenders who will serve as a great equalizer.

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USC Caleb Williams Marvin Harrison Jr. OSU UGA Brock Bowers FSU Jared Verse ND Sam Hartman LSU Harold Perkins Jr. ND Joe Alt Kool-Aid Mckinstry Bama PSU Kalen King Clem Cade Klubnik PSU Olu Fashanu Quinshon Judkins Miss UCLA Laiatu Latu Jer'Zhan Newton Illinois UW Michael Penix Jr. PSU Nick Singleton Mich Blake Corum Tex Xavier Worthy OSU JT Tuimoloau UU Brant Kuithe UGA Malaki Starks FSU Johnny Wilson UO Bo Nix Clem Jeremiah Trotter Colo Travis Hunter

Position QB WR TE EDGE QB EDGE OL DB DB QB OL RB EDGE DL QB RB RB WR EDGE TE DB WR QB LB DB

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Budge's top 25

Photo via Georgia athletics

1. Georgia Bulldogs In 1936, the Minnesota Golden Gophers, led by coaching legend Bernie Bierman, defeated Wisconsin 24-0 to secure their third straight title. Nobody has won three straight since.

Across multiple eras and postseason formats, college football has proven it is very difficult to stay on top. Yet Georgia in 2023 will have a chance to end the 87-year drought. The last team that had an opportunity to secure 10 a three-peat was Alabama in

2013. The Tide were a perfect 11-0 and seemingly well on their way to a national title.

However, their dreams came crashing down on one of the most memorable plays in college football history. Chris Davis ran a missed field goal

by Adam Griffith back 109 yards to the end zone to win the game. The three-peat has seemed unachievable, despite how powerful some programs have felt at times.

For Georgia, they bring back all the tools to win another

title, and raked in the number two recruiting class. Despite massive losses to the draft each season this team reloads every year. They've also proven they can win with a target on their back in 2022.

It doesn't seem to matter who this team plays at quarterback, a former walkon just won back-to-back National Championships.

Despite history suggesting that three-peats just don't happen, it feels like this one could be inevitable.

2. Clemson Dabo Swinney knew it was time to make a move after two lackluster years on offense. So he went and made the best hire of the offseason and poached Garrett Riley from TCU. Combine his brilliant offensive mind with 2nd year Cade Klubnik, Will Shipley, and an elite defense? This team is going to give some other teams nightmares.

3. Michigan For back-to-back seasons Michigan has broken through and beat Ohio State, punching their ticket to a playoff spot.

And for back-to-back seasons, they have gone home with no hardware. It's been clear that Harbaugh has built a team in Ann Arbor that can win the Big Ten, and beat the Buckeyes. Betting against that would be irresponsible.

4. USC Lincoln Riley reloaded in the portal again. Heisman trophy winner Caleb Williams is back. The elite pieces added to the defense have his most talented unit on that side of the ball we have ever seen.

I expect them to finally be championship caliber, and it will propel USC to their first playoff appearance in program history in their last season in the Pac-12.

5. Ohio State The Buckeyes were one kick at midnight away from heading to the national championship, and presumably winning it.

Instead, Ryan Day and the Buckeyes had another season where they went zero for three on their goals. They didn't beat Michigan, they didn't win the Big Ten, and they didn't win the National Title. 2023 is a big year in Columbus.

6. Alabama Alabama was not in the College Football Playoff in 2022. They lost two regular season games, and they didn't even win their division. And then Nick Saban assembled the number one recruiting class in the country, before he had hired new coordinators. Picking Alabama to miss the playoffs is really risky, because they have history on their side.

7. Penn State Penn State has been close for a while.

Under James Franklin, the Nittany Lions have been sitting firmly in the second tier in the Big Ten. They've lost some tough games operating below Michigan and Ohio State. Now with Redshirt freshman and former five-star Drew Allar commanding the offense, this feels like a year where they can break through.

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Budge's top 25 8. Notre Dame Notre Dame was playing like a top ten team at the end of last season. Yes, they lost their Offensive Coordinator Tommy Rees to Alabama, but they also brought in Sam Hartman at quarterback through the portal. The Irish have a gauntlet of a schedule in 2023, and will have the chance to earn a playoff spot, or spoil some other team's chances along the way.

9. Texas Texas had a defense that was good enough to win a Big 12 title in 2022. But Quinn Ewers had nobody to throw to on offense. This offseason, Sarkisian brought back Jordan Whittington, Isaiah Neyor, and brought in AD Mitchell from Georgia.

The Texas offense will either succeed with Ewers or succeed with Maalik Murphy if he can't get the job done.

10. Florida State Mike Norvell has been quietly fixing this program over the last three seasons with no expectations and no national spotlight anywhere to be found. Now the spotlight has shifted and it's time to show what they've been building toward. They returned a boatload of talent, and with their schedule... they have a clear path to etch their name in the final four.

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11. Oregon Dan Lanning had the Ducks one or two plays away from a chance at a Pac-12 title in his first year in Eugene. There were several questionable play calls and interesting decisions that exposed Lanning's lack of head coaching experience. With the return of Bo Nix and another year of experience under his belt, Lanning will have this team great again.

12. LSU Brain Kelly's first season at LSU was a massive success. LSU will bring in another top-ten recruiting class, and returns Jayden Daniels at quarterback. Navigating a brutal schedule will be a test for the Tigers, and playing Alabama in Tuscaloosa will not help. For Kelly, year two could wind up being a bigger test than year one.

13. Kansas State Despite losing Adrian Martinez and Deuce Vaughn, Kansas State should be perfectly fine. The Wildcats return their entire offensive line, and Will Howard had some incredible flashes in 2022. Kansas State will be the defending Big 12 champions this year, and will undoubtedly get the best shot from every team they play.

14. Tennessee

17. Utah

The Volunteers were college football's breakout team in 2022. It's up to Josh Heupel to show that it was more than just a fluke. The quarterback battle between Joe Milton III, and Nico Iamaleava will have the national spotlight on it all offseason. The biggest flaw this team has to fix is defense. That's where a collapse last year spelled doom.

Utah has won back-to-back Pac-12 championships, and with Cam Rising, Brant Kuithe and Devaughn Vele returning, this team is in a prime position to go for a three-peat. Kyle Whittingham remains one of the best coaches in the country. Pair that with the best recruiting class in program history and the Utes are a scary team to play out west.

15. Oregon State

18. Texas Tech

Oregon State won 10 games in 2022 with terrible quarterback play. With minimal losses on both sides of the ball, and the addition of DJ Uiagalelei in the portal, the Beavers will be a problem. The only factor that could keep the Beavs from winning a Pac-12 title, is the insane depth at the top half of the conference. But, the beavs get a lot of big games at home.

Joey Mcguire has already made a big impact on Texas Tech in just one year. His ability to recruit in the state of Texas is already in effect, and the Red Raiders have an edge to them that feels different than in years past. Combine a motivated head coach with a program that backs him fully gives you a dangerous combo in Lubbock.

16. Oklahoma A top four recruiting class and another year with Dillon Gabriel at quarterback means good news for Oklahoma. If they can avoid the injury bug, and Venables can do what he does best on defense, this team will be in the Big 12 title race in November. Anyone expecting this team to roll over and become irrelevant will be very disappointed in 2023.

19. Washington Kalen Deboer was one of a plethora of first-year head coaches to have outstanding years in 2022. Michael Penix Jr transformed this offense into one of the most lethal in the country and gets to throw to Rome Odunze for another year.

Look for them to put up some numbers, especially with Ryan Grubb turning down the offensive coordinator job at Alabama.

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Budge's top 25 20. Maryland Maryland is primed for a breakout in 2023. The only thing keeping this team from moving higher in these rankings is the gauntlet they must go through in the Big Ten East. Taulia is back, and Mike Locksley's offense will be as lethal as ever. He's made all the right moves to improve this defense, and the Terrapins are poised to succeed.

21. South Carolina Things got weird in the offseason for South Carolina. Several key playmakers hopped into the transfer portal. There were rumors about Spencer Rattler leaving as well. Then Shane Beamer flipped things completely and landed several massive recruits on National Signing Day, Rattler returned to campus, and they are a sleeper in the SEC East.

22. TCU TCU is coming off of the most unexpected playoff run ever. While the loss of Max Duggan hurts, key additions in the transfer portal and some big splashes in recruiting have equipped this team with the weapons to make another run.

However, many doubt Sonny Dyke's ability to catch lightning in a bottle again, and the Big 12 doesn't get any easier.

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23. Wisconsin Wisconsin leaping over Jim Leonhard and hiring Luke Fickell was one of the most controversial moves of the offseason, and I love it. This is a program that takes winning very seriously, and with Fickell and Tanner Mordecai coming to town, the Big Ten West is in danger.

This team will be playing important games in November.

24. Ole Miss Lane Kiffin gave Rebels fans a heart attack with the rumors swirling around him this off-season. Now he will be back in Oxford, and Ole Miss is set up for some success again. Three guys could start at quarterback, which is always a good issue to have, and Quinshon Judkins is back after breaking the SEC freshman rushing record.

25. Troy The Troy Trojans are my pick to make the New Year's Six out of the group of five. Jon Sumrall is both the most underrated and overlooked coach in the entire country. Troy has a lethal defense, that could pose an upset bid when they play Kansas State early in the season. If they were to pull the shocker, this team's ceiling becomes sky-high.

Teams 26-133 26. Kansas 27. Auburn 28. Miami (FL) 29. NC State 30. Duke 31. Louisville 32. UTSA 33. Minnesota 34. Liberty 35. Iowa 36. Missouri 37. Arizona 38. UCLA 39. Texas A&M 40. Kentucky 41. Baylor 42. SMU 43. Arkansas 44. Wake Forest 45. Florida 46.Iowa State 47. Mississippi State 48. North Carolina 49. Michigan State 50. Pittsburgh 51. James Madison 52. Cincinnati 53. Washington State 54. Virginia Tech 55. Colorado 56. Boise State 57. Georgia Tech 58. Illinois 59. Oklahoma State 60. West Virginia 61. UCF

62. Tulane 63. Nebraska 64. Purdue 65. Vanderbilt 66. Arizona State 67. BYU 68. Syracuse 69. Indiana 70. California 71. Marshall 72. South Alabama 73. East Carolina 74. Houston 75. Rutgers 76. Wyoming 77. Memphis 78. App State 79. Toledo 80. Western Kentucky 81. Eastern Michigan 82. Fresno State 83. Virginia 84. Uconn 85. Coastal Carolina 86. San Jose State 87. San Diego State 88. Stanford 89. North Texas 90. Air Force 91. Buffalo 92. Ohio 93. Rice 94. Boston College 95. Georgia Southern 96. Miami (OH) 97. Northwestern

98. Charlotte 99. Texas State 100. UAB 101. Utah State 102. Southern Miss 103. Bowling Green 104. FAU 105. Georgia State 106. MTSU 107. Louisiana 108. Hawai’i 109. UTEP 110. Sam Houston State 111. New Mexico State 112. Ball State 113. Jacksonville State 114. Army 115. Umass 116. Tulsa 117. Old Dominion 118. Western Michigan 119. UNLV 120. Colorado State 121. Central Michigan 122. South Florida 123. Navy 124. Northern Illinois 125. Temple 126. Louisiana Tech 127. UL Monroe 128. Nevada 129. Arkansas State 130. Kent State 131. New Mexico 132. Akron 133. FIU 15

The TheACc ACC CHASING

2022 ACC Standings

Atlantic

1. Clemson 2. Florida State 3. Syracuse 4. Louisville 5. NC State 6. Wake Forest 7. Boston College

THE

Coastal

1. North Carolina 2. Pittsburgh 3. Duke 4. Georgia Tech 5. Miami 6. Virginia 7. Virginia Tech

TIGER'S TAIL

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Key Number The number of teams that the

The number of divisions the ACC will SEC will need to accommodate have in 2023. Now the top 2 teams in once Texas and Oklahoma come the ACC will play for the conference to town.

Thiswas willlong be the most for title.

This move overdue teams in this oneconference. conference in CFB

Conference Picks MVP: Riley Leonard

DPOY: Jared Verse

OPOY: Will Shipley

Newcomer: Jack Plummer

The ACC was a conference devoid of parody for a long time. After a six-year streak as ACC champions by Clemson, Pittsburgh finally broke through with Kenny Pickett and won the ACC title, snapping the Tiger's streak. In 2022 some people believed the Panthers could repeat. Others looked to teams like NC State, Wake Forest, North Carolina, and Miami all of which got some offseason title buzz. People seem to forget every offseason that Dabo Swinney has built a monster at Clemson. 2023, was a gut punch to the rest of the conference. Poor quarterback play, untimely injuries, and early deficits were riddled throughout their season. But none of it mattered. Clemson was a perfect 9-0 in conference.

Clemson went on another death march to an ACC title, getting Dabo Swinney his 7th since 2015. So as we look forward to 2023, Clemson is the clear favorite and is still the team to beat. The rest of the conference has their work cut out for them, but.

Florida State is the consensus favorite to challenge the Tigers. Jordan Travis is a trendy pick for

Biggest Non-Conference Games Sept. 2 sept. 3 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Nov. 4 Nov. 18 Nov. 25 Nov. 25

South Carolina vs N Carolina LSU vs Florida State Miami vs Texas A&M Pittsburgh @ West Virginia Clemson vs Notre Dame Wake Forest @ Notre Dame Florida State @ Florida Clemson @ South Carolina

2 Big Questions Can the ACC make Clemson and Florida State happy?

Jared Verse

Photo by Greg Oyster via 247 Sports

Heisman, and Jared Verse decided to come back for another season, rather than being a first round NFL pick.

Mike Norvell has been improving this team's record every season since he took over in 2020, and many believe they can make a big leap this year. As the ACC picture begins to paint itself in 2023, one thing will be clear, Clemson is still the team to beat.

The ACC has been the only power five conference unaffected by expansion thus far.

However, a lot of noise has been made by the Tigers and Seminoles this offseason that has made many wonder if the next seismic expansion news comes at the expense of this conference.

How many coaches will be gone in 2024?

Brent Pry, Tony Elliot, and Jeff Hafley will have a lot of eyes on their performance in 2023.

There is a chance we see some turnover at the head coach position in the ACC. 17

Clemson

Huskies Tigers

2022 Season Review Record: 11-3 Conf. Finish: 1st Rank: 13th

Who's your Daddy?

The conversation around Clemson football has seen a drastic shift over the past few seasons. At its peak, Clemson was on the verge of being labeled a dynasty and was routinely included in conversations about the one or two teams that could win the title. After Ohio State ended it's season in 2020, Clemson hasn't been to the playoffs since. While they are still certainly a national player, they aren't seen as the threat they once were. Since Pittsburgh knocked them off their pedestal in 2021, things haven't felt the same. As previously mentioned, Clemson will still be the top dogs in the ACC, but the noise around other rising programs continues to get louder.

Miami is drawing in elite talent, Duke won nine games last year, and the most

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loud of all is Florida State. It feels like the Seminole's buzz might be starting to get to Dabo Swinney. He openly claimed that Florida State "ducked" them in 2020.

Plenty was made of the fact that Florida State ended up above Clemson in the final AP Poll. Early in his tenure, losses in big games to the Seminoles played a role in the creation of the term "Clemsoning."

Which, of course, meant choking in a big game. When teams like Pittsburgh or NC State beat Clemson, I'm sure it keeps Swinney up at night.

But there's something about losing to the team down in Tallahassee that really seems to bother him. They meet in week four in Death Valley. The Tigers will get a chance to stop the hype early and extend an eight-game winning streak in the series.

Key Number

The number of conference games that Clemson lost this past season.

Despite some slipping from Clemson, no team has been able to fill the power void for very long.

HEAD COACH: Dabo Swinney OFF. COORDINATOR: Garrett Riley DEF. COORDINATOR: Wes Goodwin

Offense

The Brandon Streeter experiment as offensive coordinator was a disaster.

Luckily for Clemson, they landed the brightest offensive mind in the sport, Garrett Riley, to replace him.

Riley has weapons like Cade Klubnik and Will Shipley that have the potential to make this offense elite. The ugly truth is this receiving core, which has minimal proven success, aside from Antonio Williams being the one proven commodity. Clemson has multiple offensive linemen nursing long-term injuries, and hope to be healthy by September.

Rank Rank

2023 Schedule Sept. 4 @ Duke Sept. 9 CSU Sept. 16 FAU Sept. 23 FSU Sept. 30 @ SU OCt. 7 Wake OCt. 21 @ Miami OCt. 28 @ NC State NOv. 4 ND NOv. 11 Ga Tech NOv. 18 UNC NOv. 25 @ Scar

Cade Klubnik

Photo by Eakin Howard via Getty Images

Overview

Clemson fans let out a collective sigh of relief when Garrett Riley was announced as the new offensive coordinator. It was a huge move for Swinney to reset the This defense doesn't scare expectations for this teams like it used to, but Wes program. Do not get it Goodwin is putting in some twisted, the expectation for promising work. Despite this team is still to make the needing to replace some NFL college football playoff. Cade talent, the defensive front led Klubnik has been hyped up

by Tyler Davis and Ruke ever since he got on campus, Orhorhoro should be a and everyone is anxious to strength. The linebacking core see what he can do with a full should continue to make season under Riley. This strides with young players like offense will be unlocked this TJ Dudley boosting their season. For anyone hoping stock to assist some returning Clemson continues to trend all-conference linebackers. downward I am sorry to With minimal changes in the report that they will just be secondary, the Tigers need marching back to the some guys to develop fast. playoffs.

Defense

2 14

2 Big Questions To portal, or not to portal?

Dabo Swinney has been a vocal detractor of the new transfer portal rules since day one. Clemson got one player from the portal this offseason, and some wonder if the recent struggles are related to not using that resource.

Will Clemson have a pizza party?

Dabo Swinney famously hosted a pizza party back in 2015 when Clemson first made the playoff. If they qualify this season, why not throw another one? Please?

19

Florida State

Seminoles Huskies

Trust the process

20

Mike Norvell was introduced as the new head coach in December of 2019, on the heels of the disastrous Willie Taggart era. Norvell's first season was in 2020, and most people wrote off the 36 year as a byproduct of the strange "Covid year." 2021 was viewed by many as the first real season to see what Norvell had done. Fast forward to October 2021.

Florida State was 0-4, including their first loss to an FCS opponent in program history on a last-second hail mary. Norvell had the hottest seat in America and had Seminoles fans calling for him to be fired. If Florida State had pulled the trigger and fired him then and there, they would have never seen the 5-3 record to end the season. They would have never seen the following year, where Florida State ripped off ten wins for the first time since 2016. If you were to take a poll of Seminoles fans heading into

2022 Season Review Record: 10-3 Conf. Finish: 3rd Rank: 11th

this season, many would praise Norvell as one of the best coaches in college football. In this modern era of college football, fans expect instant results on the field and have increasing outrage if their expectations aren't meant. If the Norvell situation proves anything, it's that you should allow your coach ample time to build the program the right way. Florida State has the most hype this season that they've had in a long time and is a perfect example of why you should trust the process.

1

Key Number

The Seminoles are number one in returning production this season.

That includes 94% of their defensive production, led by first-round prospect Jared Verse.

HEAD COACH: Mike Norvell OFF. COORDINATOR: Alex Atkins DEF. COORDINATOR: Adam Fuller

Offense Jordan Travis enters his third season as the starter for the Seminoles with a healthy amount of Heisman buzz. But don't let that distract you from the fact that this team brings back five linemen with starting experience from an offense that led the ACC in rushing yards. They also added three additional linemen just for good measure through the portal.

Fabien Lovett Photo via 247 Sports Catching the ball, Johnny Wilson headlines a stacked receiving room complimented A team comes around every by some experienced tight offseason like this that people ends. Despite the departure cannot stop raving about. of Treshaun Ward, they still Last season it was Kansas return over 1,600 yards of State. You hear the term rushing from their running "sleeper" and "darkhorse" get backs. thrown around so much, that

Overview

Defense

it is no longer the case. Mike If you're wondering why Norvell has developed an people are so high on Florida impressive winning culture State this season, look no and has convinced a lot of further than the defense. talent to return. My only Fabien Lovett, Jared Verse, concern with this team would Kalen Deloach, and Akeem be the mid-season lapse they Dent all return from last year had last season, where their the best defense in the ACC a running game went out the season ago. There will be NFL window. The Seminoles will talent at each level of the need to have more defense. The Seminoles didn't consistency to be taken need to, but they went ahead seriously. The hype around and slapped on four more this team is real, and I fully defensive assets through the expect them to be suiting up transfer portal. for the ACC championship.

10 14

Rank Rank 2023 Schedule Sept. 3 LSU S. Miss Sept. 9 Sept. 16 @ BC Sept. 23 @ Clem OCT. 7 Va Tech OCt. 14 Syracuse OCt. 21 DUke @ Wake OCt. 28 Nov.4 @ Pitt NOv. 11 Miami NOv. 18 N. Bama NOv. 25 @ Florida

2 Big Questions

How long do their playoff hopes last?

With Florida State's recent buzz comes playoff expectations. It's great to have that as a season goal, but with matchups against LSU at a neutral site and at Clemson in the first four weeks of the season, there's a chance this team could be out of it early.

Can Jordan Travis become elite?

Jordan Travis has been a really solid starter for Florida State. But with so many things going well, can he take that next step in this offense?

21

Miami

HEAD COACH: Mario Cristobal OC: Shannon Dawson DC: Lance Guidry

Hurricanes

Offense

Shannon Dawson steps in from Houston to call the shots offensively. Dawson will have quarterback Tyler Van Dyke at his disposal, who enters his fourth year in Coral Gables. Miami attracted offensive lineman Javion Cohen from Alabama in the portal, which will do big things for an offensive line with shaky depth. Van Dyke will have some electric pass catchers in Xavier Restrepo, Jacolby George, and Colbie Young. With any Cristobalcoached team, you can be sure they will still pound the rock on the ground with Henry Parrish Jr and Don Chaney Jr.

22

Rank

2022 Season Review Record: 5-7 Conf. Finish: 11th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Kamren Kinchens Photo via University of Miami Athletics

Overview

Last season, Mario Cristobal was left picking up the pieces in November after an embarrassing loss at home eliminated Miami from bowl contention. This offseason Miami rebounded, replacing The hurricanes replaced both coordinators, and their defensive coordinator, collecting quality players bringing over Lance Guidry through recruiting and the from Marshall to revamp this portal. Many are aware of floundering defense. Kamren Cristobal's ability to attract Kinchens and James Williams elite talent, but there's a will command a secondary louder crowd that doubts his that has elite upside under ability to win on the field. It's Guidry, who specializes in easy to see this team winning that area. The defense returns games on paper, but hard to seven starters from last have faith after last season. season and nearly 80% of With that being said, Cristobal their production. Factor in corrected some of the big some great transfers and this issues that plagued last year's defense could break out into team, so Miami should be a a strength for this team. factor in the ACC title race.

Defense

28

How high is this defense's ceiling with Francisco Mauigoa?

Mauigoa was an electric linebacker at Washington State, and comes to Miami as a sophomore with elite upside. Having a gamechanger like this on defense can swing games.

Just how much can this stud from Pullman do for Miami when he steps on the field this season?

2023 Schedule Sept. 1 Miami (OH) TAMU Sept. 9 Sept. 14 BCU Sept. 23 @ Temple OCt. 7 Ga Tech OCt. 14 @ UNC OCt. 21 Clemson OCt. 28 Virginia NOv. 4 @ NC State NOv. 11 @ FSU NOv. 18 UL NOv. 24 @ BC

NC State

HEAD COACH: Dave Doeren OC: Robert Anae DC: Tony Gibson

Wolfpack

Offense

Brennan Armstrong made the interconference move to NC State, where he is the clear favorite to start. The offense also has a new face as coordinator, with Robert Anae stepping in. His first move was a new system to help an offensive line that struggled last season. Their poor running game made it hard for things to operate through the air last season, so everything Brennan Armstrong Photo via Kaitlin Mckeown via newsobserver.com starts there. People are excited about what Terrell Timmons and Dacari Collins Dave Doeren has built NC can do for this team catching State into a model of the ball, but the running game consistency in the ACC. He is remains a big point of not facing any job security concern. pressure but will see a good

Overview

Defense

amount of competitive The Wolfpack return less pressure in 2023. Wolfpack than half of the production fans are happy to have ninefrom the best-scoring win seasons, but they are defense in the ACC last itching for that breakthrough season. The secondary will year. NC State has an feature a pair of returning intriguing new-look offense cornerbacks Aydan White and that will determine how high Shyheim Battle. Noah Potter the ceiling will be for them. and Robert Kennedy are the Expect Gibson to have this two lone transfers on this side defense rolling again, but of the ball, and at the very there could be some growing least they will be solid depth pains as they feature a lot of pieces. This year will be a test new faces. For Wolfpack fans for Defensive Coordinator wanting the breakthrough to Tony Gibson, who signed a happen this season, three-year extension in unfortunately, another seven December. or eight-win year is likely.

29 Rank

2022 Season Review Record: 8-5 Conf. Finish: 8th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Does Armstrong return to his 2021 form?

Armstrong threw for nearly 4,500 yards and 31 touchdowns in 2021 at Virginia. After a coaching change in 2022, his stats completely disappeared.

Could a change of scenery be the key to re-unlocking the talented passer? The Wolfpack are hoping it will be.

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 @ UConn ND Sept. 9 Sept. 16 VMI Sept. 22 @ UVA Sept. 29 UL OCt. 7 Marshall OCt. 14 @ Duke OCt. 28 Clemson NOv. 4 Miami NOv. 11 @ Wake NOv. 18 @ Va Tech UNC NOv. 25

23

Duke

HEAD COACH: Mike Elko OC: Kevin Johns DC: Tyler Santucci

Blue Devils

Offense

Duke's offense was one of the biggest surprises in college football last season, due in large part to Riley Leonard breaking out as a sophomore. The Blue Devils return nine offensive starters from last year and also landed three talented offensive linemen in the transfer portal.

Jordan Moore and Shamir Hagans return after combining for 1,000 yards Riley Leonard Photo via Duke Athletics and ten touchdowns last season. A trio of running backs also return to the 2022 rejuvenated this backfield. The might be the program and put Duke back best in the ACC at running the on the radar in the ACC. ball.

Rather than sitting back and enjoying his success, coach Duke only returns 60% of Elko made some more noise their production last season this offseason; addressing from a defense that was in the running game issues, bringing bottom half of the ACC in just in an additional defensive about every statistic. Despite mind, and shoring up the this, they were one of the passing defense. I don't know best teams in the nation at if Elko made a single move forcing turnovers last season, this offseason that I didn't forcing a whopping 26. Mike like. This team will boast a Elko brought in Tyler Santucci dangerous mixture of from Texas A&M to help Jess experience and confidence in Simpson with the defense.

2023 that will give them a The move is already paying fighting shot versus anyone dividends with Myles Jones they play. They will need to following Santucci from A&M play with the same chip on to join the Blue Devil's their shoulder this season. I secondary. Good things are project a strong showing from happening for this defense.

Duke and a solid encore.

Overview

Defense

24

30 Rank

2022 Season Review Record: 9-4 Conf. Finish: 5th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Can this team win with expectations?

Duke rolled into 2022 projected to win three games and be a non-factor in the ACC. Now headed into this season, many have Duke labeled as a dark horse, and many more eyes are on what's happening in Durham. Will they buckle under the pressure of significantly higher expectations?

2023 Schedule Sept. 4 Clemson Sept. 9 Louisiana Sept. 16 NU Sept. 23 @ UConn Sept. 30 ND OCt. 14 NC State OCt. 21 @ FSU @ UL OCt. 28 NOv. 2 Wake @ UNC NOv. 11 NOv. 18 @ Virginia Pitt NOv. 25

Louisville 31

HEAD COACH: Jeff Brohm OC: Brian Brohm DC: Mark Hagen

Offense

Cardinals

The Louisville offense is one of the most exciting units for 2023. Jeff Brohm will bring his pass-heavy offense and reunites with quarterback Jack Plummer, whom he coached at Purdue. Along with that, he hogged WRs in the portal, highlighted by Jamari Thrash from Georgia State. The offense also returns leading rusher Jawhar Jordan and added some Jawhar Jordan Photo by Frank Jansky via Getty Images bonus depth to an offensive line that commanded one of the best rushing units in the This job opening up was nation last season. perfect timing for Jeff Brohm, as he left his Purdue team The Cardinals lost three of fresh off a division title with their top four pass rushers no hesitation. The fans from a unit that led the nation already seem more excited in sacks last season. With that than they ever were about being said, several key Satterfield, whose tenure was contributors, like defensive full of lofty expectations and lineman Ashton Gillotte have disappointing failures. stuck around to make things Louisville will be electric on interesting. The secondary offense, as any Brohm-led was helped most in the team is, but may struggle to transfer portal, with Marquis plug some holes defensively.

Groves-Killebrew headlining a The schedule for the trio of power five additions.

Cardinals this year pans out Brohm brought Mark Hagen very favorably, with Florida and Ron English from West State and Clemson being left Lafayette to call the shots on off the schedule. There exists defense. Some might see this a scenario where this team is job as a complete overhaul on playing for a conference title this side of the ball, but come December. Things look they've done enough to pay good for Brohm at his alma some dividends this season. mater.

Overview

Defense

Rank

2022 Season Review Record: 8-5 Conf. Finish: 7th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question How will Brohm use the runningbacks?

Jeff Brohm has proven just how lethal the passing game can be in his system.

But he inherits a stable of running backs and a good pass-blocking offensive line. There's a chance this team could be elite running and passing the rock. What changes will he make in year one to take advantage?

2023 Schedule Sept. 1 @ Ga Tech Murray Sept. 7 Sept. 16 @ IND Sept. 23 BC Sept. 29 @ NC St OCt. 7 ND OCt. 14 @ pitt OCt. 28 Duke NOv. 4 Va Tech NOv. 9 Virginia NOv. 18 @ Miami NOv. 25 Kentucky

25

Wake Forest 44

HEAD COACH: Dave Clawson OC: Warren Ruggiero DC: Brad Lambert

Demon Deacons Rank

Offense

It was the end of an era for Wake Forest when Sam Hartman left for Notre Dame.

The Charlotte native had been with the Demon Deacons since 2018 and started dozens of games. His successor, Mitch Griffis has looked like a guy that can grow into a similar player. He has raised some eyebrows in the Spring. They also return some key starters for a very effective pass-blocking offensive line. There are a number of intriguing receiving options to help Griffis, including Deuce Alexander, Donavon Greene, and their lone offensive transfer, Walker Merrill from Tennessee.

Defense

Brad Lambert's defense allowed nearly 30 points per game for the second straight season, which was twelfth in the ACC. The run defense has actually been up to par and will be further aided by Bryce Ganious and Jacob Roberts from the transfer portal. Chip West was hired this offseason as the new defensive backs coach in hopes to remedy a secondary that was a critical failure in big games down the stretch for this team.

26

2022 Season Review Record: 8-5 Conf. Finish: 10th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Can they be 4-0 headed into Clemson?

Mitch Griffis

Photo by Walt Unks via W-S Journal

Overview

A surprise team from 2021, Wake Forest was plagued by missed opportunities in 2022.

They lost three of their last four regular-season games, including a humiliating 48-21 blowout loss at Louisville.

Eight wins in a season are still appreciated by the folks in Winston-Salem, but the potential flashed by this team is so much higher. Clawson made the right move bringing in West to help the secondary, but there's only so much that can be done with minimal roster change in that department. This team has firmly established itself as a threat in the ACC but with Griffis leading the way their ceiling will be slightly lower than in years past.

Wake will no doubt have their early October date in Death Valley circled on the calendar, but can they navigate a deceptively tough schedule to get there? Elon should be easy, but Vanderbilt and Georgia Tech have been showing steady improvement, and Old Dominion is a place where ACC teams go to die.

2023 Schedule AUg. 31 ELon Vandy Sept. 9 Sept. 16 @ ODU Sept. 23 Ga Tech OCt. 7 @ Clemson OCt. 14 @ Va Tech OCt. 21 Pitt OCt. 28 FSU NOv. 2 @ DUke NOv. 11 NC State NOv. 18 @ ND @ SU NOv. 25

North Carolina 48 HEAD COACH: Mack Brown OC: Chip Lindsey DC: Tommy Thigpen

Tarheels

Offense

Drake Maye headlines an offense primed for the same explosive output as 2022.

Chip Lindsey inherits this unit as the new offensive coordinator and he steps into a great situation. Despite losing some pass catchers to the draft and transfer portal, Nate McCollum and Devontez Walker come into town ready to produce. Lindsey has been vocal about how he wants the offense to play more physically, and operate downhill. This means one of the young running backs will have to step up, and the consistency of the offensive line must get better.

2022 Season Review Record: 9-5 Conf. Finish: 2nd Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Is this team capable of change on offense?

Drake Maye

Overview

Photo via University of North Carolina Athletics

A lot of the buzz around this program is centered around superstar quarterback Drake Maye. I think the sudden loss of Phil Longo could have a negative effect on his Mack Brown runs his performance in 2023. Look at defense in a very Tyler Van Dyke and Brennan unconventional way. Gene Armstrong from last season, Chizik is listed as the assistant who fell apart despite insane head coach for defense and numbers from the season also has two defensive prior. It won't be as drastic a coordinators under him. It drop off, but the moves on might be time to adopt a new offense are doing Maye no philosophy, as this defense favors. Defensively, not was dead last in points enough changed to indicate allowed and passing yards. they will be reliable this year.

Cedric Gray and Power Echols Somehow the nonreturn as playmakers at conference schedule got even linebacker, and that's about harder for the Tar Heels this where the good news ends. year, and I believe this will be 2023 could look much the one of the most disappointing same on this side of the ball. teams in the nation.

Defense

Rank

Chip Lindsey has a pretty clear vision of what he wants this offense to look like. Drake Maye forcing defenses to back off and defend the pass, coupled with a punishing run game that can take a game over.

But is this a unit capable of changing that quickly, especially with shaky offensive line play?

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 Scar Sept. 9 App STate Sept. 16 Minn Sept. 23 @ Pitt OCt. 7 Syracuse OCt. 14 Miami OCt. 21 Virginia OCt. 28 @ GA Tech NOv. 4 Campbell NOv. 11 Duke NOv. 18 @ Clem @ NC St NOv. 25

27

Pittsburgh 50

HEAD COACH: Pat Narduzzi OC: Frank Cignetti Jr. DC: Randy Bates

Panthers

Offense

Despite some regression statistically in 2022, this offense is precisely where Pat Narduzzi likes it. A bonecrushing running game complemented by opportunistic passing when needed. Phil Jurkovec is exactly the type of quarterback needed for such an offense, and the Panthers will boast another talented and experienced offensive line. Rodney Hammond is primed to fill in as the workhorse running back and has been making exciting plays all Spring.

Defense

The complimentary style of play does a lot of favors for Randy Bates and this Panthers defense. The clear weakness last season was the secondary, and Pitt brought in a pair of safeties through the portal to help. With the departure of Calijah Kancey, this team will look for players like Dayon Hayes and Bangally Kamara to step into a bigger role on defense.

Pittsburgh develops talent on this side of the ball extremely well, and with the number of players coming through within the program, that should continue.

28

Rank

2022 Season Review Record: 9-4 Conf. Finish: 4th Rank: 22nd

1 Big Question What is Phil Jurkovec's ceiling?

Dayon Hayes Photo via Pitt Athletics

Overview

Some might see it as counter-intuitive to change up your scheme on the heels of a conference title, but that is precisely what Pittsburgh did. Pat Narduzzi is a smart head coach, and he knows that quarterbacks like Kenny Pickett don't come around very often, so the vertical spread offense wouldn't work for this program long term.

This season will be another year returning to their identity as a dominant rushing team. With their identity back into focus, they are a dangerous draw any week of the season.

Pittsburgh is walking upset bid but will have to navigate a murky middle tier of the ACC. Every game will be a coin flip.

Jurkovec was a sitting duck in the pocket at Boston College. Disastrous offensive line play saw him running for his life the entire season. With a much more balanced offense, and less being asked of him, can Jurkovec transform from a game manager to a weapon in the backfield?

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 Wofford Cincy Sept. 9 Sept. 16 @ WVU Sept. 23 UNC Sept. 30 @ Va Tech OCt. 14 UL OCt. 21 @ Wake OCt. 28 @ ND NOv. 4 FSU NOv. 11 @ Su NOv. 16 BC NOv. 25 @ Duke

Virginia Tech 54 HEAD COACH: Brent Pry

Hokies

OC: Tyler Bowen DC: Chris Marve

Offense

The offense was a dumpster fire in 2022 and has been a clear point of emphasis in the offseason. One of the big moves by Brent Pry was to land Kyron Drones in the transfer portal to jockey against Grant Wells for the starting quarterback job.

Bryce Duke and Chance Black will serve as a nice one-two punch for the running game.

The offensive line play was horrible last season, but they also had awful injury luck. If they can keep the big boys healthy, there's time for this team to grow in the trenches.

Defense

Veteran leadership will be well-supplied on this side of the football. Josh Fuga, Mario Kendricks, and Norell Pollard are all fifth-year tackles that can be building blocks for a good defense. The depth at linebacker is very promising, with at least five guys that could realistically start.

Mansoor Delane leads a talented secondary that brings in Derrick Canteen from Georgia Southern to help with a pass defense that was shaky last season. Pry makes his money with his expertise on defense, and it's starting to pay dividends.

Rank

2022 Season Review Record: 3-8 Conf. Finish: 14th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Can the offense be at least complimentary?

Josh Fuga

Photo via Virginia Tech Athletics

Overview

Brent Pry came into Blacksburg with high energy and a wave of excitement that the Hokies might return to national prominence. After a disastrous 3-8 season in year one, much of that initial excitement has dried up. The defense has made clear strides this offseason and has a lot more depth than last year. Offensively there will be plenty of reasons for optimism, including a trio of new pass-catching weapons from the transfer portal. After a season full of injuries, bad luck, and ugly losses, 2023 will be a clean slate for Virginia Tech. I believe in the rebuild in Blacksburg, and I think the Hokies could be a surprise seven or eight-win team.

The defense for this team was a good unit last season overall, but you could never tell statistically. This is because the offense couldn't stay on the field.

One of the keys to unlocking this team's potential will be finding ways to make this offense a net positive. If they can get that done, watch out.

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 ODU Purdue Sept. 9 Sept. 16 @ RU Sept. 23 @ Marsh Sept. 30 Pitt @ FSU OCt. 7 OCt. 14 Wake OCt. 26 Syracuse NOv. 4 @ UL NOv. 11 @ BC NOv. 18 NC State NOv. 25 @ Virginia

29

Georgia Tech 57 HEAD COACH: Brent KEy OC: Buster Faulkner DC: Andrew Thacker

Yellow Jackets Rank

Offense

Georgia Tech returns most of its production from an offense that was near the bottom of the conference last season. A big move was bringing in former four-star quarterback Haynes King through the transfer portal to battle with Zach Pyron for the starting job. The alarming trend here is that they allowed over three sacks a game last season, and failed Dontae Smith Photo by Hyosub Sin via AJC to address the offensive line well in the portal. Hopefully Brent Key's prowess there is Brent Key inherited a mess enough to unlock something when he took this team over with these existing players up in late September of last front. season. That's what made it all the more impressive when This defense was all-around this team went 4-4 down the bad last season. Georgia Tech stretch, including a winning was dead last at defending record in the conference. Key the run in the ACC and shuffled with his staff more struggled to stop the pass. this offseason, and did what Andrew Thacker goes into his he could to bring in outside fifth season as the defensive talent to bolster this roster, coordinator for this squad, but in the end, the roster aided by a strong influx of looks very similar to last defensive talent to work with season's team. The schedule at linebacker and defensive is once again one of the line. The secondary, led by toughest in college football, Kenyatta Watson and Ahmari and the Yellow Jackets will be Harvey has the potential to asked to find wins in the most be a strength of this unit. unlikely of places. I believe Thacker hasn't been a fan this team has the chops to favorite, 2023 is his last sneak into a bowl game. And if chance to prove himself. they do, the talent will follow.

Overview

Defense

30

2022 Season Review Record: 5-7 Conf. Finish: 9th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Can Brent Key turn this O-line around?

The most glaring weakness of this team has been their offensive line.

This is ironic considering the fact that Key has his background as an offensive line coach. This year's unit will have more experience and continuity than last year, and that could help.

But is that enough to improve from last season?

2023 Schedule Sept. 1 UL Sept. 9 SC State Sept. 16 @ Miss Sept. 23 @ Wake Sept. 30 BGSU OCt. 7 @ Miami OCt. 21 BC OCt. 28 UNC NOv. 4 @ Virginia NOv. 11 @ Clemson NOv. 18 Syracuse Georgia NOv. 25

Syracuse

HEAD COACH: DIno Babers OC: Jason Beck DC: Rocky Long

Orange

Offense

2022 was a year of extreme highs and lows for the Syracuse offense. Despite a hot start out of the gate, points were nowhere to be found late in the year. The deadly duo of Garrett Shrader and Oronde Gadsden return at quarterback and receiver, and the Orange will be relatively stable in the passing game. However, this team loses three offensive Garrett Shrader Photo by Melina Myers via USA Today Sports line starters and will have to resort back to running the ball by committee with the 2022 Syracuse was a team departure of Sean Tucker, that few expected to be who did a lot for this offense competitive, and yet they a season ago. won seven games. However, they lost six of their last The defensive line has the seven including the bowl most experience and depth of game, fostering a confusing any position, and that is atmosphere around the something this defense can program. Dino Babers is lean on. Caleb Okechukwu headed into his eighth season and Jatius Geer will be key as the head coach, and the leaders on the defensive end of the 2022 campaign has front. The injuries at pressure mounting against linebackers have piled up him. Brutally, Syracuse will during the Spring, and some not play a home game in the young talent has to be month of October and has effective. Justin Barron leads three losable games in the the way for a secondary that non-conference slate. I don't should complement the believe Syracuse will get talented defensive line nicely. enough breaks to finish with This defense needs to be six wins, and if that's the case, ready to step up if the offense Dino Babers will be on the hot is slow to get going. seat.

Overview

Defense

68 Rank

2022 Season Review Record: 7-6 Conf. Finish: 6th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question What expectations do the Orange have for Babers?

Babers appeared to have silenced all hot-seat rumors with a 6-0 start to last season, but the late collapse had many wondering how much longer he has. In a year with a number of key contributors returning, how many wins does he need to be safe?

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 Colgate WMU Sept. 9 Sept. 16 @ Purdue Sept. 23 Army Sept. 30 Clemson OCt. 7 @ UNC OCt. 14 @ FSU OCt. 26 @ VA Tech NOv. 3 BC NOv. 11 Pitt NOv. 18 @ Ga Tech Wake NOv. 25

31

Virginia

HEAD COACH: Tony Elliott OC: Des Kitchings DC: John Rudzinski

Cavaliers

Offense

Robert Anae is out the door, and with him, Brennan Armstrong. Incoming transfer Tony Muskett, who was a three-year starter at Monmouth is the favorite to replace Armstrong as the quarterback. The offensive front will rely on a lot of young and unproven talent, which typically doesn't end well. JR Wilson and Demick Starling are joined by Malik Washington in the receiving room, for what should be a strength for the offense. Des Kitchings is the new offensive coordinator and will look to help execute Tony Elliott's vision in year two.

Defense

A trio of power five cornerbacks came in through the portal to replenish a secondary that needed some depth following this offseason. However, the biggest focus for this team needs to be on defending the run, which was clearly the weakness of this team last season. Linebackers Trey Mcdonald and Stevie Bracey are a few of the guys that need to step up. Despite their rough performance from last season, the defensive line will return all four starters.

32

83 Rank

2022 Season Review Record: 3-7 Conf. Finish: 13th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Does experience fix the defensive line?

Demick Starling

Overview

Photo by Gregory Fisher via USA Today Sports

The Cavaliers have committed to giving Tony Elliott time, but his first season was an absolute disaster. Anae and Armstrong leaving town is not a total loss, as it seemed it was time for them to part ways. If Muskett wins the job he will be a calming veteran presence for a young offense.

The defense actually has a lot to build off of from a season where they held their own despite the horrendous offense. Virginia is staring down the barrel of a daunting non-conference schedule and could realistically roll into conference play 0-3. For those reasons, this will be a very rough season for the Cavaliers.

Virginia allowed more than 150 yards per game on the ground last season.

The defensive line play had a lot to do with that. Did Virginia develop their returning starters well enough for results to begin to show up between the white lines? When the rushing defense is this bad, everything else falls apart.

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 Tenn JMU Sept. 9 Sept. 16 @ MD Sept. 22 NC State Sept. 30 @ BC OCt. 7 W&M OCt. 21 @ UNC OCt. 28 @ Miami NOv. 4 Ga Tech NOv. 9 @ UL NOv. 18 Duke VA Tech NOv. 25

Boston College 94 87

HEAD COACH: Jeff Hafley OC: Steve Shimko DC: Aazaar Abdul-Rahim

Golden Eagles SUn Buffaloes Wildcats Bruins Devils Bears Rank Rank

Offense

Boston College returns eight starters and 78% of their offensive production from a year ago. The bad news is that their offense was dead last in the ACC. As a result, John McNulty was fired after just one season as the offensive coordinator, and Steve Shimko was promoted to fill the position. The Eagles have a rare luxury for a team of their caliber, with Emmett Morehead as the sure-fire starter at quarterback for 2023. Their biggest portal snag was Ryan O'Keefe from UCF, who will give Morehead a great pass catcher. The running game was horrendous last season, and the Eagles did not do enough to address that issue.

2022 Season Review Record: 3-9 Conf. Finish: 12th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Can this team defend their home turf?

Emmett Morehead Photo by Quinn Harris via Getty Images

Overview

2022 was a disastrous season on both sides of the ball for a team that appeared to be trending in the right direction after two straight bowl appearances under Jeff Hafley. Losing both coordinators isn't the worst thing to happen in a vacuum, There was some turnover at but the coaches that filled defensive coordinator as well those positions have very for this squad. Tem Lukabu limited experience. The ditched Boston College for a running game was the biggest position in the NFL. So Aazaar issue on offense and defense.

Abdul-Rahim and Sean While there were some moves Duggan will work as Comade to address this defensive coordinators for defensively, the offense could this season. Last season this be one of the worst in the FBS defense struggled to stop the again. Hafley is between a run. Michigan defensive rock and a hard place in 2023. lineman George Rooks joined The stars need to align this this defensive front and could season for his squad to make be a huge difference-maker. a bowl game.

Defense

This team is 4-7 at home versus FBS opponents over the last two seasons, with one of those wins coming over a Umass team that is barely considered FBS at this point. If this team wants to be taken seriously again, they have to become a threat when they are playing at home.

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 NIU HC Sept. 9 Sept. 16 FSU Sept. 23 @ UL Sept. 30 Virginia OCt. 7 @ Army OCt. 21 @ Ga Tech OCt. 28 Uconn NOv. 3 @ Syracuse NOv. 11 Va Tech NOv. 16 @ Pitt NOv. 24 Miami

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ACC Predictions The ACC 2023 Projected Standings 12-1 (8-0)* 1. Clemson 11-2 (7-1)* 2. Florida State 8-4 (5-3) 3. NC State 9-3 (5-3) 4. Miami 8-4 (5-3) 5. Louisville 7-5 (4-4) 6. Wake Forest 8-4 (4-4) 7. Duke 6-6 (4-4) 8. North Carolina 7-5 (4-4) 9. Virginia Tech 5-7 (3-5) 10. Georgia Tech 5-7 (3-5) 11. Pittsburgh 5-7 (2-6) 12. Syracuse 3-9 (1-7) 13. Boston College 2-10 (1-7) 14. Virginia *Qualified for Conference championship game

Tigers Fight

once was, and no amount of returning talent for Florida The Clemson Tigers are my State will make up for that. pick to win the ACC. It took a People have been so caught lot of deliberation, and I up in the Seminoles hype, honestly had multiple drafts they've forgotten what of this where I picked Florida Clemson has already shown State to win. However to me they are capable of doing. it comes down to Garrett The Tigers will win the Riley and Cade Klubnik. Their conference this year, but offense can become what it Florida State is coming.

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ACC Championship vs

Winner: Clemson

The Transfer Portal

Quarterbacks Are king Welcome to free agency in quarterbacks benefit from college football. The perfect the NIL potential and ability storm of NIL laws, covid to dodge competition. Overall eligibility and transfer portal it has improved the quality of rules has created the wildest play at the quarterback offseason in college football position in the sport. Less history. Teams have a place talented passers are waiting where they can instantly fill in the wings and are instead any position of need, and at the helm of a new team. players have an option to test Overall I think it has their value, and ultimately go benefited the sport, but it wherever they want. can be difficult to keep track Unsurprisingly, the hottest of. So in case you're a little commodity of all has been behind this offseason, here is the quarterback. Coaches get a list of just about every drunk off the idea of finding a Quarterback move that star that can instantly flip the matters from this offseason. fate of their season, and Enjoy.

Every Important QB move this offseason

Sam Hartman -------------- Wake Forest to Notre Dame Devin Leary ----------------------- NC State to Kentucky Brennan Armstrong ---------------- Virginia to NC State DJ Uiagalelei ------------------ Clemson to Oregon State Tanner Mordecai -------------------- SMU to Wisconsin Spencer Sanders ------------ Oklahoma State to Ole Miss Sam Jackson V ----------------------- TCU to California Tayven Jackson ------------------ Tennessee to Indiana Hudson Card -------------------------- Texas to Purdue Phil Jurkovec -------------- Boston College to Pittsburgh Shedeur Sanders ------------- Jackson State to Colorado Walker Howard ------------------------ LSU to Ole Miss Kedon Slovis ------------------------ Pittsburgh to BYU Jeff Sims --------------------- Georgia Tech to Nebraska Cade McNamara ---------------------- Michigan to Iowa Graham Mertz -------------------- Wisconsin to Florida Emory Jones ---------------- Arizona State to Cincinnati Chance Nolan ---------------------- Oregon State to TCU

Collin Schlee ------------------------ Kent State to UCLA Tyler Buchner ------------------ Notre Dame to Alabama Ben Bryant ----------------- Cincinnati to Northwestern Drew Pyne ----------------- Notre Dame to Arizona State Donovan Smith ------------------ Texas Tech to Houston Luke Altmeyer ---------------------- Ole Miss to Illinois Jack Plummer ------------------ California to Louisville Hank Bachmeier ---------- Boise State to Louisiana Tech Haynes King ---------------- Texas A&M to Georgia Tech JT Daniels ------------------------ West Virginia to Rice Tony Muskett ------------------- Monmouth to Virginia Kyron Drones ------------------ Baylor to Virginia Tech Malik Hornsby ----------------- Arkansas to Texas State Mike Wright ------------ Vanderbilt to Mississippi State Casey Thompson ----------- Nebraska to Florida Atlantic Davis Brin ------------------- Tulsa to Georgia Southern Payton Thorne --------------- Michigan State to Auburn Sawyer Robertson ----------- Mississippi State to Baylor

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The Big-12

FRESH BLOOD 2022 Big-12 Standings

1. Kansas State 2. TCU 3. Texas 4. Texas Tech 5. Oklahoma State 6. Baylor 7. Oklahoma 8. Kansas 9. West Virginia 10. Iowa State

4 36

Key Number

The number of new teams joining the Big 12 this season. UCF, Cincinnati and Houston are the first group of five teams to leap to the power five since 2014.

Conference Picks MVP: Quinn Ewers

DPOY: Khalid Duke

OPOY: John Rhys Plumlee Newcomer: Peyton Bowen The Big 12 is in a great state of transition. The ugly divorce with Texas and Oklahoma has prompted quick action from conference commissioner Brett Yormark. Central Florida, Houston, Cincinnati, and BYU are starting their conference membership this season. Yet despite all their kicking and screaming, Oklahoma and Texas find themselves stuck for just one more year in the Big 12. The end result is a fourteen-team conference with a conglomeration of programs with drastically different histories and goals. Texas and Oklahoma will no doubt be near the top of the odds to win this conference due to their talent and recruiting, but every other team will be itching for a shot at a send-off loss. This may mark the last time in a while that Oklahoma State will have an opportunity to beat the Sooners or the last time Texas Tech can tear down the Longhorns. From the perspective of the newcomers, seeing the two biggest brands dip, and witnessing what a team like Utah has been up to out West, they'll be scraping to fill the power vacuum. There are still indications that the Big 12 could try to poach even more

Biggest Non-Conference Games Sept. 2 West Virginia @ Penn State Utah @ Baylor sept. 9 Sept. 9 Iowa @ Iowa State Sept. 9 Illinois @ Kansas Sept. 9 texas @ Alabama sept. 9 Oklahoma State @ Arizona State Oregon @ Texas Tech Sept. 9 Kansas state @ Missouri sept. 16

2 Big Questions Does the parody continue?

Five of the last six participants in the Big 12 title game weren't projected to finish top three in the conference.

Will it happen again?

Khalid Duke

Photo via Kansas State Athletics

teams. This creates a ticking clock for the twelve teams hanging around to establish a foothold in this conference.

TCU has made its bid, but who else will? Kansas State maybe? Baylor? Cincinnati?

Central Florida? The team that steps it up will have a clear path to the playoff going forward. Of all the storylines in the Big 12, this will be the most important one going forward.

Does the Big 12 play defense now?

Once with a reputation as the conference where defense is optional, the Big 12 has begun to flip its reputation. Recently, Texas, Kansas State, Iowa State, Baylor, and others have been turning their defense into a strength, and there's been less scoring each year. Will this trend slow scoring even more in 2023 or do things start to even out?

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Texas

Longhorns Huskies

Are they Back?

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It's the question you hear asked every single offseason without failure. It's what comes with being a program so prominently featured in college football. Any time you're in the midst of a drought, people wait idly by until there's a pulse, waiting to be the first to hop on the hype train. There have been a number of false starts over the last half-decade or so, and it has led to a very negative stigma surrounding Texas football. People love to use the word "overrated" when describing this team, but that just isn't fair in my opinion. Texas is often burdened with unnecessary slander when it isn't deserved and praised with over-the-top hype when it isn't earned. For a program that has been trying to find its footing since 2009, you can see how that starts to get old. Heading into this season, there is a considerable amount of hype being directed toward

2022 Season Review Record: 8-5 Conf. Finish: 3rd Rank: 25th

Texas again, and I fully understand why this annoys some people. But I ask you, what's not to like with the Longhorns this season? I acknowledge the irony of me being high on Texas after explaining they are often given unfair expectations. I believe this year will be the year, and it reminds me of a quote from one of my all-time favorite TV shows from Tobias Funke.

"Well, did it work for those people? No, it never does, I mean, these people somehow delude themselves into thinking it might... but it just might work for us."

2

Key Number

The number of quarterbacks Texas has that had a perfect recruiting ranking. Known by many, Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning give this quarterback room a bright future.

HEAD COACH: Steve Sarkisian OFF. COORDINATOR: Kyle Flood DEF. COORDINATOR: Jeff Choate

Offense

Quinn Ewers is back at quarterback, and Texas got him some serious weapons to throw to. AD Mitchell joins from Georgia, Isaiah Neyor is healthy after missing last season with an ACL injury.

That's not even counting Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington who return as well. Every single starter on Xavier Worthy the offensive line is back, and Photo via Hook'em Headlines the Longhorns run deep at running back. Replacing Bijan Steve Sarkisian has been Robinson will be impossible, increasing the Longhorn's win but Jonathan Brooks, Keilan total at a rate good enough to Robinson, and Jaydon Blue keep his job, but not enough will be just fine. to give him long-term security. Texas flashed some Texas had a championship- high potential last season, caliber defense in 2022, and taking Alabama to the wire, they just need to maintain it. beating the Big 12 champions Trill Carter, Jalen Catalon, on the road, and decimating and Gavin Homes are a trio of Oklahoma. Each of their five starting-caliber players from losses was by one score, and the transfer portal and are every sign points to them an excellent addition to the popping this year. The line team. The Longhorns expect running it back helps Ewers big things from Barryn Sorrell stay healthy and cook with his and Ethan Burke as edge new weapons. I've given my rushers, and they look to two cents on the defense and continue to support an elite I believe they have all the run defense. True freshman tools to be great again. Texas Anthony Hill Jr is a guy that is going to be back and I fully Texas believes could be the expect this team to win the man at linebacker, and he will Big 12 championship. be in the starting rotation Anything short of that would racking up tackles. be a disappointment.

Overview

Defense

9 14

Rank Rank

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 Rice Sept. 9 @ Bama Sept. 16 Wyoming Sept. 23 @ Baylor Sept. 30 Kansas OCt. 5 Oklahoma OCt. 21 @ Houston OCt. 28 BYU NOv. 4 KSU NOv. 11 @ TCU NOv. 18 @ Iowa St TTu NOv. 24

2 Big Questions Will bad blood be on display?

This will be the final season for Texas and Oklahoma in the Big 12, and we know the other teams aren't thrilled. The only question is, how much of that bad blood will rear its ugly head when the season is underway?

Does Maalik Murphy play second string?

Many have theorized that Murphy hanging around means that he will be the backup quarterback and not true freshman Arch Manning.

39

Kansas State

Wildcats Huskies

Like riding A bike

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The casual college football fan, probably just learned about Chris Klieman this season when Kansas State won the Big 12 championship. For someone paying a little more attention, they might know that he has been steadily improving the Wildcats since 2019. Then there are those that know where Klieman's deep roots lie. The Iowa native played college football at Northern Iowa and graduated in 1990. He immediately vaulted that into a coaching career as a graduate assistant and began working his way up the FCS ranks. In 2011 he was hired onto Craig Bohl's staff at North Dakota State, and by 2012, he was the defensive coordinator in the midst of one of college football's greatest dynasties.

In 2014, Bohl took the head coaching job at Wyoming, and Chris Klieman was given his first head coaching gig at a program coming off of their

2022 Season Review Record: 10-4 Conf. Finish: 1st Rank: 14th

third straight FCS title.

Expectations were relatively low, and many braced for a regression.

Surprisingly, Klieman shattered expectations, and with Carson Wentz at quarterback went 15-1 and claimed another FCS title. In his time at North Dakota State, Klieman won four titles in five seasons, coming up short only in 2016 when they lost in the semis.

That's when Kansas State gave Klieman the call.

After winning a Big 12 title, Klieman has shown that playing championship-level football is a little bit like riding a bike. Once you get it, you never forget.

10

Key Number

The number of national titles combined between Klieman and Kansas Jayhawks coach Lance Leipold. Leipold won six Division III titles at Wisconsin-Whitewater.

HEAD COACH: Chris Klieman OFF. COORDINATOR: Collin klein DEF. COORDINATOR: Joe Klanderman

Offense

Will Howard will have his first full season as the starter for the Wildcats, after a sporadic season where he ended up starting seven games. Despite the departure of Deuce Vaughn, DJ Giddens is a running back making coaches very excited about the future of this offense.

Kansas State returns 73% of Will Howard their offensive production, Photo by Joe Mathieu via Heartland CS and also added dynamic pass catcher Keagan Johnson from Punctuating last season Iowa. In the scariest with a Big 12 championship development for Big 12 was an excellent payoff for teams, the offensive line returns all five starters. This Kansas State, but this team is hungry for more. The entire rushing attack should be offensive line returning is filthy again. evidence to support that. This could be connected to their Kansas State returns just season-ending loss in the over half the production from Sugar Bowl, where they lost an elite defensive unit in to Alabama. Offensively, this 2022. Daniel Green returning team should at least replicate as linebacker will give some their production and quality leadership, and Khalid additionally added Treshaun Duke changed positions to Ward to help take some reps defensive end to try and at running back if Giddens offset the loss of some big isn't ready for a bigger role. names from this team. A point My main concern with this of emphasis for this coaching team is the defense, which staff has been assembling notably lost three players to quality depth, which they the draft. Even with some have done through the regression on defense, I fully transfer portal by adding expect this team to be in the Marques Sigle at cornerback Big 12 championship picture and Jevon Banks at the edge. in November.

Overview

Defense

13 14

Rank Rank

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 SEMO Sept. 9 Troy Sept. 16 @ Mizzou Sept. 23 UCF @ Ok St OCt. 6 @ TTU OCt. 14 OCt. 21 TCU OCt. 28 Houston NOv. 4 @ Texas NOv. 11 Baylor NOv. 18 @ Kansas NOv. 25 Iowa St

2 Big Questions Can the backs replace Martinez?

Though he lost the job to Will Howard, Adrian Martinez was a massive threat on the ground. With his absence, will the running backs be able to step it up and replace his production?

Does the Non-conf. bite again?

Despite their success in the Big 12, Kansas State was never a playoff threat due to their loss to Tulane.

With another rough pair of opponents, can the Wildcats avoid another setback early?

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Oklahoma

Sooners Huskies

Tuning out the Noise

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Oklahoma is in a very unique position compared to the other teams getting profiles.

Most of my top 25 for 2023 are teams that have been building things in the right direction, with direct results to point to. For the Sooners under Brent Venables, there just wasn't a lot that went right in year one. The defense was among the worst in the conference, Dillon Gabriel couldn't stay healthy, and though they lost four onescore games blowouts against TCU, Kansas State, and Texas are cause for grave concern. And yet, I am happy with the direction this program is headed in. I believe the collapse we witnessed last season was due to a number of reasons, but mainly from the fact that people just flat-out underestimated how much this roster lost. Venables was tasked in his first offseason with almost completely filling out his roster, and also building the team how he wanted. That is a lot to be

2022 Season Review Record: 6-7 Conf. Finish: 7th Rank: Unranked

asking from a guy stepping into his first head coaching job. Venables has maintained a level head, despite the losing season. He then calmly turned in the fourthranked recruiting class in the country. Don't let that distract you from the consensus top-ten transfer portal class that Venables also pulled out. When you begin to look at the caliber of a defender that he has been bringing to campus, is clear that they are primed to make serious leaps on that side of the ball, especially down the road. I have some very bad news for anyone hoping the Sooners would continue their nose dive into being irrelevant. Oklahoma football will be back very soon.

7

Key Number

The number of returning starters listed for Oklahoma. With the influx of talent from recruiting and the portal, expect some of those starters to lose their job.

HEAD COACH: Brent Venables OFF. COORDINATOR: Jeff Lebby DEF. COORDINATOR: Ted Roof

Offense

With Dillon Gabriel back, and Jackson Arnold secured, the future of the quarterback position is locked in. The exodus at wide receiver is concerning, but Jeff Lebby is one of the best offensive coordinators in the country and will find ways to use Jahlil Farooq and Drake Stoops to make the passing game effective. Jovantae Barnes looks to be the latest outstanding Sooner running back, and he will run behind an offensive line that returns three starters. In a bonus surprise, Austin Stogner returns to Norman, after a brief stint at South Carolina.

Defense

You almost can't look at returning production to project this defense. They were horrid, and Venables got six defensive players in the portal, and six more from recruiting of at least four-star caliber. Edge transfer Dasan McCullough is projected to start, and five-star true freshman Adepoju Adebawore could immediately be a star. The Sooners also have a pair of highly-rated safeties in Peyton Bowen and Makari Vickers, who could both start.

16 14

Rank Rank

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 Ark St Sept. 9 SMU Sept. 16 @ Tulsa Sept. 23 @ Cincy Sept. 30 Iowa St OCt. 5 Texas OCt. 21 UCF OCt. 28 @ Kansas NOv. 4 @ Ok St NOv. 11 WVU NOv. 18 @ BYU NOv. 24 TCU

Drake Stoops

Photo by Keegan Reneau via Sooners Wire

Overview

It has been a turbulent offseason for Oklahoma, but Brent Venables is determined to right the ship. There were some big names that transferred away and got drafted on offense, and Oklahoma turned in a strong performance replacing them.

All questions will fall to the defense, where Venables has taken their failures personally. The emphasis on defense this offseason was on full display with the talent they acquired. While completely turning this defense around may take a little more time, they will not be terrible again. Oklahoma is getting right back on track, and they should return to the Big 12 championship picture.

2 Big Questions Can Adebawore be an instant star?

Oklahoma is short of defensive players that can flip football games, and Adepoju Adebawore can be just that for them. But can he be that guy in his first season on campus?

Is offensive regression imminent?

Oklahoma boasted the top offense in the Big 12 in yards per game. Having their receiving core stripped, and breaking in a new running back, can Jeff Lebby have them operating at the same level?

43

Texas Tech

RedHuskies Raiders

Good isn't good enough

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Last December, college football lost one of the great minds in the history of the sport. Mike Leach was an innovator and had a personality so unique, you just had to see it to believe it.

Coach Leach was at Texas Tech from 2000 to 2009.

Before he was fired due to controversy, Leach transformed the Red Raiders into a feared program. Since then, this has never been a team to fear. Leach's replacement Tommy Tuberville struggled to keep the team competitive and was let go after just three seasons. Then came Kliff Kingsbury, who had an undeniably brilliant offensive mind, but could never field a competitive enough defense to consistently make bowl games. It took six years, but Kingsbury was also out. Then came Matt Wells. Wells was always an awkward fit in Lubbock. He was born in South Carolina, and had success at Utah State, but was clearly out of place in

2022 Season Review Record: 8-5 Conf. Finish: 4th Rank: Unranked

Texas. Despite a 5-3 start in 2021, Wells was fired mid-season. So naturally, there was a lot of pressure surrounding who would be hired in 2022. So, the Red Raiders tried a different approach. Joey Mcguire brought some things to the table that the other candidates didn't have. He was not only from Texas, but he had previous experience as a head coach at Cedar Hill High School. He was the coach there for 13 seasons and had developed strong Texas connections. After a strong 8-5 debut season, Mcguire has made a strong impression on the Red Raiders. Texas talent is flowing in, and early signs show they might have made the right decision.

4

Key Number

The number of coaches in a row that have been fired at Texas Tech. The last coach to go out on his own terms was Spike Dyke, who retired in 1999.

HEAD COACH: Joey Mcguire OFF. COORDINATOR: Zach Kittley DEF. COORDINATOR: Tim Deruyter

Offense

The Red Raiders return eight starters on offense, and most importantly will get back Tyler Shough, who was injured for the bulk of last season. Caleb Rogers and Monroe Mills return as excellent pass blockers and will help this great passing attack excel again. Transfer wideout Deandrae McCray is set to be an excellent addition from Austin Peay Jerand Bradley Photo by Steven Chapman via 247 Sports alongside Jerand Bradley and Myles Price. Tech struggled to run the football last season, Joey Mcguire is and that trend should reconstructing this program continue, as there has been to be a problem for years very little noise around the down the line. It has been running backs this offseason. known for years that it's

Overview

Defense

possible to have an elite This defense immediately offense in Lubbock, but took a huge step forward nobody has been able to under defensive coordinator figure out the defense. In Tim Deruyter. This program is Mcguire's first season, they finally taking this side of the maintained one of the top ball seriously, and its passing attacks in the evidenced by their activity in conference and made huge the transfer portal. They leaps. If Deruyter can get landed CJ Baskerville out of them to take another step San Diego State to bolster forward, the ceiling starts to their secondary, and edge get really high for this team. rusher Steve Linton out of Texas Tech will be a threat to Syracuse should start any contender they play this instantly. There is a new season, and I expect them to brand of defensive player use their favorable schedule around Lubbock that people to turn in an improved win are not used to. total for 2022.

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Rank Rank

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 @ Wyo Sept. 9 Oregon Sept. 16 Tarleton Sept. 23 @ WVU Sept. 30 Houston OCt. 7 @ Baylor OCt. 14 KSU OCt. 21 @ BYU NOv. 2 TCU NOv. 11 @ Kansas NOv. 18 UCF NOv. 24 @ Texas

2 Big Questions What's it take for an improved defense?

In the bulk of the Red Raider's losses last season, what failed was their run defense. If there is to be any point of emphasis this offseason, it should be on developing the middle of the defense and plugging those running gaps.

Is McCray as good as advertised?

Deandrae McCrae had nearly 2,000 yards and seventeen touchdowns at Austin Peay catching the football. Can he have similar production with Texas Tech?

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TCU Fear the HypnoToad

2022 Season Review Record: 13-2 Conf. Finish: 2nd Rank: 2nd

The 2022 TCU Horned Frogs a transitional period for their will go down as one of the program. TCU ranked outside single most baffling teams in of the top 40 in recruiting and college football history. TCU the portal. In week was coming off of a 5-7 one, playing season. Five of those losses Colorado in were in blowout fashion, and Boulder, starting they were a few plays away quarterback Chandler from a nine-loss season. The Morris went down with an Horned Frogs had just let go injury. This forced Max of legendary head coach Gary Duggan to take the reigns.

Patterson after his 21-year What happened next run as the man. He coached contradicted what every this team through four single historical and present different conferences and data point suggested. TCU won seven conference titles bulldozed their way through and multiple BCS bowls, and the Big 12, putting together an it would take this program undefeated season, and some time to recover from rolling to the playoffs. They parting ways with him. In his defeated Michigan to become place came Sonny Dykes. the first Big 12 team to win a Dykes had previously playoff game. So really, no coached at Louisiana Tech matter what the numbers say and Cal and was coming from about this team for 2023, SMU. In his twelve years of there's a chance they just coaching, he had a record of defy the odds again.

71-63 and his best season was at SMU in 2019 where he turned in a 10-3 record. With The number of ranked wins TCU had in 2022. Typically when a team has this hire, it appeared TCU was such an unexpectedly good record, resigning itself to a lower its as a result of a soft schedule, but ceiling while bringing Dykes TCU's was anything but. back home to Texas for

6

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Horned Huskies Frogs

Key Number

HEAD COACH: Sonny Dykes OFF. COORDINATOR: Kendal Briles DEF. COORDINATOR: Joe Gillespie

Offense

Only three teams in the country have less returning production on offense than TCU. On the bright side, the Horned Frogs went to work in the transfer portal. Chandler Morris should finally get his shot as the starting quarterback unless Chance Nolan surprises some people.

Tommy Brockermeyer is a former five-star transfer who will instantly be a leader of an Paul Oyewale Photo via USA Today overhauled offensive line.

Wide receiver is another position they loaded up on, After a transcendent with JoJo Earle, Dylan Wright, season, it will be time for and Jack Bech. They will all Sonny Dykes to show if it was need to be contributors on lightning in a bottle. The offense. defense is set up to be

Overview

Defense

opportunistic and stingy as they were last season and The defense is on much more stable ground as far as acquired enough stars to counter the talent lost. returners go, TCU will bring back eight starters from last There's a chance Chandler Morris is really great at year. All-Big 12 defensive quarterback, after all, he did back Josh Newton will be beat out Duggan last season. back, and lead a promising secondary. Avery Helm will fill The real concern here is the lack of continuity on offense, the hole left behind by Dee where a lot of outside guys Winters and join Johnny Hodges in a stacked middle of will have to gel in the locker room. The Horned Frogs will the defense. Paul Oyewale and Caleb Fox bring in loads have doubters again. TCU will be an interesting watch this of experience for a deep year, and I think they'll have a defensive line. The TCU solid encore season, and defense should maintain its finish well above .500. level of play from 2022.

22 14 Rank Rank

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 Colorado Sept. 9 NSU Sept. 16 @ Hou Sept. 23 SMU Sept. 30 WVU OCt. 7 @ Iowa St OCt. 14 BYU OCt. 21 @ KSU NOv. 2 @ TTU NOv. 11 Texas NOv. 18 Baylor NOv. 24 @ OU

2 Big Questions Is Morris better than Duggan?

Chandler Morris would have been the starter last season if it weren't for injury. Some speculate that he could be just as good, if not better than Duggan. We will learn this season.

Can the Frogs survive October?

Three road games in four weeks, games in Iowa, Kansas, and Texas, and a matchup versus the defending Big 12 champs.

That is what awaits TCU in October and early November.

47

Kansas

HEAD COACH: Lance Leipold OC: Andy Kotelnicki DC: Brian Borland

Jayhawks

Offense

Kansas needs Jalon Daniels to be healthy for this offense to succeed. The Jayhawks were 5-3 when Daniels was healthy, and even in those three losses they averaged over 50 points per game.

Keeping him healthy should be a lot easier with the addition of three startingcaliber linemen through the portal, including Logan Brown, a former five-star tackle. Kansas returns 91% of their offensive production from last season, including ten starters. Lawrence Arnold, Quentin Skinner, and Luke Grimm all return as pass catchers, and this offense will be filthy.

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Rank

2022 Season Review Record: 6-7 Conf. Finish: 8th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Can Kansas handle their non-conference?

Jalon Daniels

Photo by Jay Biggerstaff via Getty Images

Overview

The rebuild in Lawrence is going much quicker than anticipated. Lance Leipold produced an electric offense well before he was supposed to, and the defense, while not always great, managed to play well enough when it counted Kansas has the same luxury of continuity on both sides of to break through to a bowl. the football. Only Florida The gaudy returning State returns more of its production numbers are more production. The key than just eye candy, and it difference here is Kansas had feels like cheating having this a bad defense last year, so many starters from last they will rely on new players season return. Factor in how to come help. Patrick Joyner fast Kansas got ahead of and Austin Booker are a pair schedule, paired with the of top transfer portal guys fantastic transfer portal that will be rushing the passer performance, and you've got for Kansas, an area where a Kansas team ready to take they struggled. While LSU the next step. The Jayhawks transfer Damarious Mcghee will go bowling again and will lead the secondary. might push eight or nine wins.

Defense

26

Kansas faces a sneaky tough non-conference slate. It features a matchup versus an FCS team that had Arkansas on the ropes last season, a breakout Illinois team, and a road trip to play Nevada. Kansas can't afford to mess around in these games, as there are no easy wins once Big 12 play hits.

2023 Schedule AUG. 31 MOST ILLINOIS Sept. 9 Sept. 16 @ NEVADA Sept. 23 BYU Sept. 30 @ TEXAS OCt. 7 UCF OCt. 14 @ OK ST OCt. 28 OKLAHOMA NOv. 4 @ IOWA ST NOv. 11 TTU KSU NOv. 18 @ Cincy NOv. 25

Baylor

HEAD COACH: Dave Aranda OC: Jeff Grimes DC: Matt Powledge

Bears

Offense

Baylor's offensive line was stripped pretty severely this offseason, with Gavin Byers being the only guy with any significant experience left.

The Bears were forced to go after linemen in the portal and acquired a pair of tackles that will help. Baylor has an ongoing quarterback battle for the third straight season, this time featuring Blake Shapen and Sawyer Robertson. Whoever wins the job will be rewarded with some new weapons such as Dominic Richardson, Ketron Jackson, and Jake Roberts from the portal as well. This offense will have some solid returners, including Hal Presley and Monaray Baldwin at receiver.

Rank

2022 Season Review Record: 6-7 Conf. Finish: 6th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Was benching Bohanon a mistake?

Monaray Baldwin

Overview

Photo by Jerome Miron via USA Today

2022 was a confusing year for Baylor. Despite no noticeable slippage statistically and a similar roster to their conference championship season, they saw significant regression on the field. This included three one-score losses and another Much like the offensive line, two games they were in this defensive front will lack control of, and let get away experience. Edge rusher from them. Baylor has clearly Byron Vaughns from Utah been trying to get back to the State could become a veteran way things were in 2021, leader. The big changes have pressing receivers at the line, come in the secondary, where limiting turnovers, and new defensive coordinator shortening games. Aranda will Matt Powledge has vowed to start whichever quarterback use his cornerbacks to press proves he can take care of the receivers at the line of football, and if they can, scrimmage. This is something Baylor will see their record Baylor did in 2021 but went improve by multiple games in away from last season.

2023.

Defense

41

Aranda surprised many when he made the decision to bench Gerry Bohanon for Blake Shapen in late 2021. Bohanon eventually would transfer, and after some regression from Shapen in 2022, was it the right move? Bohanon did things for this offense with his legs that Shapen just isn't capable of doing.

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 Texas St Sept. 9 Utah Sept. 16 LIU Sept. 23 Texas Sept. 30 @ UCF OCt. 7 Texas Tech OCt. 21 @ Cincy OCt. 28 Iowa St NOv. 4 Houston NOv. 11 @ KSU @ TCU NOv. 18 NOv. 25 WVU

49

Iowa State 46

HEAD COACH: Matt Campbell OC: Nate Scheelhaase DC: Jon Heacock

Cyclones

Offense

Nate Scheelhaase steps in as offensive coordinator after Iowa State had the worst offense in the Big 12 last year.

Hunter Dekkers will be the signal caller once again, and all things considered, wasn't that bad. The offensive line was dreadful at protecting their quarterback and couldn't run block either.

They'll return three starters on that front, but they must develop well to have success.

Jaylin Noel will be asked to fill the shoes of Xavier Hutchinson, and he had some flashes last year that suggest he could do just that. Running back Arlen Harris Jr is one of just three transfers added to the depth chart, and he will battle with Jirehl Brock to be the starting back.

Defense

Bizarrely, Iowa State commanded the best defense in the Big 12 as far as yards per game. They return three prominent members of an elite passing defense, headlined by TJ Tampa, who was all-conference last year.

They will be a sack threat up front as well, with Gerry Vaughn returning, and Zachary Lovett transferring in from Missouri.

50

Rank

2022 Season Review Record: 4-8 Conf. Finish: 10th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Is Hunter Dekkers actually good?

Hunter Dekkers Photo Via KL6 Photo

Overview

Iowa State had a perplexing season in 2022. A stifling defense that confused quarterbacks, and an offense so horrible that it rivaled Colorado and Iowa for the worst offense in the power five. The good news is that six of their eight losses came by only one score, which is typically an indicator of a team that is one or two fixes away from turning things around. Campbell has proven he can develop talent in this system well, and I expect some adjustments in the way their offensive game plan is executed. Iowa State should be right in the middle of the pack in the Big 12 and an excellent sleeper candidate in the conference.

Despite less-thansatisfactory numbers from Dekkers this last season, he is an analytics darling. He was fourth in the conference in yardage lost to drops, and reports from Spring have been saying he looks good behind an improved offensive line. Be careful doubting this man in 2023.

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 UNI Iowa Sept. 9 Sept. 16 @ Ohio Sept. 23 Ok State Sept. 30 @ OU OCt. 7 TCU OCt. 14 @ Cincy OCt. 28 @ BAYLOR NOv. 4 KANSAS NOv. 11 @ BYU NOv. 18 TEXAS @ KSU NOv. 25

Cinicnnati 52

HEAD COACH: Scott Satterfield OC: Brad Glenn DC: Bryan Brown

Bearcats

Offense

This offense will look nothing like Fickell's offense in 2022. Eleven players on this side of the football left in the transfer portal, and eight join the team via the portal this Fall. Emory Jones rolled in from Tempe and took the starting quarterback job from Ben Bryant, and will have a hefty core of receivers to throw to. Most notable of the group is Dee Wiggins, who followed Satterfield from Louisville. With all the turnover, you can see Satterfield starting to build the offense he wants. A mobile quarterback, solid possession receivers, and an offense capable of going fast.

Defense

While the defense has also been overhauled, seniors Jowon Briggs and Malik Vann stuck around to lead this defensive front. Defensive coordinator Bryan Brown commanded a defense at Louisville that lead the nation in sacks last year, so combining his coaching with the veteran leadership here will be freaky. Some potential breakout players to replicate that success will be Dorian Jones and Daniel Grzesiak at linebacker.

Rank

2022 Season Review Record: 9-4 Conf. Finish: N/A Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Is the Big 12 playing favorites?

Malik Vann

Photo by Charles Post via Fansided

Overview

Scott Satterfield was not well liked during his time in Louisville, and when the job opened up at Cincinnati, he jumped at the idea of coaching this program as it transitions to the Big 12.

Satterfield coached some dynamic players, and Bryan Brown grew into an outstanding defensive mind.

This coaching staff coming to the Bearcats on their own terms is one of the reasons I'm higher on this team than most. Satterfield's system will rub off well on Emory Jones, and I think he'll have a career year. Cincinnati also has one of the softest conference schedules in the Big 12 and has all the ingredients to be sneaky good.

When the conference schedules were announced, many noticed that some of the newcomers, especially Cincinnati got some pretty manageable draws. While Texas and Oklahoma got the short end of the stick.

Could the conference be spurning those two on their way out?

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 EKU @ Pitt Sept. 9 Sept. 16 MU (OH) Sept. 23 OU Sept. 29 @ BYU OCt. 14 Iowa St OCt. 21 Baylor OCt. 28 @ Ok State NOv. 4 UCF NOv. 11 @ Houston NOv. 18 @ WVU Kansas NOv. 25

51

Oklahoma State 59

HEAD COACH: Mike Gundy OC: Kasey Dunn DC: Joe Bob Clements

Cowboys

Offense

There are far more questions than answers for the Cowboys offense. Alan Bowman is projected to be the starter, but has minimal experience, and no real buzz from Spring. They also grabbed a trio of receivers out of the portal out of necessity, as five went out the door at the same position.

Among them, Arland Bruce IV is the most intriguing, as he showed potential in two years with Iowa. In all honesty, there's not a lot to be excited about on this side of the football, especially with Kasey Dunn still at offensive coordinator.

Defense

This defense made headlines this offseason as well, for all the wrong reasons. Multiple leaders hit the portal, and the cowboys were forced to find new guys to transfer in. Lardarius Webb Jr. is one of the only productive guys returning for the secondary, and multiple projected starters won't join the team until the Fall. The defensive line will be almost entirely new faces as well.

Factor in a scheme change to the defense, and there are very few certainties here.

52

Rank

2022 Season Review Record: 7-6 Conf. Finish: 5th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Can Alan Bowman channel his potential?

Alan Bowman

Photo by Nathan J FIsh via the Oklahoman

Overview

Mike Gundy has had a clear formula at Oklahoma State since he took over in 2005.

Develop talent well within the system and establish a clear identity to take down the bigger brands and more talented teams in their conference. Typically, things don't blow you away on paper with this team, and yet they perform well during the season. This year feels a little different. Critical players at multiple positions are gone, and Oklahoma State was forced to go into the portal just to field a team. Oklahoma State has more uncertainty than even the newcomers to the Big 12. I think they will miss a bowl game for just the second time under Gundy.

There was a time when Alan Bowman was a solid starter at Texas Tech, and on the Davey O'Brien award watch list. After one season as the guy, he slowly faded until he was the third-stringer at Michigan for the past two seasons. After a long career, he finally has another opportunity.

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 C. Ark @ ASU Sept. 9 Sept. 16 USA Sept. 23@ Iowa St Oct. 6 KSU OCt. 14 Kansas OCt. 21 @ WVU Cincy OCt. 28 NOv. 4 Oklahoma NOv. 11 @ UCF NOv. 18 @ Houston BYU NOv. 25

West Virginia 60 HEAD COACH: Neal Brown OC: Chad Scott DC: Jordan Lesley

Mountaineers

Offense

Despite finishing ninth out of ten teams in points per game, this Mountaineers offense was still effective last season. They return five starters on this side of the football, including Garrett Greene, who started the last three games at quarterback for the Mountaineers in 2022.

Word around campus, however, has been that redshirt freshman Nicco Marchiol could push for the starting job. Their top four receivers from last year are gone, but the offensive line will have some continuity highlighted by all-conference center Zach Frazier.

2022 Season Review Record: 5-7 Conf. Finish: 9th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Why start Nicco Marchiol?

Zach Frazier

Photo by Jamie Green via Gold and Blue Nation

Overview

Neal Brown is still here despite many indications he would be gone. New Athletic Director Wren Baker decided to hold onto him, and he's only guaranteed one more This defense was right in the year. The offensive line depth middle of the pack last year is very promising, and the fact and boasts similar returning that Marchiol could get a shot production numbers to the this season shows Brown can offense. Tomiwa Durojaiye feel the pressure. and Fatorma Mulbah not only Defensively, things could have really fun names to say certainly be worse, but it but will help this run defense would've been nice if fewer stay effective after players went into the portal. I transferring in. The real lapses believe Brown is capable of for this team came in the leading a team at this level, secondary. Marcis Floyd, but things just never Malachi Ruffin, and Aubrey materialized in Morgantown.

Burks are back at safety, but West Virginia should be a cornerback is up in the air. tough out, but it's difficult to Montre Miller from Kent State see them surpassing their win should be some help. total from 2022.

Defense

Rank

Garrett Greene was a guy who played well late last season, so why would the Mountaineers want to put Marchiol into the starting role? Well, as mentioned before, Neal Brown is firmly on the hot seat, so why not break in the young quarterback? If he gets canned, he might regret not giving him a shot.

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 @ PSU Duq Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Pitt Sept. 23 TTU Sept. 30 @ TCU OCt. 12 @ Hou OCT. 21 Ok St OCt. 28 @ UCF NOv. 4 BYU NOv. 11 @ OU NOv. 18 Cincy NOv. 25 @ Baylor

53

UCF

HEAD COACH: Gus Malzahn OC: Darin Hinshaw DC: Addison WIlliams

Golden Knights Rank

Offense

John Rhys Plumlee is back as one of the most athletic quarterbacks in the country, and UCF needs him to continue to rise. Four offensive linemen join the team to help assist that rise and protect their star. RJ Harvey and Demarkcus Bowman will be sharing reps at running back for a team that will try to establish the run. Kobe Hudson and Javon Baker will be spread out at receiver, and there's enough talent on this side of the ball to survive in the Big 12.

2022 Season Review Record: 9-5 Conf. Finish: N/A Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question

Does Plumlee jump to stardom?

John Rhys Plumlee Photo via UCF athletics

Overview

Getting called up to the Big 12 is a massive promotion for a program that has earned it As is the case for Houston, with its recent success. Gus the defense will be a major Malzahn is clearly invested in question mark for UCF. They this team and has a solid performed well in the talent roster heading into this American last season, and season. Malzahn's fast-paced, return 69% of their run-heavy offense should production defensively. The continue to be effective in the concerns for this team are Big 12, especially with going to be in the trenches, Plumlee's continued where the discrepancies in development. They will have talent are typically exposed. to win games on that side of Ricky Barber and Lee Hunter the ball and play will be tasked with being the opportunistic defense. The tip of the spear up front. schedule is not too daunting, Walter Yates III is an and a bowl game is a realistic especially talented linebacker goal for their first power five that many expect to start for seasons. There are a lot of the Golden Knights after positives with this team, and transferring in. This defense it creates a path for this team has some promise. to reach a bowl game.

Defense

54

61

When Plumlee isn't leading the offense, he is starting in the outfield for the Golden Knights baseball team. Him being a two sport athlete, coupled with his electric style of play, and the bright lights of the Big 12 mean we could see him become a household name.

2023 Schedule Aug. 31 Kent St @ Boise Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Nova Sept. 23 @ KSU Sept. 30 Baylor OCt. 7 @ Kansas OCt. 21 @ OU OCt. 28 WVU NOv. 4 @ Cincy NOv. 11 Ok State NOv. 18 @ TTU NOv. 25 Houston

BYU

HEAD COACH: Kalani Sitake OC: Aaron Roderick DC: Jay Hill

Cougars

Offense

Kedon Slovis will be the quarterback for this offense, and although his career has been up and down, the senior has a promising upside. As with any Kalani Sitakecoached team, the offensive line will be big and mean, and all reports indicate this coaching staff thinks they'll be even better than last year.

Chase Roberts and Keanu Hill return as productive receivers for what should be a potent passing game. Despite losing some productive rushers from a season ago, Aidan Robbins transfers in from UNLV, where he was a 1,000-yard rusher last year.

Defense

Boise State transfers Isaiah Bagnah and Jackson Cravens have paid immediate dividends to improving this defensive line, which has been stealing the show in spring. However, the more pressing issue on defense will be the secondary, which allowed nearly 250 yards through the air per game. All eyes have been on Weber State transfer Eddie Heckard, who many around the program could be a transformative talent on defense.

67

Rank

2022 Season Review Record: 8-5 Conf. Finish: N/A Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Can this secondary stifle Big 12 offenses?

Keanu Hill

Photo by Spenser Heaps via Deseret News

Overview

Of the four teams moving into the Big 12 this season, BYU probably has the clearest identity. It has long been speculated how the Cougars would perform if they ever joined the Pac-12 or joined a conference in general. I would argue that of the four newcomers, BYU's roster is best equipped to compete.

With that being said, BYU scheduled six non-power five opponents in 2022, and they will only get two such games this season. I think Slovis has a high ceiling as a passer, especially in Roderick's system with the weapons at his disposal. BYU will be competitive in a deep Big 12, but I struggle to project them to go bowling.

The Big 12 will have some lethal passing attacks, and BYU has a shaky pass defense at best. They can point to a great game versus Baylor last season, but can they replicate that week in and week out?

They need to figure it out quickly, as they play ten straight power five teams to end the year.

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 SHSU SUU Sept. 9 Sept. 16 @ Ark Sept. 23 @ kansas Sept. 29 Cincy OCt. 14 @ TCU OCt. 21 TTU OCt. 28 @ Texas NOv. 4 @ WVU NOv. 11 Iowa St NOv. 18 Oklahoma @ Ok St NOv. 25

55

Houston

HEAD COACH: Dana Holgorson OC: N/A DC: Doug Belk

Cougars

Offense

All questions for the offense are centered around replacing the production of Nathaniel Dell and Clayton Tune. Donovan Smith transferred in from Texas Tech, and his starting experience makes him the favorite to start at quarterback over Lucas Coley. Joshua Cobbs and Stephon Johnson are a pair of receivers from the portal that will vie for the title of wide receiver. There was a ton of churn on the offensive line this offseason, but it is safe to say the talent lost was replaced with roughly the same caliber of player.

56

Rank

2022 Season Review Record: 8-5 Conf. Finish: N/A Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question How do you attract defensive talent?

Dana Holgorson

Overview

Photo by Sam Kahn Jr. Via the Athletic

Houston is going to have some room to grow in the Big 12. It will be good for this program in the long run but be prepared for some serious growing pains while the Things have been rough program adjusts. Offensively recently for Houston they should adjust well, and I defensively. The Cougars still believe Holgerson is one were near dead last in yards of the brightest offensive allowed in the American last minds in college football. season, and this could be However, it is sickening to see what clearly sets them apart what happened to this (in a bad way). Eleven players defense. They were already were added defensively near the bottom of the through the portal, and six American, return barely any were lost. They return only production, and downgraded 43% of their 2022 production. at most positions this Gross. Brian George could offseason. This will be one of become a leader for this team the worst defenses in the at corner. Outside of that, country this season, and the avert your eyes when this Cougars will be lucky to win defense is on the field. two conference games.

Defense

74

Houston upgrading to the Big 12 is great, but as this season will demonstrate, the talent gap is still bad.

How can Holgerson convince defensive players to play for him, especially with a track record of neglecting that side of the football? The pressure is on Doug Belk to make some magic.

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 UTSA @ RICE Sept. 9 Sept. 16 TCU Sept. 23 SHSU Sept. 30 @ TTU OCt. 12 WVU OCt. 21 TEXAS @ KSU OCt. 28 NOv. 4 @ Baylor NOv. 11 Cincy NOv. 18 Ok STate @ UCF NOv. 25

Big 12 Predictions 2023 Projected Standings 11-2 (8-1)* 1. Texas 10-3 (7-2)* 2. Kansas State 9-3 (6-3) 3. Oklahoma 9-3 (6-3) 4. Texas Tech 8-4 (5-4) 5. TCU 8-4 (5-4) 6. Baylor 8-4 (5-4) 7. Kansas 7-5 (5-4) 8. Cincinnati 7-5 (4-5) 9. Iowa State 10. oklahoma State 6-6 (4-5) 5-7 (3-6) 11. BYU 5-7 (2-7) 12. UCF 5-7 (2-7) 13. Houston 3-9 (1-8) 14. West Virginia *Qualified for Conference championship game

Hook' em

physical style of play to back-to-back Big 12 title The long wait for another Big games. This should silence 12 title will end for Texas. I all doubts about Sarkisian's predict the Longhorns to win ability to lead the the conference title in their Longhorns and will be a big final season in the Big 12. momentum builder for the Playing them in the title SEC. If Texas didn't play game will be Kansas State.

Alabama this season, they The Wildcats will ride their would be booking their trip offensive line, and signature to the playoffs.

Big 12 Championship vs

Winner: Texas

57

TheBig BigTen Ten The 2022 ACC Standings

East

1. Michigan 2. Ohio State 3. Penn State 4. Maryland 5. Michigan State 6. Indiana 7. Rutgers

West

1. Purdue 2. Illinois 3. Iowa 4. Minnesota 5. Wisconsin 6. Nebraska 7. Northwestern

0 58

IT'S ABOUT TO GET WEIRD

Key Number The number of times that a team from the Big Ten West has won the Big Ten Championship game in the playoff era.

Conference Picks MVP: Marvin Harrison Jr. DPOY: Xavier Nwankpa OPOY: Tanner Mordecai 2023 represents the calm before the storm in the Big Ten. Teams in positions of power like Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan brace for the addition of USC and UCLA in 2024. An already difficult conference to navigate will only get murkier next season.

As for the teams in the West division, this is it. Next season there will be no divisions, and none of them should feel comfortable with needing to finish top two in this conference to win it. The current structure has made it possible to lose three, and sometimes even four conference games and still play for a conference title.

Aside from the competitive pressure being applied this season, there appears to be some long-term pressure as well. Nebraska and Wisconsin both made big splashes with new head coaching hires this offseason, and many believe it is linked to the massive media rights deals being tossed around the Big Ten. It's unclear if it is a result of those teams having extra funds and using them, or if the moves have been made as a result of pressure from the conference to please the TV networks. It is going to be really weird when

Newcomer: Jeff Sims

Biggest Non-Conference Games Sept. 2 Penn State vs West Virginia sept. 9 Illinois @ Kansas Sept. 9 Wisconsin @ Washington State Sept. 9 Nebraska @ Colorado Sept. 9 Iowa @ Iowa State Minnesota @ North Carolina sept. 16 Sept. 16 Michigan State vs Washington sept. 23 Ohio State @ Notre Dame

2 Big Questions Who is the last West champion?

Treveyon Henderson Photo by Ben Jackson via Getty Images

we see UCLA playing conference games in the Big Ten in 2024, and I don't think anyone is ready for that. So for now, enjoy the last season of true Big Ten football, and classic Midwest rivalries. The Game has reached a fever pitch, the Border Battle has been non stop entertainment, and Michigan State is on its long quest to lose the 'little brother' tag. Just enjoy it, things are about to get weird.

Wisconsin won the West division for half of its twelve year existence.

Iowa and Northwestern claimed a few division titles, and Purdue just got their first. In its last season of existence, who will be crowned the final Big Ten West champs?

Trouble for the oldtimers?

Good isn't good enough in the Big Ten as the conference expands and becomes more lucrative.

With some recent criticism, do long-time head coaches Pat Fitzgerald and Kirk Ferentz start feeling more heat this season?

59

Michigan

Wolverines Huskies

Buckeye Killers

60

When Jim Harbaugh took over Michigan football, he instantly dragged the program from complete irrelevance back into the national picture. The Wolverines had four top-25 finishes in his first five seasons. However, the pressure was mounting as Michigan appeared to be approaching a ceiling. The team had great regular season success and did a phenomenal job of cleaning up against teams when there was a clear talent gap. But the issue came in their biggest game of the year versus Ohio State. Harbaugh had gone winless against the Buckeyes through his first five seasons.

It's undeniable that Michigan had returned to national prominence, but as the losses in The Game piled up, so did questions about Harbaugh's future. In 2021, Michigan was treading a familiar path and headed into their game versus the Buckeyes which was effectively a play-in for the four-team playoffs. This scenario was all too familiar to

2022 Season Review Record: 13-1 Conf. Finish: 1st Rank: 3rd

Michigan, who lost in the same circumstances in 2018.

What followed was an all-time classic. Michigan pummeled Ohio State on the ground, and their elite defense made CJ Stroud look human for the first time all season. Michigan used the win to catapult themselves into a Big Ten title. In 2022, the energy around The Game had completely shifted, but Michigan still had to travel into Columbus this time.

Michigan rolled. This time JJ McCarthy dotted the Buckeyes up and down the field. It took some time, but Harbaugh figured out how to beat the Buckeyes. If you're looking for evidence of how much weight The Game has, look no further than the ripple effect it has had these last two seasons.

1,017

Key Number

The number of yards Michigan has had versus the Buckeyes in the last two seasons. Including 530 in 2022 after Ohio State hired Jim Knowles to figure out how to stop them.

HEAD COACH: Jim Harbaugh OFF. COORDINATOR: Sherrone Moore DEF. COORDINATOR: Jesse Minter

Offense

JJ McCarthy and Blake Corum headline an offense that returns 84% of their production from a season ago. Right Guard Zack Zinter returns for his senior as a leader. Michigan was more active in the transfer portal than most teams of their caliber. Drake Nugent and Myles Hinton come from Stanford to bolster the best offensive line in the country JJ McCarthy Photo by Daryl Marshke via Michigan Athletics even further. Some more portal moves included adding backup quarterback Jack The recent success over Tuttle and tight-end AJ Ohio State has this team Barner. buzzing, and with The Game in

Overview

Defense

Ann Arbor this season, many Michigan also returns a high expect them to win again. The number of productive pieces new hurdle for this team is from last season's defense. the playoffs. There's no doubt Kris Jenkins, Will Johnson, there's enough talent on both and Rod Moore return at sides of the ball to get there defensive tackle, cornerback, again, but to win? That is the and safety respectively. The question. Michigan looked aforementioned transfer shell-shocked versus TCU in portal was productive on this last year's finale and got side of the football as well, rocked the year prior to netting Josaiah Stewart and Georgia. Barring something Ernest Hausmann for the very unlikely, the success and front seven. Despite losing failure of their season will be three defensive players to the determined in late November NFL draft, defensive and December. Harbaugh has coordinator Jesse Minter has perfected the formula in Ann proven he is more than Arbor, and there's no reason capable of rolling out an elite not to project this team to go defense anyways. to the playoffs.

3 14

Rank Rank

2023 Schedule Aug. 31 ECU Sept. 9 UNLV Sept. 16 BGSU Sept. 23 Rutgers Sept. 30 @ Neb OCt. 7 @ Minn OCt. 14 indiana OCt. 21 @ MSU NOv. 4 Purdue NOv. 11 @ PSU NOv. 18 @ MD NOv. 25 OSU

2 Big Questions Is roster talent the answer?

Watching the Wolverines crumble in the playoffs has had people speculating about what it would take for them to get over the hump. Could it be that Michigan doesn't routinely spit out the same gaudy recruiting numbers as some of the top teams?

Can they have two 1,000 yard backs?

Donovan Edwards and Blake Corum were only nine yards off last season.

Can the same duo accomplish the rare feat in 2023?

61

Ohio State

Buckeyes Huskies

Circled in Red

62

Ohio State is not happy. The coaches are upset, the players are upset, the fans are upset. Ohio State doesn't have a win over Michigan since November of 2019.

There are two sides to every story, and with the jubilance and credit being flung around in Ann Arbor, comes the difficult questions being asked in Columbus. Ohio State brought in Jim Knowles from Oklahoma State to whip their defense into shape for 2022. Being at home, with great weather and an improved defense meant they couldn't lose to Michigan. It may seem like retreading the same ground when talking about this game again, but that's how big of an impact it had on both teams. Ryan Day, who has the best winning percentage of any active coach is getting hot-seat rumors. Most of them aren't to be taken very seriously, but there is a considerable amount of competitive pressure on

2022 Season Review Record: 11-2 Conf. Finish: 3rd Rank: 4th

Day. In the offseason leading up to this last season, he talked about the three goals that Ohio State has for each season. Win the conference, beat Michigan, and win the national title. They have come up empty in the last two seasons. If both these teams are undefeated, or at least in the playoff hunt when they meet this season, I do not know if people are prepared for the amount of hype this game will have surrounding it.

This rivalry on display on the national the stage has been an example of college football at its peak. Trust that this team has had the Michigan game circled in red on the calendar.

3

Key Number

The number of road games Ohio State has during a four-week stretch from Mid-October to Early November. They must be careful not to trip up.

HEAD COACH: Ryan Day OFF. COORDINATOR: Brian Hartline DEF. COORDINATOR: Jim Knowles

Offense

The good news is that Ohio State has the best wide receiver prospect since Randy Moss in Marvin Harrison Jr. The bad news is that the Buckeyes don't know who their quarterback is.

Kyle McCord and Devin Brown have been battling, but there isn't a clear favorite through spring.

There are also concerns that not enough guys are stepping up to fill some holes in the offensive line. Running back Treveyon Henderson is good enough to disguise some problems, and there are elite playmakers here, but definitely a few red flags.

Defense

Despite this defense being the fatal flaw for two straight years, I am encouraged by the progress they've shown.

Few will pay much attention to the fact that Jim Knowles was in his first year overhauling the defense. JT Tuimoloau, Denzel Burke, Tommy Eichenberg, and Lathan Ransom are all players that can flip games.

Factor in J'had Carter and Davison Igbinosun coming to help the secondary, and I think this could be the best buckeye defense in a while.

5 14

Rank Rank

2023 Schedule

JT Tuimoloau

Photo by Adam Cairns via Columbus Dispatch

Overview

I believe that the Ohio State defense this season will be good enough to win a title. I don't believe that's been the case in the past. JT Tuimoloau gave just a taste last season versus Penn State of how dominant this defense is capable of being. The offense has elite weapons, and the usual stacked receiving core, but there are far too many questions to believe they'll be as effective as last season.

The odds of them figuring out their offensive line and quarterback situation are high, but not a guarantee. On paper, this team should be a playoff lock, as has been true for the last few years. Ryan Day will have this team right back in contention, but I remain concerned about a few key positions.

Sept. 2 @ Indiana Sept. 9 YSU Sept. 16 WKU Sept. 23 @ ND OCt. 7 Maryland OCt. 14 @ Purdue OCt. 21 PSU OCt. 28 @ Wisc NOv. 4 @ Rutgers NOv. 11 MSU NOv. 18 Minn NOv. 25 @ Mich

2 Big Questions Will this team overlook the Irish?

With all the talk surrounding Michigan this offseason, it could be easy to forget the September road trip this team must take to South Bend. Will Ohio State be prepared for Sam Hartman and an improved Notre Dame?

Devin Brown or Kyle McCord?

McCord has the slight edge at quarterback right now, with Brown nursing a finger injury. But the word around Columbus has been it's still an open battle.

63

Penn State

Nittany Huskies Lions

SUccess in Silence

64

James Franklin has been on one of the quietest dominant stretches that we've seen from a head coach. It started in 2011, when Franklin took over a Vanderbilt team that had previously only made one bowl game since 1982.

Under Franklin, they made a bowl in his first season. The two following seasons were even more impressive, as the Commodores won nine games in back-to-back seasons and finished in the top 25 both years. Vanderbilt has failed to have a winning record or even sniff the top 25 since. As many know, Franklin left Vanderbilt to take over Penn State. He took over a program ravaged by sanctions and riddled with controversy. In his first two seasons in Happy Valley, the wins weren't coming, but there was a sense that the tide was shifting. His third season, in 2016 was the breakout year. Penn State won eleven games, highlighted by a shocking upset win over Ohio State.

2022 Season Review Record: 11-2 Conf. Finish: 4th Rank: 7th

Despite a loss in the Rose Bowl to USC, this season was a sign of things to come. Since that season, Penn State has won three New Year's Six games. They are one of just six teams to accomplish that in the playoff era. Yet nobody seems to notice because of the current stigma around the playoffs. The consensus seems to be that if you don't make the playoff, why even bother playing your bowl game? I think coach Franklin and the Nittany Lions are a prime example that nonplayoff games can still carry a lot of weight. James Franklin recently signed a deal that keeps him in Happy Valley until 2031, so he's not going anywhere.

6

Key Number

The number of Penn State players drafted this offseason. Four of them came on offense and the Nittany Lion's focus will have to be on finding their replacements.

HEAD COACH: James Franklin OFF. COORDINATOR: Mike Yucich DEF. COORDINATOR: Manny Diaz

Offense

Drew Allar is the name to know around campus. The hype generated for the young quarterback will culminate this season when he will take the reigns of the offense. Four starting offensive linemen return, along with running back Nick Singleton, coming off of a huge freshman season. KeAndre LambertSmith is projected to be the top pass catcher, but don't Nick Singleton Photo by Dan Rainville via USA Today doubt Dante Cephas and Malik McClain, who will bolster the receiving room This season feels like it through the portal. could be the culmination of Everything suggests this James Franklin's time at Penn offense will be lethal yet State. It's not a knock on Sean again.

Clifford, but Franklin finally

Overview

Defense

has his guy at quarterback, Seven starters return for Manny Diaz is an ideal one of the top defenses in the defensive coordinator, and Big Ten last season. Keaton there are reports that the Ellis and Kalen King lead the athletic department has given secondary as returning their head coach more say players but will have Storm than ever before. Despite the Duck in the defensive stars aligning, they still are in backfield via the portal. Penn the same conference as State returns all their starting Michigan and Ohio State. linebackers, including AllSince this team broke out in Conference player Abdul 2016 they are 4-10 versus Carter. The defensive front those two and have yet to put will lose a few key guys and together a year where they will rely on Adisa Isaac and win both. If Drew Allar is for Hakeem Beamon to be on the real, I expect a split from field a lot for them this Penn State and a whole mess season. at the top of the conference.

7 14

Rank Rank

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 WVU Sept. 9 DSU Sept. 16 @ UI Sept. 23 Iowa Sept. 30 @ NU OCt. 14 Umass OCt. 21 @ OSU OCt. 28 Indiana NOv. 4 @ Md NOv. 11 Michigan NOv. 18 Rutgers NOv. 25 @ MSU

2 Big Questions Can Penn State beat the little guys again?

Penn State only lost to Michigan and Ohio State last season. If they do manage to pick one of them off this year, it will be paramount to not slip up somewhere else, and they'll have a shot at winning the conference.

When will Diaz be a head coach again?

Manny Diaz has been a rock-solid defensive mind for Penn State. If he continues his success, and the offers start rolling in, will he want to go back to being a head coach?

65

Maryland

Terrapins

2022 Season Review Record: 8-5 Conf. Finish: 8th Rank: Unranked

Playing the long game Mike Locksley saw his stock rise as a coach the most during his time as a cooffensive coordinator at the University of Alabama. In Tuscaloosa, he helped Jalen Hurts develop into an elite college quarterback and helped Alabama football find a new offensive identity. In February, long after the national championship and final college football game of the year, Hurts was starting for the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl. Many praised Hurts for his journey from a player that was benched in college all the way to the Super Bowl as a starter.

During this time, the story of Hurts' transfer from Alabama to Oklahoma in his senior season was publicized heavily. With the stories that came out surrounding the

11 66

Key Number

November, the eleventh month, is when Maryland plays Penn State and Michigan this year. They lost three games in November last season, so it's an important stretch.

move, one, in particular, surfaced that concerned Maryland football. The story went that Hurts informed Nick Saban that he wanted to transfer to Maryland, so he could reunite with Locksley.

Saban steered him away from Maryland and cited programs like Oklahoma, where he believed that Hurts could be better prepared for the NFL. This story was news to Locksley, who went on the record saying "It pissed me off" when the story surfaced this offseason. This is significant because a player like Hurts coming to Maryland in 2018 would have significantly boosted the timeline for this program. It is very possible that Coach Saban just genuinely thought that Oklahoma was the best fit for Hurts. But could it have also been that he knows just how big of a threat Locksley can be down the line? You hate to theorize, but it is something that I think about, especially with Maryland getting better each season.

HEAD COACH: Mike locksley OFF. COORDINATOR: Josh Gattis DEF. COORDINATOR: Brian Williams

Offense

Mike Locksley has quietly turned the Maryland offense into one of the most potent attacks in the country. Taulia Tagovailoa returns to reignite the fuse of an elite passing attack, and Maryland lured in three starting-caliber offensive linemen to protect him through the portal. Kaden Prather and Tyrese Chambers join Jeshaun Jones as pass catchers as well. The entire Taulia Tagovailoa Photo by Brad Mills via USA Today running back room returns from a solid running game, and expectations are sky-high Mike Locksley is headed into for what they can do. year five at Maryland and has not only improved this team's Given how much I gushed winning percentage each about the offense, and the season but also their talent. fact that this team had eight What's impressive about what wins last season, you would they did in the portal is the think the defense is bad. fact that they managed to get Actually, they were pretty most of their work done presolid a season ago, and return spring. This gives the new a healthy mixture of players. players several extra months Jaishawn Barham, Ruben of building chemistry that Hyppolite, Fa’Najae Gotay, most teams who get to the and Tarheeb Still are all back portal late are lacking. Taulia as leaders from 2022. The has a chance for a statistically Terrapins were also active in breathtaking season. This the portal on this side of the team is one of the most ball, landing four big names. unnoticed and underrated in When reviewing the roster the country. Maryland will be improvements on both sides a legitimate threat to the big of the ball, it is really hard not three in the Big Ten, and to get giddy about the could quickly transform into a potential of this team. dark horse playoff contender.

Overview

Defense

20 14 Rank Rank

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 Towson clt Sept. 9 Sept. 16 virginia Sept. 23 @ MSU Sept. 30 Indiana OCt. 7 @ OSU OCt. 14 Illinois OCt. 28 @ NU NOv. 4 PSU NOv. 11 @ Neb NOv. 18 Michigan NOv. 25 @ Rutgers

2 Big Questions

What could hold this team back?

On paper, there are no clear glaring weaknesses with this team, so what could hold them back? For starters, Taulia Tagovailoa, while projected to be great, did see a slippage in his numbers last season. If he were to regress again this year, it could quickly stunt this team.

Can Maryland sneak into the top tier?

The aforementioned "big three" in the Big Ten are Penn State, Ohio State and Michigan. With a breakout year, could Maryland insert their name into that tier?

67

Wisconsin

Badgers Huskies

Getting up to speed

68

Paul Chryst shook Alex Hornibrook's hand as his quarterback accepted his Orange Bowl MVP award.

Wisconsin had just concluded arguably their best season in school history, and their second straight New Year's Six win. It took only three years on campus, but Chryst had Wisconsin operating at a high level. After a rebuilding year the following season, Chryst got them back to a Rose Bowl. After a strange Covid season got them back on track again in 2021. In 2022, the Badgers started 2-3 including upset losses versus Washington State and Illinois. Chryst had established himself, and at the very least given himself the luxury of some extra time to get Wisconsin back. Or so he thought. Chryst was fired the day after the loss to Illinois. The move was surprising, but not completely puzzling, as Wisconsin had defensive

2022 Season Review Record: 7-6 Conf. Finish: 9th Rank: Unranked

coordinator Jim Leonhard waiting in the wings, a trendy candidate for a number of head coaching jobs. He served as the interim coach for the remainder of the Badgers season, and it was assumed that he would end up as the head coach full-time. But that's when Wisconsin made another shocking move and scooped up Luke Fickell from Cincinnati. Fickell is arguably the most impressive hire of the entire offseason, and really put an exclamation point on the aggressive moves being made by the athletic department. I don't think it's a coincidence that one of college football's best coaches is heading to the Big Ten, and it could be a sign of things to come.

3

Key Number

The number of home losses that Wisconsin suffered last season. If Fickell wants to turn this team around quickly, they need to reestablish success at Camp Randall.

HEAD COACH: Luke Fickell OFF. COORDINATOR: Phil Longo DEF. COORDINATOR: Mike Tressel

Offense

All-conference running back Braelon Allen is back, and the offensive line stayed relatively intact, including some bonus portal additions.

Phil Longo comes in to lead this offense and will get to work with Tanner Mordecai.

The Badgers also nabbed four excellent receiving options in the portal, Braelon Allen including Quincy Burroughs, Photo by Morry Gash via AP who followed him from Cincinnati. If Longo can get In an era where rosters can out of Mordecai what he got be overhauled overnight, out of Drake Maye at North Wisconsin has high Carolina, the Big Ten is in expectations for Fickell's first trouble. year in Madison. The Badgers are widely regarded to have a Darian Varner and Jeff top-ten transfer portal class Pietrowski are the two and really didn't lose a ton of primary portal additions for talent prematurely. On the this defense, in hopes to offensive side of things, bolster a depleted defensive Longo has been vocal about line. Fickell managed to adapting the offense to fit convince Maema Njongmeta their roster makeup. and Jordan Turner to stay on Translation; they will not be the defense, and Wisconsin afraid to run the ball with will have their usual luxury of Braelon Allen. Defensively depth at that position. The they return an impressive passing defense was a amount of production for a weakness for the Badgers first-year coach. Luke Fickell last year, unfortunately, the should be able to tap into the portal was not as fruitful in talent on this roster and turn that area. Alexander Smith is in an impressive and exciting a leader in the secondary, first season. They are still in and they will rely on their the driver's seat for a division existing talent to develop. title.

Overview

Defense

23 14 Rank Rank

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 Buffalo Sept. 9 @ Wash St Sept. 16 GASO Sept. 23 @ purdue Rutgers Oct. 7 Iowa OCt. 14 OCt. 21 @ illinois OSU OCt. 28 NOv. 4 @ Indiana NOv. 11 NU NOv. 18 Nebraska NOv. 25 @ Minn

2 Big Questions Is this Wisconsin's last chance?

With the Big Ten eliminating divisions next season, is this the last chance the Badgers will have to win a conference title? At the very least, it is their easiest path for the foreseeable future.

Does Longo have the Midas touch?

Longo has already coached Jordan Ta'amu, Sam Howell, and Drake Maye into some elite seasons at quarterback, so what can he do for a guy like Mordecai, who has flashed elite upside?

69

Minnesota 33

HEAD COACH: PJ FLeck OC: Joe ROssi DC: Matt Simon

Golden Gophers Rank

Offense

Replacing Mohamed Ibrahim and Trey Potts will be tough.

Sean Tyler, Zach Evans, and Darius Taylor should be the names to get used to in the backfield, as they will look to replace that production.

However, if Athan Kaliakmanis steps up at quarterback the way Minnesota hopes, they might not have to lean on the run game as heavily. The former four-star has as much hype as any Gophers signal caller in a long time. The critical tipping point for the offense will be how well they can reload the interior of the offensive line, which lost both guards and their center.

2022 Season Review Record: 9-4 Conf. Finish: 7th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Can they defend their home turf?

Tyler Nubin

Photo by Matt Blewett via USA Today

Overview

PJ Fleck has quietly won nine games each of the last two seasons with this squad, and yet they have remained invisible on the national radar. There's no doubt the Tyler Nubin returning at offense looks ready to defensive back will mean big challenge teams through the things for the second-best air, with three returning pass defense in the starters a receiver to help conference from last year.

Kaliakmanis gain confidence.

Nubin will serve as a vocal There are a lot of concerns for leader for a secondary looking this team defensively. Young to replace both corners and players will be forced into their strong safety. Cody roles they may not be ready Lindenberg is the lone for on all three levels of the returning starter a linebacker, defense, and something is and several young players will bound to go wrong. be asked to take on big roles.

Minnesota will be fun to Depth is an all too familiar watch this year, but it will be issue on this side of the difficult for them to reach football, as it is also a worry eight regular-season wins for the defensive line. again.

Defense

70

Five of Minnesota's eight losses over the past two seasons have come at home, including an ugly loss to Bowling Green two years ago. Can Minnesota solidify its home-field advantage this season?

Having more certainty when in Minneapolis could help their young quarterback stay calm.

2023 Schedule AUg. 31 Nebraska EMU Sept. 9 Sept. 16 @ UNC Sept. 23 @ NU Sept. 30 ULL OCt. 7 Michigan OCt. 21 @ Iowa OCt. 28 MSU NOv. 4 Illinois NOv. 11 @ Purdue NOv. 18 @ OSU NOv. 25 Wisc

Iowa

HEAD COACH: Kirk Ferentz OC: Brian Ferentz DC: Phil Parker

Hawkeyes

Offense

Iowa is typically known for playing a complimentary style of offense, but last year's output was another level of terrible. Cade McNamara is thrust into the starting quarterback role, but there is little optimism about his production given his surrounding cast. The offensive line surrendered thirty-eight sacks last season, and couldn't run to save their Xavier Nwankpa Photo by Andre Nelles via USA Today lives. All the noise this offseason from offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz Iowa football fans want suggests there will be no Brian Ferentz fired. Given that significant changes to their he is the coach's son, offensive philosophy... yikes. accusations of nepotism have been hurled toward Kirk Last season this unit was Ferentz, and I don't think that considered by many to be the is entirely fair. I believe that best defense in the country.

Kirk is very stubborn about They return two sixth(!) year his "complimentary" style of defensive linemen and an All- offense, and wouldn't fire his Conference linebacker, Nick offensive coordinator no Jackson, through the portal. matter who they are. After all, Cooper Dejean and Jermari Iowa still won eight games last Harris lead what is primed to season. He's been coaching be another year of elite play the Hawkeyes since 1999, so I in the secondary. Many understand his hesitation. expect Xavier Nwankpa, the Every indicator has been that former five star, to become a the defense might be even superstar at safety this better this year, and the season. The chasm that exists offense might be worse. between the quality of the Hawkeyes fans may get deja offense and defense is unlike vu, when watching this team anything we've seen. perform in 2023.

Overview

Defense

35 Rank

2022 Season Review Record: 8-5 Conf. Finish: 6th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question What does Cade McNamara change?

McNamara was the starting quarterback for a playoff team just two seasons ago. Even with zero indication of change in offensive philosophy or playcalling, does his experience show an impact? Even marginal improvements in scoring could see Iowa's win total improve by a win or two.

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 USU @ ISU Sept. 9 Sept. 16 WMU Sept. 23 @ PSU Sept. 30 MSU OCt. 7 Purdue OCt. 14 @ Wisc OCt. 21 Minn NOv. 4 @ NU NOv. 11 Rutgers NOv. 18 Illinois NOv. 24 Nebraska

71

Michigan State 49

HEAD COACH: Mel Tucker OC: Jay Johnson DC: Scottie Hazelton

Spartans

Offense Noah Kim will finally get his chance to shine at quarterback in East Lansing, but the Spartans need to get back to running the ball successfully. Jalen Berger returns as the starting running back, but they have some other options. Nathan Carter and Jaren Mangham have been very intriguing throughout the Spring. Many believe that the depth on the offensive front will be much better this season, which was a critical issue last year. The loss of Keon Coleman at wideout means Tre Mosley is likely the top guy, but it is unclear who else will step up.

2022 Season Review Record: 5-7 Conf. Finish: 10th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question What about the tight ends?

Noah Kim

Photo via Detroit Free Press

Overview

Things are feeling uneasy in East Lansing. The product that was put out on the field last season was a far cry from the prior year. There should be some faith in the fact that Michigan State has A big emphasis this traditionally been a offseason for Michigan State developmental program that has been improving the is prone to a down year every versatility of their players on now and then, but Tucker now defense. This has been done has three losing seasons in his in large part to address depth four years as a head coach. issues that plagued this side The Spartan's divorce from of the football. Angelo Grose, Thorne was needed, but Avery Dunn and Jacoby losing a playmaker like Windmon are a few of the Coleman hurts bad. The veteran football players that defense should improve by all they are asking to play accounts based on how multiple positions. They were they've addressed those also very active in the portal, issues. Michigan State should adding seven players to be improved, but six wins further help with depth. could be difficult.

Defense

72

Rank

Despite lacking a star at receiver, Michigan State returns Malik Carr at tight end and Tyneil Hopper, Ademola Faleye and Jaylan Franklin all join the team through the portal at the same position. Early indications show Carr and Hopper will battle for the starting position, but the depth will be a huge asset.

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 CMU Sept. 9 Richmond Sept. 16 Wash Sept. 23 MD Sept. 30 @ Iowa OCt. 14 @ Rutgers OCt. 21 Michigan @ Minn OCt. 28 NOv. 4 Nebraska NOv. 11 @ OSU NOv. 18 @ Indiana PSU NOv. 25

Illinois

HEAD COACH: bret Bielema OC: Barry Lunney Jr DC: Aaron Henry

Fighting illini Rank

Offense

Despite the loss of superstar running back Chase Brown, Reggie Love III and Josh McCray return for what should be another elite running game. Illinois returns four productive pass catchers from a season ago, including Isaiah Williams and Pat Bryant, who led the team in receiving. The offensive line will again be big and mean, same as any Bret Bielema coached line. This creates a good situation for Luke Altmeyer to come into.

Altmeyer was the backup quarterback at Ole Miss a season ago and is the heavy favorite to start after transferring over.

2022 Season Review Record: 8-5 Conf. Finish: 5th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question How hard will it be to replace Walters?

Matthew Bailey Photo via 247 Sports

Overview

Illinois is a team that really crept up on college football.

The hiring of Bret Bielema was relatively quiet, especially for a guy who had already had success at two major programs. Few heads were turned after his debut 5-7 We'll start with the bad news, Ryan Walters has left to season, but many are taking take the head coaching job at note after a surprise eight-win Purdue, and this secondary season in 2023. Despite losing lost three elite defenders. But Walters, this defense should even with that going against still be among the best in the them, there's reason to have Big Ten, but the offense will high hopes for this side of the have to be better. I fully football. Matthew Bailey expect the run game to leads a young but perform well, but it boils experienced crop of down to Luke Altmeyer at defensive backs that make up quarterback. The Fighting Illini a promising secondary. The certainly will have their work linebacker position is the cut out for them in the Big deepest on the team, and the Ten, but I fully expect a strong line returns two key starters. return to a bowl contention.

Defense

58

Ryan Walters was a huge impact as the defensive coordinator for this team the last two seasons, and replacing his impact will be difficult. Bielema hired from within and promoted Aaron Henry to be the new guy. The defense probably won't be as dominant as it was a season ago, but can it at least come close?

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 Toledo Sept. 9 @ Kansas Sept. 16 PSU Sept. 23 FAU Sept. 30 @ Purdue OCt. 7 Nebraska OCt. 14 @ MD OCt. 21 Wisconsin NOv. 4 @ Minn NOv. 11 Indiana NOv. 18 @ Iowa NU NOv. 25

73

Nebraska

HEAD COACH: Matt Rhule OC: Marcus Satterfield DC: Tony White

Cornhuskers Rank

Offense

Matt Rhule has ushered in a new era of Nebraska football.

Jeff Sims transferred in from Georgia Tech and won the starting quarterback job. His versatility will give Rhule more to work with schematically. Marcus Washington and Isaiah GarciaCastaneda are the only receivers who return with receptions for Nebraska. Josh Fleeks, Billy Kemp and Arik Gilbert look to replace all the lost production from pass catchers for the offense.

Smartly, Rhule kept around offensive line coach Donovan Raiola to maintain some continuity in a mixed-position group. (Raiola also happens to be the uncle of the number one quarterback of the class of 2024, so that helps).

Defense

Nebraska also brought in a healthy amount of outside talent on defense but maintained more playmakers than the offense. Nash Hutmacher, Ty Robinson and Stephon Wynn Jr return to the defensive front. The secondary returns all starters from last season. The Husker's pass defense dreadful last year, so the hope is they developed well.

74

63

2022 Season Review Record: 4-8 Conf. Finish: 11th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Can Rhule work his magic on Jeff Sims?

Jeff Sims

Photo by John S. Peterson via Hail Varsity

Overview

Teams like Colorado and Ole Miss have been so loud in the portal, that few have noticed the level of churn happening to this roster in Lincoln.

Nebraska had twenty-five guys out the door in the transfer portal, which is up there in terms of most in the power five. Rhule is a combined 3-21 in his first year at a new team, but he didn't have access to the transfer portal before. I believe in the rebuild at Nebraska, and Rhule has been good for the culture so far. However, Nebraska runs into a buzzsaw of a schedule in 2023. For this season, Husker fans may have to settle for better vibes and a nice spot on the couch during bowl season.

In his time at Baylor and Temple, Matt Rhule transformed PJ Walker and Charlie Brewer into legitimate passing threats in college. Jeff Sims undeniably has the tools to succeed as a passer but hasn't put together a good season yet. If Rhule works his magic, Sims could become a lethal weapon.

2023 Schedule AUg. 31 @ Minn @ Colo Sept. 9 Sept. 16 NIU Sept. 23 LA Tech Sept. 30 Michigan OCt. 7 @ Illinois OCt. 21 NU OCt. 28 Purdue NOv. 4 @ MSU NOv. 11 Maryland NOv. 18 @ WIsc Iowa NOv. 24

Purdue

HEAD COACH: Ryan Walters OC: Graham Harrell DC: Kevin Kane

Boilermakers

Offense

Purdue will have to replace a disturbing amount of offensive production from a season ago. Hudson Card is a promising new starter at quarterback, and could legitimately be their guy for the next two to three years.

Graham Harrell is an underrated hire at offensive coordinator and could generate something out of the remaining guys on this offense. TJ Sheffield is a proven commodity catching the ball and Corey Gammage will join him as an instant starter. Either way, the offensive line will be the strength, which will help a depleted running back room.

Rank

2022 Season Review Record: 8-6 Conf. Finish: 2nd Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Kydran Jenkins

Photo by Zach Bolinger via Getty Images

Overview

Replacing Jeff Brohm with Ryan Walters was very bittersweet for Purdue. On one hand, losing a coach who had revived your program and just lead you to a conference championship game really hurts. But on the other hand, Walters is one of the brightest young defensive Ryan Walters was very minds in the sport. With that aggressive in the portal, being said, Walters will have getting seven defensive to earn some respect at players. Among them, Marquis Wilson and Braxton Purdue, as the Boilermakers Meyers should instantly find lost more than twenty players to the transfer portal. If starting spots in the Graham Harrell can get secondary. Kydran Jenkins something out of Hudson and Sulaiman Kpaka will be asked to step it up along the Card and the offense, this team could become exciting front seven. Walters is considered by many to be the to watch. However installing defensive mastermind behind the type of defense Walters wants to play takes time, and Illinois' elite defense last season, and Purdue hopes he Purdue will struggle to make a bowl game this season. can replicate that here.

Defense

64

Can Hudson Card live up to the hype?

Hudson Card was a fourstar quarterback when he committed to Texas.

Despite this, he never was able to establish himself as the guy in Austin, but had some significant flashes this last season when filling in for an injured Quinn Ewers. Can Harrell's Air Raid offense bring something out of him?

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 Fresno Sept. 9 @ Va Tech Sept. 16 SU Sept. 23 Wisc Sept. 30 Illinois OCt. 7 @ Iowa OCt. 14 OSU @ Neb OCt. 28 @ Mich NOv. 4 NOv. 11 Minn NOv. 18 @ NU Indiana NOv. 25

75

Indiana

HEAD COACH: Tom Allen OC: Walt Bell DC: Matt Guerrieri

Hoosiers

Offense

Indiana has the most excitement about quarterback since Michael Penix Jr exploded onto the scene in 2020. Tayven Jackson, brother of Hoosier basketball superstar Trayce Jackson-Davis is primed to take the reigns as the starter.

The offensive line continues to be an issue for this team, and despite going fishing in the portal, lost two guys compared to just one brought in. They did however bring in DeQuece Carter and return Cam Camper, who both have proven production at wide receiver. Before anything else though, the offensive line needs to be better.

76

Rank

2022 Season Review Record: 4-8 Conf. Finish: 12th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Can Indiana avoid an 0-5 conference start?

Cam Camper

Photo by Jack Ankony via Sports Illustrated

Overview

The Tom Allen experience at Indiana has been a roller coaster. The Hoosiers peaked under Allen in a shortened 2020 with a one-loss regular season and a trip to the Outback Bowl. But the last two seasons have been total Tom Allen is facing a lot of pressure as a defensivedisasters. Allen made a good minded head coach. The move this offseason when he Hoosiers have a "wide open" stole defensive coordinator competition in the secondary, Matt Guerrieri right out from which is either promising is under Tulsa, but there are unsettling depending on how more red flags than green you look at it. The promising with this roster. The nature of sign from this side of things their moves this offseason has been the quartet of suggests desperation. Indiana players the Hoosiers nabbed is drowning in an increasingly through the portal for the strong Big Ten, and unless the front seven. Andre Carter defense revives itself, I don't from Western Michigan could see Indiana surpassing four have the makings of a star for wins, which would end with a this defense.

Allen being let go.

Defense

69

Indiana has one of the most brutal starts to conference play of any team in the country. It includes two playoff teams, a New Year's Six team, and a road matchup versus a surging Maryland team. The Hoosiers will be battle tested by the time we reach the month of November.

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 OSU Ind St Sept. 9 Sept. 16 @ UL Sept. 23 Akron Sept. 30 @ MD OCt. 14 @ Michigan OCt. 21 Rutgers OCt. 28 @ Penn St NOv. 4 Wisc NOv. 11 @ Illinois NOv. 18 MSU NOv. 25 Purdue

Rutgers

HEAD COACH: Greg Schiano OC: Kirk Ciarrocca DC: Joe Harasymiak

Scarlet Knights Rank

Offense

The Scarlet Knights offense was really really bad. So Greg Schiano went out and got Kirk Ciarrocca to lead the offense.

Ciarrocca was one of the key minds behind an elite rushing attack at Minnesota. Rutgers will have some weapons at running back in the form of Sam Brown V, Kyle Monangi and Aaron Young. The other critical position will be an offensive line that returns five starters, albeit from one of the worst lines in the Big Ten. Gavin Wimsatt appeared to have beaten out Evan Simon for the starting quarterback, but he will have to earn the job again this off-season.

2022 Season Review Record: 4-8 Conf. Finish: 13th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Can Schiano succeed in the portal era?

Kyle Monangi

Photo by Vincent Carcietta via USA Today

Overview

It takes a lot to turn around a program, just ask Greg Schiano. In his first stint at Rutgers in the early 2000s, he didn't turn in a winning season until his fifth year.

A defense that was showing This marks year four of his promise took a huge step second rebuild, and there back last season. The good have been some bumps in the news is that they return a lot road. Firing his offensive on the defensive line, with Ole coordinator was a difficult Miss transfer Isiaih Iton as the but necessary decision, and cherry on top. Rutgers was the transfer portal has been a already reeling at linebacker net negative for this program and lost four more to the since the rule changes. This portal this offseason. They team will be scrappy, and will be thin at the position their new style of offense and could continue to play could mean Rutgers sticks with an extra safety to help. around late in some Luckily, Max Melton, Robert conference games. Rutgers Longerbeam and Desmond will steal one or two in the Big Igbinosun all return, and the Ten but don't bank on this secondary will be solid. team making it to six wins.

Defense

75

Greg Schiano obviously proved that he can succeed at this university, but is he capable of doing it in the modern landscape? The transfer portal has taken more than it has given, and despite some early recruiting success, Rutgers has seen some surprising slippage in recruiting.

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 NU Temple Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Va Tech Sept. 23 @ Mich Sept. 30 Wagner OCt. 7 @ Wisc OCt. 14 MSU OCt. 21 @ Indiana NOv. 4 OSU NOv. 11 @ Iowa NOv. 18 @ PSU NOv. 25 MD

77

Northwestern 97

HEAD COACH: Pat Fitzgerald OC: Mike Bajakian DC: David Braun

Wildcats

Offense

Ben Bryant has transferred in to clear up a murky quarterback room. He will have his work cut out for him as the Wildcats lose their top three pass catchers from last year. There is hope that Cam Johnson from Arizona State can help ease the blow to the passing game, but it is a dire situation. The offensive line isn't in an enviable situation either, needing to replace first-round draft pick Peter Skoronski up front. They also need to replace Evan Hull at running back, which could be a job for senior Cam Porter.

Defense

78

Don't hold your breath Northwestern fans, the defense isn't looking much better. The defensive front lost multiple guys to the draft, portal, and graduation.

The losses mean it's likely four-star freshman Michael Kilbane will get to see the field, which will be exciting.

The Wildcats got Richie Haggarty and Matt Lawson in the portal to help with the front seven, but that is it as far as transfer help. The Secondary again should be the lone bright spot on defense, but the run defense is so poor it almost doesn't matter.

Rank

2022 Season Review Record: 1-11 Conf. Finish: 14th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Can they win on American soil?

Cam Porter Photo via NU Sports

Overview

Northwestern football has had a clear identity under Pat Fitzgerald. A scrappy team that can crush you physically that had the potential to pop off any given year. However, 2022 was the worst season in Fitzgerald's time with the Wildcats. There was little to suggest they had a pulse, even with multiple NFLcaliber stars on the roster. On paper, things never look pretty for Northwestern, and they've managed to have great seasons despite that in the past. I am having trouble trusting the system after last season's output, and I anticipate a very ugly season for Northwestern, who may start to consider a change in coaching.

Northwestern's lone win from a season ago was a triumphant victory over Nebraska in Dublin, Ireland. That means their last win in the United States was way back in October of 2021. Things might not go well for them this season, but ending a drought like that would do wonders for morale.

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 @ Rutgers UTEP Sept. 9 Sept. 16 @ Duke Sept. 23 Minn Sept. 30 PSU OCt. 7 Howard OCt. 21 @ Neb OCt. 28 Maryland NOv. 4 Iowa NOv. 11 @ Wisc NOv. 18 Purdue NOv. 25 @ Illinois

Big The Ten Predictions Big Ten

GO Blue The Wolverines will pull off the three-peat in the Big Ten. They will have no shortage of challenges in the Big Ten East, and will dominate whoever comes out of the West. In this case, I believe it will be Luke Fickell and Wisconsin, who will ride their weak conference schedule to a title game berth. The Wolverines have been so surgical in their march to the Big Ten title, that it would

2023 Projected Standings West 9-4 (6-3)* 1. Wisconsin 7-5 (5-4) 2. Minnesota 7-5 (5-4) 3. Illinois 7-5 (5-4) 4. Iowa 6-6 (4-5) 5. Purdue 5-7 (3-6) 6. Nebraska 2-10 (0-9) 7. Northwestern East 12-1 (8-1)* 1. Michigan 11-1 (8-1) 2. Ohio State 11-1 (8-1) 3. Penn State 9-3 (6-3) 4. Maryland 5-7 (3-6) 5. Michigan State 3-9 (1-8) 6. Indiana 4-8 (1-8) 7. Rutgers *Qualified for Conference championship game

feel disrespectful to not have them winning this conference again. They should enjoy their cupcake game in the actual title game, as there's no telling how the conference will shift when the LA schools come. Now they just have to win in the playoffs.

Big Ten Championship vs

Winner: Michigan

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The The Pac-12 ACC The Pac-12 2022 PAC-12 Standings

1. Utah 2. USC 3. Washington 4. Oregon 5. Oregon State 6. UCLA 7. Washington State 8. Arizona 9. California 10. Arizona State 11. Stanford 12. Colorado

THE RENAISSANCE 6

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Key Number

The number of ranked teams in this conference at the end of last season. All 6 of them either will return their passer or upgraded at the position.

Conference Picks MVP: Caleb Williams

DPOY: Jack Sullivan

OPOY: Damien Martinez

Newcomer: Dante Moore

2022 marked six straight seasons with no Pac-12 teams in the playoffs, the longest drought of any Power 5 conference. Yet somehow, the season was somewhat of a renaissance for the Pac-12.

Five teams ended with 10 wins or more, the most of any conference, and their six ranked teams were tied with the SEC for the most of any conference. However, the renaissance didn't just end because of the offseason.

Deion Sanders was announced as the new head coach at Colorado, awakening the conference's dormant program. Stanford moved on from David Shaw and made a great hire in Troy Taylor.

Arizona State went local, and gambled on Oregon offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham, making him the nation's youngest head coach. The Pac-12 picture in 2023 is murky, mostly due to the large number of teams that could compete for the title. Utah, USC, UCLA, Washington, Oregon, and Oregon State all have a good chance at winning this conference in 2023. No other conference in college football can truly say they have six teams with a legitimate shot at coming out on top. A lot

Biggest Non-Conference Games Colorado @ TCU Sept. 2 sept. 2 Utah vs FLorida Sept. 9 Washington State vs Wisconsin Arizona @ Mississippi State Sept. 9 Sept. 9 Oregon @ Texas Tech Sept. 16 Utah @ Baylor Sept. 16 Washington @ Michigan Sttae USC @ Notre Dame Oct. 14

2 Big Questions Can UofA and Wazzu break into the top tier?

Caleb Williams Photo by Mark J. Terrill via AP Photo

has been said about the Pac12 ever since the LA schools announced they would be leaving for the Big Ten. Rumors about other members leaving the conference have littered the internet since, and college football on the west coast faces a lot of uncertainty. I know one thing for certain... if this is the dawn of Pac-12 football, it was a fun ride, and it's bound to be a fun finish.

The cougars and wildcats find themselves in the middle of the pack of just about every projection out there. Can either of these teams find something to break into the top tier of the conference?

Which coaches could feel the heat in 2023?

Justin Wilcox is the only current Pac-12 coach whose job is in jeopardy.

Who are some of the other names that could join him this season? Maybe Chip Kelly if UCLA sees some regression? Would Arizona fans react if they miss a bowl game again? Just some names to keep in mind.

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USC The New formula

Lincoln Riley made no friends when he decided to ditch Norman and head to LA, that much is common knowledge.

With the backlash that came from his sudden departure, came outrage when he began luring talent from Oklahoma to load up his roster at USC. The sleeping giant out west had been awakened, and Riley instantly became one of the most polarizing figures in sports. Year one for this team was going to be groundbreaking whichever way it went. Nobody had ever constructed a roster in the manner with which Riley did.

26 players joined the Trojans, and their performance in 2022 would show if this was a process others were capable of replicating. After an eleven-win season, and a New Year's Six bowl berth, it is safe to say the experiment was successful. Any concerns about team chemistry and locker room egos instantly dissipated and completely changed how teams build 82

Huskies Trojans 2022 Season Review

Record: 11-3 Conf. Finish: 2nd Rank: 12th

their rosters. Within their own conference, USC has watched Colorado stride in with Deion Sanders, and begin assembling their Frankenstein's monster in Boulder. So naturally, the Trojans have continued to use the portal for their benefit this season, bringing in 13 more difference-makers and counting. USC showed the nation that under the new transfer portal rules, your team can have instant results on the field with the right hire. No more waiting three to four years to see their recruits roll in. (Sonny Dykes and TCU also contributed to this).

Lincoln Riley, love him or hate him, he has forever changed the way things operate in college sports.

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Key Number

This is the number that Caleb Williams wears. He was the best player in college football last season, and USC's season will live or die by his health.

HEAD COACH: Lincoln RIley OFF. COORDINATOR: Josh henson DEF. COORDINATOR: Alex Grinch

Offense

Rank Rank 2023 Schedule

Lincoln Riley led offenses do not rebuild, they reload.

Heisman trophy winner Caleb Williams is back, and he has some shiny new wide receivers to throw to in the form of Dorian Singer and Zachariah Branch who will join returners Brenden Rice and Mario Williams. The offensive line underwent a pretty substantial overhaul, Korey Foreman and USC landed a trio of Photo by Allen Wallace via Trojan Daily linemen that should help improve that unit. And at USC will once again have an running back, MarShawn elite offense that is capable Lloyd transferred in from South Carolina to fill the void of scoring on anyone. But the questions continue to circle left by Travis Dye. the defense. Some believe Lincoln Riley is incapable of The Trojans defense has a leading a championship-level lot of new faces that could fix defense. I do think that USC some of their issues. Mason will have to try to find ways to Cobb is an elite linebacker be more complementary this from Oklahoma State, who season, but I think this joins Eric Gentry at the defense is closer than most second level. Bear Alexander, people think. USC was one Kyon Barrs, Jack Sullivan, and play away from the playoff in Anthony Lucas all transferred 2022. They return the in to make up what could Heisman trophy winner at legitimately be the best quarterback. They also used defensive front in the another offseason to stack conference. In the secondary, talent on this roster. Barring Jacobe Covington leads a unit another injury to Williams with a lot of continuity in this USC will be a prominent system, which is rare for any figure nationally, and will position group on this roster. make the playoff.

Overview

Defense

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Aug. 26 SJSU Sept. 2 Nevada Sept. 9 Stan Sept. 23 @ ASU Sept. 30 @ COlo OCt. 6 Arizona @ ND OCt. 14 OCt. 21 Utah OCT. 28 @ Cal NOv. 4 Wash NOv. 11 @ Oregon NOv. 18 UCLA

2 Big Questions Will Riley attempt to coach complementary football?

Some theorize that the USC defense is good, but just spends too much time on the field as a result of the elite offense. Does Riley risk stunting the proficiency of the offense to give the other side of the ball more rest?

Can Williams go back to back?

No player has won backto-back Heisman trophies since Archie Griffin in '74 and '75. Will Caleb Williams gain enough traction to win the award again?

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Oregon 2022 Season Review

Record: 10-3 Conf. Finish: 4th Rank: 15th

He's Having FUn

Bo Nix had a breakout season leading the charge for the Oregon Ducks in 2022. He had career highs in passing yards, QBR, passing touchdowns and completion percentage. Once a polarizing player at Auburn, Nix seems to have found a fan base that loves him at Oregon. In the offseason before the 2021 season at Auburn, a video was posted of Nix completing a pass to TE Tyler Fromm in Auburn's Spring Game. A Twitter user by the name of Trey Bruce replied with the following: "This is the year. Bo Nix has improved so much under this new offense. He’s focused. He’s having fun. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s a dark horse for the Heisman."

Auburn Twitter quickly latched onto the saying and began copying and pasting the mantra across social

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Huskies Ducks

media. When 2021 began, and Nix's on-the-field performance was less than spectacular, the phrase tumbled into an ironic saying, used to mock Nix when he performed poorly. Odds are you've seen the phrase pasted in the comments of some video with Bo Nix. It reached peak usage after Oregon was drubbed by Georgia in week one of his tenure in Eugene. Nix threw multiple picks and looked lost for most of the game. But, the next 12 games looked nothing like that. Nix began to hit his stride, and turned the Duck's offense into one of the most prolific in the Pac-12. By November, the Ducks were in the playoff mix. I love a good meme as much as the next guy, but after the season that Nix just had, there's a chance it finally becomes reality.

Key Number

The Number of one-score games the Tide have played in the last two seasons. That is more than they played in the previous five seasons combined.

HEAD COACH: Dan Lanning OFF. COORDINATOR: Will Stein DEF. COORDINATOR: Tosh Lupoi

Offense

Bo Nix is back, but Kenny Dillingham leaving is the elephant in the room for this team. 33-year-old Will Stein steps to the plate in hopes to continue the success of what was one of the most prolific offenses in the country last season. Despite losing most of their starting offensive line, the ducks pulled two highly coveted linemen in the portal, and have a number of Dontae Manning contributors to step in. Bucky Photo by Scott Boldt via Ducks Digest Irving headlines a ridiculously stacked running back room, Some people were let down and Traeshon Holden from

by Dan Lanning's first season Alabama will join Troy at Oregon, and I can't Franklin in the receiver room, understand why. A 10-3 despite some off-season season that was one or two drama. plays away from being a

Overview

Defense

playoff team seems like a Connor Soelle and Jestin pretty good job for year one.

Jacobs inject some needed The defense lost some big experience into a Linebacking names but is so loaded along core set to thrive. Jordan the trenches that you might Burch hails in from South mistake them for an SEC Carolina to headline a group. Most of my concern defensive front that might lies on the offensive side of not have the star power of the ball, where things could last year's squad, but will boil down to how big of a certainly have more depth to factor Kenny Dillingham was work with. The secondary in Bo Nix's ascension. There's should be just fine even with a lot to be excited about in the departure of Christian Eugene, and I fully expect the Gonzalez, look for former ducks to be in Las Vegas in five-star Dontae Manning to December, playing for a Pachave a breakout season.

12 title.

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Rank Rank 2023 Schedule Por St Sept. 2 @ TTU Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Hawai'i Sept. 23 Colorado @ Stan Sept. 30 @ Wash OCt. 14 Wash St OCt. 21 @ Utah OCt. 28 NOv. 4 Cal USC NOv. 11 NOv. 18 @ ASU Or St NOv. 24

2 Big Questions

Can the Ducks avoid a mid-November loss?

Three of the last four seasons have been humming along for this team, only to be derailed with a brutal loss in November. Can Dan Lanning buck that trend in year two?

Does Lanning let Stein be aggressive?

In multiple big moments last season, overly aggressive play-calling cost the Ducks some football games. Does Dan Lanning intervene and make things more conservative?

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Oregon STate

Huskies Beavers

2022 Season Review Record: 10-3 Conf. Finish: 5th Rank: 17th

Reinforcing the Dam When Gary Anderson took over this program in 2015, there was a lot of optimism around this team. Anderson left a perceived much better job at Wisconsin and replaced Mike Riley, who most Oregon State fans were ready to move on from. Anderson brought an exciting spread offense to the table, a welcome change from the slow paced, pro style offense that Riley commanded. He also filled out an amazing staff, brining in Kalani Sitake to coach the defense. The optimism was quickly shot down. Sitake left after a one season where the Beavs went 2-10. The offense collapsed, the defense regressed to the worst in the Pac-12. Anderson resigned before his third season ended, and the Beavers were left picking up

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the pieces. Oregon State, which had been a wellrespected program under Mike Riley, had suddenly regressed to a team mentioned with the likes of Kansas, Rutgers, and Vanderbilt. Lucky for the Beavs, skilled offensive mind and former Oregon State legend Jonathan Smith just so happened to be interested in taking the head coaching job.

It wasn't pretty, and Coach Smith had to essentially uproot the entire program to get them back on track.

Oregon State adopted a new mantra during that time, talking about "Building the Dam." After a 2022 where the Beavs broke out for their third ten-win season in program history. The Dam has been built, it's now about reinforcing it.

Key Number

The number of home games the Beavers have lost in the last two seasons. Corvallis is once again a place where Pac-12 teams hate to come play.

HEAD COACH: Jonathan SMith OFF. COORDINATOR: Brian Lindgren DEF. COORDINATOR: Trent Bray

Offense

The offensive line has been the dominant force for this offense the past two seasons, and returns six linemen with at least ten starts. The running back room is beyond stacked with Damien Martinez, Jam Griffin, Deshaun Fenwick and Isaiah Newell all returning. The real story here is the quarterback position, and the receivers.

DJ Uiagalelei is the favorite to Kitan Oladapo Photo by Brian Murphy via Getty Images start, but true freshman Aiden Chiles has been raising some eyebrows in the Spring.

The Beavers have several Either way, this team has to key components that make up find out who will step up as a a sleeper team, coaching receiver aside from Anthony continuity, an experienced Gould and Silas Bolden. offensive line, a clear identity, and ~potentially~ a star This defensive front is going quarterback. My biggest to be nasty. A relative concern with this team is the weakness from a season ago, lack of experience in the Oluwaseyi Omotosho, Nikko secondary, which is a big Taylor, and a long list of reason they were able to pull newcomers have this pass out wins versus Oregon and rush looking scary. In the Washington State. I believe secondary, the Beavers lost this team has a very high three guys to the draft, and floor, and I do not see a players like Tyrice Ivy and scenario where they just Kitan Oladapo are going to completely fall flat. If need to step up. At quarterback play can elevate linebacker, the departure of this offense, I wouldn't be Omar Speights hurts, but surprised if the Beavers sneak Mason Tufaga from Utah into their first conference should help ease the burden championship game in of figuring things out. program history.

Overview

Defense

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Rank Rank 2023 Schedule Sept. 2 @ SJSU Sept. 9 UC Davis Sept. 16 SDSU Sept. 23 @ Wazzu Sept. 29 Utah OCt. 7 @ Cal UCLA OCt. 14 OCt. 28 @ Arizona NOv. 4 @ Colo NOv. 11 Stan Wash NOv. 18 @ Oregon NOv. 24

2 Big Questions

Can Tight Ends loosen things up?

As previously mentioned, there is not a lot of certainty at wide receiver for this team. However, the tight ends provide a little more clarity, can Jack Veiling and Jake Overman make things easier for whoever is throwing the rock?

Does the running back room stay put?

The Beavs have a stacked running back room, and last season they managed to split time consistently. Will they manage to share the load well enough to keep everyone invested in 2023?

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Utah Going for Three

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The Utah Utes were on the outside of the Pac-12 championship with one game left in the 2022 season. They had their chances, and despite a thrilling last-minute victory over USC, they dropped key road games against Oregon and UCLA. The Ducks were up 31-10 on their bitter rivals in the third quarter and well on their way to playing in the Pac-12 championship game. Utah would not get a chance to defend their title. But then, shockingly, Oregon State pulled off an unthinkable comeback, sending the Ducks packing and sending shockwaves through the college football world.

Suddenly Utah was back in the Pac-12 championship in shocking fashion. They played USC in a rematch, and crushed the Trojans, making it back-to-back Pac-12 championships. Many will try to discredit the Ute's success by pointing out that they came up short in the Rose Bowl, but they are on the

Huskies Utes

2022 Season Review Record: 10-4 Conf. Finish: 1st Rank: 10th

precipice of becoming the first Pac-12 team to win three straight titles since the conference expanded in 2012. Utah was not the preseason favorite in the last two seasons, and they won't be this season. They aren't the sexy pick, they aren't the exciting pick, but they are the team that has done it twice in a row.

Despite the flashy portal additions, big coaching hires, and Nike deals happening across the conference, it has been the former WAC and Mountain West darlings that have been running things.

Kyle Whittingham has built a machine at Utah. It is a system that continues to build champions.

5

Key Number

The Number of transfers that Utah added from the portal. Only nine teams in the power five added less.

Utah has shown they don't need the portal to succeed.

HEAD COACH: Kyle whittingham OFF. COORDINATOR: Andy Ludwig DEF. COORDINATOR: Morgan Scalley

Offense

Cam Rising, Brant Kuithe, and Devaughn Vele all return behind an offensive line that returns three starters and a plethora of experience. The competition for wide receiver two is still up in the air, with Money Parks and Mikey Matthews battling it out. You won't find an offense in the power five who relies on the transfer portal as sparingly as the Utes. It is a tried and true formula for a team that develops talent better than anyone in America.

Rank Rank

2023 Schedule Aug. 31 FLorida Sept. 9 @ Baylor Sept. 16 Weber st Sept. 23 UCLA Sept. 29 @ Or ST OCt. 14 Cal OCt. 21 @ USC OCt. 28 Oregon NOv. 4 ASU NOv. 11 @ Wash NOv. 18 @ Arizona COlo NOv. 25

Cam Rising

Photo by Cam Mellor via PFN

Overview

Utah is an anomaly in modern college football. They Utah rode the best defense rarely use the transfer portal, in the Pac-12 to win a and they don't blow anyone conference title, their only out of the water with their lapses coming against the LA recruiting. They simply have a schools. In both games, the clear identity, and develop Utes struggled to stop prolific players within their system passing attacks, and with the that they know will succeed. I departure of Clark Phillips III, think it is significant that the they have some holes to fill in Utes took down USC in the the secondary. Cole Bishop Pac-12 championship, a team leads the way at safety, with that represents the exact support from JaTravis opposite of how Utah Broughton and Sione Vaki. Of operates. The Utes draw an the five players that Utah incredibly difficult schedule ended up getting from the once again and it seems transfer portal, three of them virtually impossible to escape came on defense. One of the it unscathed. The Utes should biggest names, Miles Battle remain in the Pac-12's top tier from Ole Miss will be a huge but the routes for them to playmaker in the secondary return to the title game are as well. limited.

Defense

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2 Big Questions

Can Utah navigate non-conference play?

In the last two seasons Utah has been removed from playoff talks because of some early nonconference losses. With two more daunting games on the horizon, can they get out without a loss?

Are the backups ready to step up?

Whenever Rising has gone down in the past two seasons, the complexion of this offense completely changes. A lot of attention has been on these backup quarterbacks, can they step up if Rising gets hurt?

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Washington Saying No to Saban

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Washington was supposed to win seven or eight games in 2022. People were excited about Kalen Deboer taking the head coaching job, bringing Ryan Grubb and William Inge with him from Fresno State. But there was no reason to expect this squad to do anything crazy in year one. Washington turned some heads when they took down eleventh ranked Michigan State, but they really introduced themselves after consecutive wins over the Oregon schools. The Huskies missed the conference title game due to a tiebreaker but sent the Texas Longhorns packing in a bowl game as the cherry on top of an eleven win season.

Quarterback Michael Penix Jr and top wideout Rome Odunze announced they would come back for another season. Washington appeared to be primed for another year of this explosive offense popping off the television.

Then Nick Saban came calling.

The reports were that Saban wanted offensive coordinator

Huskies Huskies

2022 Season Review

Record: 11-2 Conf. Finish: 3rd Rank: 8th

Ryan Grubb to join his staff.

And when the greatest coach in college football history comes calling... you answer. It was a foregone conclusion that the Huskies were going to lose their play caller.

Losing Grubb meant potentially losing what made this team pop in 2022. But after an interview with Nick Saban, Grubb turned down the job. It was a move that confused a lot of the college football public.

"Who wouldn't want to coach for Alabama?" It was a massive victory for Washington.

It was the type of decision that can set the tone for a season.

73

Key Number

Washington returns 73% of their production from last year's team.

Only Utah and USC returned more of their playmakers from last season in the Pac-12.

HEAD COACH: Kalen Deboer OFF. COORDINATOR: Ryan Grubb DEF. COORDINATOR: WIlliam Inge

Offense

Michael Penix Jr., Rome Odunze, Jalen McMillan, Ja'Lynn Polk, and Devin Culp.

All the ingredients this team used to eviscerate opponents through the air are back. The offensive line has to replace three starters but has a solid group of backups with starting experience to pick from. Losing Sam Huard in the portal was not ideal, but Dylan Morris still provides a Rome Odunze backup in case anything Photo by Ian Cummings via PFN happens to Penix. Through the portal, they landed two Last season was a big running backs who could start surprise out west and really with Dillon Johnson and crowded things at the top of wideout Germie Bernard. this conference. This offense should be absolutely elite Traditionally, Washington's once again, and the defensive defense is their strength, but front looks scary as usual. The you got the sense it lagged main concerns for this team slightly behind the offense in will be about the secondary, 2022. Tuli Letuligasenoa and especially with how often this Faatui Tuitele will give team expects their defense to offensive lines and be out on the field. Last year pronunciation guides Washington avoided both headaches all season long on Utah and USC, hosted Oregon the defensive front. A big State, and played the Ducks focus for this team needs to with Bo Nix not at 100%. be plugging holes in the Every aspect of that will be secondary, which was tougher in 2023. This team exposed a few times. They will get into shootouts need to replace multiple throughout the season, but I starters at corner and have a believe this team could end lot riding on incoming up being one of 2023's most transfer Jabbar Muhammad. disappointing teams.

Overview

Defense

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Rank Rank

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 Boise St Sept. 9 Tulsa Sept. 16 @ Mich ST Sept. 23 Cal Sept. 30 @ UA OCt. 14 Oregon OCt. 21 ASU OCt. 28 @ Stan NOv. 4 @ USC NOv. 11 Utah NOv. 18 Or ST NOv. 25 Wash St

2 Big Questions Can they sustain success on the road?

Washington's losses last season were on the road, and despite a statement win over Oregon in Eugene, their defense regressed significantly on the road. Can they correct that trend in 2023?

Who steps up in the secondary?

It is going to be the most important position group for this team all year long, and it will be interesting to track who steps into a bigger role. Davon Banks?

Julius Irvin? Only time will tell.

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Arizona

HEAD COACH: Jedd Fisch OC: Brennan Carroll DC: Johnny Nansen

WildCats

Offense

The Wildcats boasted one of the best offenses in the conference last season, and look to continue their upward climb in 2023. Losing Dorian Singer to USC definitely hurts, but Malachi Riley and Devin Hyatt are a pair of three-star wideouts that could make an instant impact. Another season for Jayden de Laura to hone his skills is good news as well. Last season the offensive line struggled to protect de Laura, and it resulted in a lot of miscues.

The Wildcats did not lure any offensive line talent through the portal to address this, and it could end up coming back to bite them.

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Rank Rank

2022 Season Review Record: 5-7 Conf. Finish: 8th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Does the defense take a step forward?

Jayden de Laura

Photo by Christopher Hook via Getty Images

Overview

Arizona is a major sleeper in the Pac-12. They won't be favored over any of the flashy teams at the top of the conference, but have all the tools to pull an upset any given Saturday. If Jayden de This defense has a chance to Laura can continue to make make a huge leap in 2023. plays like he has proven he Daniel Heimuli, Orin Patu, can, and the defense even Tyler Manoa, and Justin Flowe takes a small step forward, are just a few of the notable this team will make a bowl players they lured in through game. The Wildcats will enter the portal. Defense was this this season with a chip on team's biggest crutch last their shoulder, as most of the season, so strides in this national attention this department could mean quick offseason has been on what's results on the field. The new happening in Boulder or players will need to gel Tempe. This feels like the year quickly. If they do, good where Fisch's Wildcats take things will start happening for the leap from fun rebuild Johnny Nansen and this project, to real competitors in defense. the Pac-12.

Defense

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After allowing a staggering 467 yards per game last season, this defense did not look much different from the 2021 unit. If they want to be a real threat this season, Defensive Coordinator Johnny Nansen will need to unlock the true potential of the Wildcats talented transfer class.

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 NAU Sept. 9 @ Miss St Sept. 16 UTEP Sept. 23 @ Stan Sept. 30 Wash OCt. 7 @ USC OCt. 14 @ Wash st OCt. 28 OrST NOv. 4 UCLA NOv. 11 @ COlo NOv. 18 Utah @ ASU NOv. 25

UCLA

HEAD COACH: Chip Kelly OC: N/A DC: D'Anton Lynn

Offense

Bruins Bruins

The clear strength of this team is the offense. They scored a blistering 39 points per game in 2023. UCLA has continued to use the portal to find elite running backs, and found one in Carson Steele from Ball State. The offensive line looks very thin after losing three starters from last season. The quarterback battle will rage into the fall between freshman Dante Darius Muasau Photo via UCLA Athletics Moore and the veteran Collin Schlee. J. Michael Sturdivant should be wide receiver Chip Kelly has been slowly number one, but there are turning things around at UCLA questions about their depth and has silenced any rumors at that position. about his job security with back-to-back eight plus win seasons. D'Anton Lynn was Defense has been an issue the safeties coach at the for the Bruins, and D'Anton Ravens, and his expertise in Lynn has been hired on to that position could pay huge figure it out. He will have the benefit of Darius Muasau and dividends this season. UCLA draws a brutal schedule in Laiatu Latu returning to 2023, including four road bolster the linebacking core. games in six weeks from midUCLA returns 75% of their September to late October. defensive production from a The quarterback position is season ago, but it was a unproven at best, and the defense that finished right in offensive line will need to the middle of the pack in the conference. Twins Gabriel and prove themselves. For UCLA, Grayson Murphy should help it will be difficult to match shore up the defensive front, their win total from a season but the pass defense remains ago, but there's no reason to doubt this team as a solid the biggest crutch to this player in the Pac-12. team under Kelly.

Overview

Defense

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Rank Rank

2022 Season Review Record: 9-4 Conf. Finish: 6th Rank: 21st

1 Big Question What happens if the O-line doesn't come together?

For the past two seasons, UCLA's formula for winning has been to pound the rock on the ground. With a lot of questions and few answers surrounding the offensive front, what happens to this attack if they don't instantly gel? Is Kelly willing to lean on one of his quarterbacks?

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 CCU Sept. 9 @ SDSU Sept. 16 NCCU @ Utah Sept. 23 Wash St OCt. 7 OCt. 14 @ Or St @ Stan OCt. 21 OCt. 28 Colo NOv. 4 @ Arizona NOv. 11 ASU NOv. 18 @ USC NOv. 25 CAL

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Washington State HEAD COACH: Jake Dickert OC: Ben Arbuckle DC: Jeff Schmedding

Cougars

Offense

It is impossible to talk about this offense without bringing up the offensive line. Only two power five teams allowed more sacks than the Cougars in 2022. This team has done very little to address this in the portal and recruiting. Cam Ward is a solid starter at quarterback, but they lost their top four receivers from last season. Luckily, a slew of new weapons from the portal will give Ward some targets, including UNLV transfer Kyle Williams and Isaiah Hamilton from San Jose State.

Turnover is not the worst thing for this unit, as they were nearly dead last in yards in 2022.

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Rank

2022 Season Review

Record: 7-6 Conf. Finish: 7th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question How do they fix the Offensive Line?

Cam Ward

Overview Photo via Sports Illustrated

Jake Dickert's second full year at Washington State is a key one. The Cougars are a middling team in the Pac-12 almost by consensus.

However, the schedule in 2023 is much more forgiving This was a conference title than their slate from last year, caliber defense last season. dodging Utah and USC, and Daiyan Henley and Francisco getting Wisconsin at home.

Mauigoa are gone, which The offensive line is such a leaves a big gap at linebacker. clear achilles heel means this Devin Richardson and Ahmad team has a clear area of McCullough transfer in to fill focus. But there's just not a those holes. Look for Nusi lot of proof anything has Malani and David Gusta to changed. With all that being step up for a defensive line said, this team will be lurking that lost three seniors. just beneath the wealth of Meanwhile Jaden Hicks, Sam conference contenders in the Lockett III, and Chau SmithPac-12. Washington State Wade return for a secondary could do everything right, and that should be one of the best still find themselves on the in the conference. couch in December.

Defense

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This team did not add much to the offensive font to address their glaring issues. It is now up to Ben Arbuckle and offensive line coach Clay McGuire to make something happen with the existing talent.

Even marginal improvement at protecting the quarterback could yield some big results.

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 @ CSU Sept. 9 Wisc Sept. 16 N Colo Sept. 23 Or ST @ UCLA OCt. 7 OCt. 14 Arizona OCt. 21 @ Oregon OCt. 28 @ ASU NOv. 4 Stan NOv. 11 @ Cal NOv. 17 COlo NOv. 25 @ Wash

Colorado 55 87

HEAD COACH: Deion Sanders OC: Sean Lewis DC: CHarles kelly

Buffaloes

Offense

There's no doubt that the first name that comes to mind when talking about this offense is Shedeur Sanders.

The son of new head coach Deion Sanders will start from day one for the Buffaloes.

Their weapons are bolstered further by underrated weapons such as Tar'varish Dawson, a former four star receiver from Auburn. This unit is unrecognizable from last seasons squad. Aside from the skill players, this team hauled in a boatload of offensive line talent, headlined by Yousef Mugharbil from Florida. This is an offense good enough to win some football games.

2022 Season Review Record: 1-11 Conf. Finish: 12th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Is Coach Prime in for the long haul?

Shedeur Sanders Photo by Jon Gold via Saturday Out West

Overview

Deion Sanders has infused so much talent into this program in such a short amount of time, it's impossible not to be impressed by what he has done. All of the money, hype, and energy being directed Travis Hunter and Cormani toward this program should McClain dominated headlines be a welcome sight for this offseason due to their Colorado fans. Some appear decisions to head to Boulder to be underestimating just and for good reason. how bad the existing roster Colorado has a chance to was that Sanders inherited. shut down the opponent's After absolutely killing it in passing game due to the the transfer portal, there are superstar talent level of those still some glaring holes on this two guys. They bolstered the team and not a lot of depth. front seven with Demouy They play a brutal schedule, Kennedy from Alabama and but if this team can stay Taylor Upshaw from Michigan, healthy, they are bound to who join 13 defensive pull off an upset or two, but transfers in Boulder. may just miss a bowl game.

Defense

Rank Rank

Even though things are going great with Sanders, many wonder just how long he will coach the buffaloes.

If things go well in year one, what happens if he's offered a better power five job in a few years? A move like that would devastate this program that's still reeling from losing Mel Tucker after one season.

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 @ TCU Sept. 9 Nebraska Sept. 16 CSU Sept. 23 @ oregon Sept. 30 USC OCt. 7 @ ASU OCt. 13 Stan OCt. 28 @ UCLa NOv. 4 Or St NOv. 11 Arizona NOv. 17 Wash St NOv. 25 @ Utah

95

Arizona State 66 87

HEAD COACH: Kenny Dillingham OC: Beau Baldwin DC: Brian Ward

Golden SUn Buffaloes Bruins Devils Bears Rank Rank Sun Devils

Offense

Drew Pyne, Jaden Rashada, and Trenton Bourguet are all crammed into a crowded quarterback room, giving Dillingham a lot to work with.

Rashada is the headliner for a rock-solid first recruiting class for Dillingham. But, depth on the offensive line could become an issue. The cupboard still has some real talent, with Jalin Conyers and Elijah Badger being the biggest returning producers.

Cameron Skattebo out of Sacramento State raised many eyebrows at the Spring game in April. He is the clear frontrunner to earn the starting running back job.

2022 Season Review

Record: 3-9 Conf. Finish: 10th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question

Can Jaden Rashada Start from Day One? Elijah Badger Photo via Pac-12 Networks

Overview

It is an exciting time in Tempe, Kenny Dillingham was the perfect guy at the perfect time. Everyone around the program is loving the way the Tempe native is building his Brian Ward is the new staff and roster. But is it too defensive coordinator at ASU, good to be true? He's only 32, leaving Pullman to try and and the youngest head coach revive this defense. The in the FBS. Good energy defensive line has been nearly before the season is one completely overhauled, with thing, but what happens when Michael Matus returning as a ASU takes that first loss? The leader after tearing his ACL Sun Devils have holes all over before the season last year. this roster, and will likely have Losing linebacker Connor a below-average defense Soelle to Oregon and Merlin again, and serious depth Robertson to the draft hurts, issues. I think this team will and that will be a weakness. struggle to make a bowl game, However the secondary and it will be interesting to stayed relatively intact. It will watch how many people stay be the strength of the Sun on board when the boat starts Devil's defense again. to rock.

Defense

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Believe it or not, Rashada isn't the first 175lb, fourStar quarterback named Jaden to come on campus.

The other guy was Jayden Daniels, who just won the SEC West in his first year starting at LSU, who notably started as a true freshman at ASU. So does Rashada get the same chance as a freshman?

2023 Schedule AUg. 31 SUU Sept. 9 Ok State Sept. 16 Fres St Sept. 23 USC Sept. 30 @ Cal OCt. 7 COlorado OCt. 21 @ Wash OCt. 28 Wash St NOv. 4 @ Utah NOv. 11 @ UCLA NOv. 18 Oregon NOv. 25 Arizona

California 70 87

HEAD COACH: Justin Wilcox OC: Jake spavital DC: Peter Sirmon

Golden Golden Buffaloes Bruins Bears Bears Rank Rank

Offense

California had a pleasantly surprising passing game in 2022, finishing in the top half of the conference behind the arm of Jack Plummer.

Plummer took the transfer portal to Louisville to reunite with Jeff Brohm, opening the door for Sam Jackson to transfer in from TCU. While Jackson doesn't have the arm of Plummer, he has the playmaking ability to add another dimension to this Cal offense. This might help with their abysmal running game, which finished dead last in the conference. Jaydn Ott returns for his sophomore season at running back behind an offensive line returning three starters.

2022 Season Review

Record: 4-8 Conf. Finish: 9th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Will Jaydn Ott live up to his potential?

Jaydn Ott

Photo by Jake Curtis via Sports Illustrated

Overview

California lacks a sense of direction as a football program right now. Justin Wilcox's tenure has been inconsistent and confusing at times, and there are questions about whether the athletic department even Head Coach Justin Wilcox's cares about football. Cal has M.O. at Cal has been defense. managed to attract some This made it all the more talented players to its roster. surprising to see the Golden However not having a sense Bears get shredded for 430 of direction can be a killer in yards a game in 2022. the power five, and Cal has a Fortunately for Cal fans, brutal schedule. If they get Wilcox did an excellent job into some trouble early, addressing this in the transfer Wilcox could be fired. Does portal, snagging linebackers the program care enough to Sergio Allen from Clemson make a move? Either way, it is and David Reese from Florida. difficult to picture a happy Their additions make a ending for this team, and lackluster recruiting class a even more difficult to imagine little easier to swallow. a bowl.

Defense

After breaking out for 274 yards versus Arizona last season, Ott had a very quiet rest of the year.

Despite that massive stat line, he ended up just shy of 900 yards on the season. He was still phenomenal for a freshman, but he showed flashes of being something incredible for this team.

2023 Schedule @ UNT Sept. 2 Sept. 9 AUburn Sept. 16 Idaho Sept. 23 @ Wash Sept. 30 ASU OCt. 7 Or ST @ Utah OCt. 14 OCt. 28 USC NOv. 4 @ Oregon NOv. 11 Wash ST NOv. 18 @ Stan NOv. 25 @ UCLA

97

Stanford 88

HEAD COACH: Troy Taylor OC: Troy Taylor DC: Bobby April

Cardinal Bruins

Offense Troy Taylor's hiring should immediately raise the ceiling for what this Stanford offense is capable of doing. Last season Taylor's Hornets averaged a blistering 47.6 points per game, and demolished opponents on the ground. This team is ripe with offensive potential. Leading rusher Casey Filkins and star Tight End Benjamin Yurosek announced they would return for another season on the farm. Quarterback Ari Patu will be interesting to watch develop, as he spent two years studying behind Tanner Mckee, and hasn't had much opportunity to show what he can do. This offense will be Stanford's strength,

Defense

Once the clear identity for this program, Stanford's defense has fallen off dramatically over the last five seasons. The Cardinal decided to take a chance on Bobby April as defensive coordinator, the highest position he's ever held on a team. April has some help coming in, with four-star Corner Jshawn FraustoRamos who will instantly compete for a starting position.

98

Rank

2022 Season Review

Record: 3-9 Conf. Finish: 11th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Is Ari Patu the next great Stanford passer?

Casey Filkins

Overview

Photo by Bob Drebin via Stanford Athletics

The Cardinal have lots of issues to fix on both sides of the ball and have clearly committed to a full rebuilding process with Troy Taylor. It should still be promising to Stanford fans that they managed to lure in a California legend that appears to be in for the long haul.

Moving on from long-time Head Coach David Shaw will be difficult, and there is a chance that things get ugly this season. But, things were ugly last season too, so this should be nothing new in Palo Alto. With that being said, Stanford has enough talent flowing through their program to win a few conference games, especially if things start clicking defensively.

Coming out of high school, scouts said that Patu had NFL upside. A full season under center with an offensive coach will show if he's ready to step up. Keep an eye on it, Stanford has produced some pretty good quarterbacks over the years. A good year could mean an NFL contract.

2023 Schedule Sept. 1 @ Hawai'i Sept. 9 @ USC Sept. 16 Sac St Sept. 23 Arizona Sept. 30 Oregon OCt. 13 @ COlo OCt. 21 UCLA OCt. 28 Wash NOv. 4 @ Wash ST NOv. 11 @ Or St NOv. 18 Cal NOv. 25 ND

Pac-12 Predictions The The Pac-12 ACC 2023 Projected Standings 1. USC 12-1 (9-0)* 2. Oregon 10-3 (8-1)* 3. Oregon State 9-3 (6-3) 4. Utah 8-4 (6-3) 5. Washington 8-4 (5-4) 6. Arizona 7-5 (5-4) 7. UCLA 7-5 (5-4) 8. Colorado 5-7 (3-6) 9. Washington State 5-7 (3-6) 10. Arizona STate 4-8 (2-7) 11. Stanford 3-9 (1-8) 12. California 3-9 (1-8) *Qualified for Conference championship game

Fight on

For Oregon, it will be the latest in a long string of USC has been impossible to heartbreaking losses. It will ignore this offseason. Their also serve as another sign of acquisition of elite talent has progression under Lanning. realized everyone's fears Oregon's defensive talent is with Lincoln Riley going to up to par, but the offense has Los Angeles. I have USC in to re-discover itself under the Pac-12 championship Will Stein. That shouldn't be game, playing a very talented a problem for the Ducks Oregon team. This time, as much longer. The Trojans will long as Caleb Williams stays soon be out of town, and healthy, USC should win a Oregon will be the consensus Pac-12 title on their way out. favorite down the line.

Pac-12 Championship vs

Winner: USC

99

The sec 2022 SEC Standings

West

1. Georgia 2. Tennessee 3. South Carolina 4. Kentucky 5. Florida 6. Missouri 7. Vanderbilt

East

1. LSU 2. Alabama 3. Mississippi State 4. Ole Miss 5. Arkansas 6. Auburn 7. Texas A&M

PAVING THE WAY 16 100

Key Number

The number of teams that the SEC will need to accommodate once Texas and Oklahoma come to town.

No one knows what it will look like.

Divisions? Pods? Only time will tell.

Conference Picks MVP: Jayden Daniels

DPOY: Jamon Dumas-Johnson

OPOY: Quinshon Judkins

Newcomer: Caleb Downs

The SEC has eliminated any room for interpretation of who the best conference in college football is. Georgia's national title this year marked the fourth straight championship from this conference, and the fifth out of the past six seasons. An SEC team has been featured in every championship game but one since 2006.

Recruiting has been so dominant that they have ten of the twenty-five most talented rosters in college football. This isn't to say that the league is completely devoid of parody, you still have to play the games. Heck, Texas A&M has a top-five roster and lost to Appalachian State last season. However the media rights deals becoming increasingly skewed toward the SEC will not help, and neither will Texas and Oklahoma coming to town.

With so much more money being pumped into these programs, we could be approaching an era where the other conferences (aside from the Big Ten) will be unable to match the contracts and NIL deals being thrown around. The result is the unprecedented success

Biggest Non-Conference Games Sept. 2 sept. 2 Sept. 3 Sept. 9 Sept. 9 sept. 9 Sept. 16 sept. 23

LSU vs FLorida State florida @ utah South Carolina vs N Carolina Texas A&M @ Miami texas @ Alabama Vanderbilt @ wake forest Kansas state @ Missouri utsa @ tennessee

2 Big Questions How will the SEC split divisions?

Carson Beck Photo via Getty Images

from the SEC. Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee could all be legit playoff contenders. Texas A&M and Auburn have the talent to do so, and wildcard teams like South Carolina and Ole Miss always do more with less.

Every team top to bottom will be competitive this season.

The SEC offers the highest standard of college football in the country.

When Oklahoma and Texas join the conference, it is unclear how they will divide the teams up. Divisions?

Pods? Permanent rivals?

Nobody knows at this point.

Will two SEC teams make the playoffs?

The SEC managed to cannibalize themselves enough to only get Georgia into the field of four last season. Yet the Big Ten slid two of its teams into the playoffs right under their noses.

Will the SEC return to its two team playoff ways in 2023?

101

Georgia

Huskies Bulldogs

Dynasty Dawgs

With their second straight national title, Georgia has cemented itself in history.

They are the first team to win back-to-back championships since Alabama in 2012. The natural line of questioning would lead one to ask the question, is Georgia a dynasty? In the previous six seasons, they have won two national titles, been to three title games, and won five New Year's Six games and two SEC Championships. For some, this might be enough to hang up the dynasty banners, but I'm not quite convinced yet. I look at recent history for a comparable stretch of football to measure up to Georgia's. The one that immediately stands out is Clemson football from 20152019. During that time, the Tigers won two titles, went to four, won five New Year's six games and five ACC titles. So Clemson has arguably a better resume, down to the undefeated national title season Clemson had in 2017 102

2022 Season Review Record: 15-0 Conf. Finish: 1st Rank: 1st

to match Georgia's most recent year. With the benefit of hindsight, I don't consider that Clemson run a dynasty.

It's only fair to hold Georgia to the same standard. For them to make that jump, I think the Bulldogs will need to win another title. Luckily for Georgia, they have the infrastructure in place to do just that. Kirby Smart, in a lot of ways has molded this program to echo what Alabama has been doing.

It's impressive that he has appeared to pull it off, as plenty of Saban's former assistants have tried the same thing, and none of them have been as successful.

2

Key Number

The number of SEC championships Georgia has under Kirby Smart. This is a shockingly small number considering the success they've had.

They'll be hungry for another.

HEAD COACH: Kirby Smart OFF. COORDINATOR: Mike Bobo DEF. COORDINATOR: Will Muschamp

Offense

Todd Monken is off to the NFL, and Mike Bobo is the new offensive coordinator for the dawgs. Brock Bowers is the most hyped tight end since the Kyle Pitts craze that took over in 2020. Georgia did not do much in the portal, but they did land a pair of elite wide receivers; Dominic Lovett and Rara Thomas. As for quarterback, every indication is that Carson Beck will start for the Bulldogs. If you want to know how good the offensive line will be, go watch a few plays of the national title game.

Rank Rank

2023 Schedule UTM Sept. 2 Ball ST Sept. 9 SCar Sept. 16 UAB Sept. 23 Sept. 30 @ Auburn OCt. 7 Kentucky OCt. 14 @ Vandy Florida OCt. 28 NOv. 4 Missouri NOv. 11 Ole Miss NOv. 18 @ Tenn NOv. 25 @ Ga Tech

Kamari Lassiter Photo by Todd Kirkland via Getty Images

Overview

People have explored many avenues to poke holes in Georgia's odds at a threepeat. They're breaking in a Will Muschamp seamlessly new quarterback, they lost maintained the best defense Jordan Davis and Nolan in the country. For a defense Smith, you will hear it all. of this caliber, returning 70% Honestly, I think the best of their production is... scary. argument against the threeKamari Lassiter, Jamon peat is history. No team has Dumas-Johnson, Malaki won three straight national Starks, and I could go on. titles since 1936. Georgia was There is a disgusting amount a couple of feet away from of professional talent here. losing to Ohio State last year, The number of teams that can and that's how close it could beat this team on the be this season. But that's all schedule is frighteningly speculation, what we do know small. My only question for is the defense will be elite them, is whether or not again, and the offense will another team is willing to give crush inferior opponents. It Muschamp a head coaching would take someone either job. No surprises here, this brave or stupid to pick defense will be elite. against this team.

Defense

1 14

2 Big Questions Does Muschamp get hired away?

Will Muschamp already flamed out at Florida, and then at South Carolina as a head coach. After a very impressive year as the defensive coordinator, one more could see him field some more offers.

Why is the schedule so easy?

Georgia has a soft schedule. It is not entirely their fault, as the SEC East has failed to challenge them recently, but some point out that their soft non-conference schedule is also to blame.

103

Alabama

Crimson Huskies Tide

What it's All About

104

The Alabama Crimson Tide was told that their season was over. They did not make the playoffs, they couldn't beat LSU or Tennessee. They struggled on the road all season and were nothing but a disappointment. The Tide waltzed into the Sugar Bowl as narrow favorites versus a red-hot Kansas State team, primed for an upset win.

Bettors flocked to Vegas to put all their money on the Wildcats. Bryce Young and Will Anderson Jr., were. certainly done playing college football. Both players were projected to be first-round draft picks, and it was all but guaranteed they would forego a meaningless bowl game and declare for the NFL draft. After all, that's the increasingly common trend among college stars when their team misses the playoff.

So it was surprising to all when the stars for Alabama rolled into New Orleans suited up to play. The Crimson Tide got off to a slow start but pulled away in the

2022 Season Review

Record: 11-2 Conf. Finish: 4th Rank: 5th

second quarter, beating Kansas State 45-20. It was an impressive bucking of a trend that has been deteriorating the quality of college football's postseason.

Despite what others may try to tell you, bowl games do still matter. I believe that the decision by Young and Anderson is not only an excellent reflection of the character of those two players but also the quality and health of Nick Saban's program. Alabama faces more pressure to win the national title than any other team in college football, so if anyone could call bowl games meaningless, it would be him. But nope, Saban has continued to display respect and humility for the sport that you don't see very often.

5

Key Number The number of road games that Alabama has on the schedule in 2023. This includes a tricky road game at South Florida in week three... gross.

HEAD COACH: Nick Saban OFF. COORDINATOR: Tommy Rees DEF. COORDINATOR: Kevin Steele

Offense

Replacing Bryce Young at quarterback is an unenviable task, but Alabama has a long history of making and winning title games with first-year quarterbacks. Ty Simpson and Jalen Milroe were duking it out for the starting quarterback and then Tyler Buchner joined the fray from Notre Dame to reunite with Tommy Rees. Ja'Corey Brooks, and Jermaine Burton will be back to catch the ball, along with CJ Dippre from Maryland who could transform into a star tight end. Jase McClellan has been waiting for his turn, and will finally get to be the guy at running back.

Defense

The defense collapsed in key moments last year, and Saban has been hard at work trying to fix the issues on this side of the football. New Defensive Coordinator Kevin Steele is in place to allow Saban to do what he wants to do with Dallas Turner, KoolAid Mckinstry and Malachi Moore. Stars are everywhere on this defense. The most exciting young player to watch will be Caleb Downs, who many are comparing to Minkah Fitzpatrick.

6 14

Rank Rank

2023 Schedule

Jase McClellan Photo via Alabama Athletics

Overview

Nick Saban had his hands full this offseason. Tasked with dealing with a pair of underwhelming coordinators, and losing the best prospects in the country, there was lots of work to be done. But in typical Saban fashion, he loaded up on the number one recruiting class, replaced both coordinators and got another quarterback from the portal to throw into the mix. I will be high on the Tide no matter who rolls out as the signal caller, but I am leaning toward Buchner being the guy. I also believe the defense will improve this year, with Saban having a bigger say in how things are executed.

Alabama has never missed the playoffs in back to back seasons. They will be back in the hunt this year.

Sept. 2 MTSU Sept. 9 Texas Sept. 16 @ USF Sept. 23 Ole Miss Sept. 30 @ Miss St OCt. 7 @ TAMU OCt. 14 Arkansas OCt. 21 Tennessee NOv. 4 LSU NOv. 11 @ UK NOv. 18 UTC NOv. 25 @ Auburn

2 Big Questions Will their road woes go away?

Calling Alabama's road struggles "woes" is a bit of a stretch. The Tide were formerly superhuman in road games and have since regressed to just good.

Will they continue to look vulnerable away from Bryant-Denny Stadium in 2023?

Is Caleb Downs really that good?

Yes. Plain and simple.

People around Tuscaloosa wouldn't be comparing him to Minkah Fitzpatrick unless he was the real deal.

105

LSU Is he a good fit now?

106

The LSU head coach sweepstakes was a long and exciting process. Big names were being mentioned as candidates to replace Ed Orgeron. James Franklin, Jimbo Fisher, and Dave Aranda were all names getting tossed into the ring. I would say many were taken aback by the news that Brian Kelly would be leaving his post at Notre Dame, where he had been for the last twelve years, to coach LSU. What ensued was one of the stupidest sagas I have ever seen. First came Kelly's introduction to LSU at one of the Tigers basketball games, where he took the mic and spoke directly to the fans.

People picked apart the introduction and pointed out that Kelly appeared to have an accent that they had never heard during his time at South Bend (No, sadly, I'm not joking). This prompted an internet outcry about how Kelly was acting weird, and a "bad culture fit" with the

Tigers Huskies 2022 Season Review

Record: 10-4 Conf. Finish: 2nd Rank: 16th

Tigers. Then came the video.

During a recruiting visit, Kelly and a recruit filmed a dancing video together to promote the program and keep the recruit interested.

People used this as evidence to shore up their thoughts on Kelly's inadequacies to be the coach at LSU. Then football started. LSU won ten games and beat out Alabama, winning the SEC West. LSU capped off their season with a dominant bowl win over Purdue. Suddenly, nobody seems to care about dancing videos or accents. Kinda funny how that works, isn't it?

43

Key Number

The number of times Jayden Daniels was sacked in 2022. That is really really bad. Letting your quarterback get hit that often is not very sustainable.

HEAD COACH: Brian Kelly OFF. COORDINATOR: Mike Denbrock DEF. COORDINATOR: Matt House

Offense

The offensive line has to be better. LSU allowed over three sacks a game and there's no guarantee returning quarterback Jayden Daniels can take that kind of a beating again. This offensive line stays virtually the same as last season. They will have to bank on experience and cohesion to get noticeable Harold Perkins Jr improvement. The running Photo via ESPN Stats and Info back room runs deep and four to five different backs could Brian Kelly is no stranger to get meaningful snaps this high expectations. That's season. From a receiving precisely what they will be standpoint, it will be the Malik faced with in 2023. Subpar Nabers show once again. offensive line play appeared to be what held the Tigers The Tigers have some back from being a serious playmakers on this consistently great team. It side of the football. Harold showed in games versus Perkins Jr. flashed his Texas A&M and especially superstar potential and he's against Georgia. To take that joined by four transfers that next step, the consistency could carve out starting roles. must be there up front.

The best of which are Omar Defensively, things are Speights at linebacker and coming together real nice.

Darian Chestnut at defensive The Tigers have several back. Chestnut makes a closers on that side of the secondary that already ball capable of putting a game returns Major Burns and Greg on ice. Brian Kelly should Brooks Jr. look even more have LSU back up near the daunting. With so many young top of the SEC West. players coming along, LSU's However, things might come already overachieving down to the fact that they defense could continue its play the Crimson Tide in ascension.

Tuscaloosa this year.

Overview

Defense

12 14

Rank Rank

2023 Schedule FSU Sept. 3 Sept. 9 Gram ST Sept. 16 @ Miss St Sept. 23 Ark Sept. 30 @ Miss OCt. 7 @ Missouri OCt. 14 Auburn OCt. 21 Army NOv. 4 @ Alabama NOv. 11 FLorida NOv. 18 Ga State NOv. 25 TAMU

2 Big Questions How much is riding on week one?

FSU-LSU is one of the most hyped games of the offseason. If the Tigers can squeak by, they will be favored in every game until they play Alabama in early November.

Could Nussmeier end up playing?

If the offensive line doesn't get things together, there's a high chance Daniels goes down with an injury. If he does, is Garrett Nussmeier ready to fill in? I expected him to transfer, but the fact that he stuck around is nice.

107

Tennessee

Volunteers Huskies

From Zero to hero

108

After being one of the most prolific offenses in all of college football for 2022, several key players for the Volunteers got some serious draft buzz. Hendon Hooker was considered a quality quarterback prospect, Jalin Hyatt was as high as receiver one on some draft boards, and Darnell Wright was a top offensive tackle. However, some concerns caused Hooker and Hyatt to drop considerably lower than they were projected, and concerns were expressed about how high Wright was taken. All these concerns orbit around the idea that the system at Tennessee made them look better than they actually are. I don't know if there can be a higher level of praise given to Josh Heupel, than NFL scouts citing his system as something that makes pedestrian players look like stars. The effect of Heupel's system has been felt at the college level as well. Hooker,

2022 Season Review Record: 11-2 Conf. Finish: 3rd Rank: 6th

for example, was considered washed when he came to Knoxville, after an underwhelming pair of seasons at Virginia Tech.

After two years in the Tennessee system, he was getting traction for Heisman.

Joe Milton brings a similar story to campus. At Michigan, Milton was considered a hugely disappointing passer. Nobody gave a second thought when he transferred away. Now, with the small sample size he provided at the end of last season, Milton looks very dangerous.

46.1

Key Number

The number of points per game Tennessee averaged in 2022. This was good enough for number one in the SEC and resulted in their first New Year's Six win since 2004.

HEAD COACH: Josh Heupel OFF. COORDINATOR: Joey Halzle DEF. COORDINATOR: Tim Banks

Offense

Josh Heupel will be coaching this offense, so it will be good. "Bazooka" Joe Milton has earned his nickname from his dazzling deep balls that he has been delivering since last November. Dont'e Thornton joins the team as a transfer from Oregon. He will battle with electric returners Joe Milton III Squirrel White, Bru McCoy, Photo by Eric Espada via Getty Images and Ramel Keyton for playing time at receiver. The line will If Tennessee had a better need to replace a couple of secondary, they would have starters but are well equipped made the college football to do so. playoff. I can rave all day about Heupel's offense and Tennessee needs to address the scheme that they run, but the pass defense. Landing it really boils down to the Gabriel Jeudy from BYU was a secondary. The defense as a good start but that's whole may be even further seemingly where things behind than they appear, as stopped as far as fixing the the secondary was so secondary. The Volunteers thoroughly torched, that need to bank on Wesley teams haven't tried to expose Walker and Kamal Hadden to the run defense. Either way, really develop well in Tim this is what I opted to track in Bank's system. As far as the offseason and Tennessee stopping the run, Tennessee did not do a lot. A pair of was excellent last season and decently rated freshmen and added three more players a backup cornerback from the through the portal that could portal just isn't enough to fix help. Keenan Pili also comes the 127th-ranked pass from BYU and will be an defense in the country. instant starter at linebacker. Tennessee will be really good, The defense will be solid, but but the defense is not will it be enough? championship-caliber.

Overview

Defense

14 14

Rank Rank

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 Virginia Sept. 9 APSU Sept. 16 @ Florida Sept. 23 UTSA Sept. 30 SCAR OCt. 14 TAMU OCt. 21 @ Alabama OCt. 28 @ UK NOv. 4 UCONN NOv. 11@ Missouri NOv. 18 Georgia NOv. 25 Vandy

2 Big Questions Is this the end of field storming?

The SEC is mulling new and harsher punishments for storming the field going forward, including vacating wins. Does this mean Tennessee's field storm versus Alabama last season is one of the last we'll see?

Do Virginia and UTSA have a shot?

A handful of teams with sneaky upset potential litter the Volunteer's schedule. This also includes Uconn, who Tennessee plays in November.

109

South Carolina Gamecocks Huskies

Shade and Sunglasses

110

South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer is the type of guy to make headlines frequently. His boisterous, over-the-top attitude and high energy, make every post game interview entertaining.

One of his more notable antics this past season came after Mark Stoops appeared to throw shade at Beamer in an interview with SEC Network. In the interview, Stoops was discussing what it takes to overhaul a culture at a program. He said that wearing "stupid sunglasses" and doing a dance are not sustainable for building a culture. Beamer, who is known for occasionally dawning a pair of Pit Viper sunglasses, took this as a personal jab. Beamer stayed quiet about it publicly. South Carolina went on the road to play Kentucky during the regular season, and shocked the thirteenth-ranked Wildcats 24-14. After the game, while celebrating in the locker room, Beamer kept

2022 Season Review Record: 8-5 Conf. Finish: 6th Rank: 23rd

receipts. He called for the attention of his team and called out Stoops for his comments, before proceeding to whip out those same sunglasses. The locker room turned up to Turn My Swag On by Soulja Boy. Stoops later would claim the comments weren't directed at Beamer and South Carolina, but that's not the point. Beamer has the Gamecocks playing with a chip on their shoulder.

They've crushed their projected win total each of the last two seasons, and are now being overlooked again.

Many call this style of scrappy play "Beamer Ball." It has this team feeling like they can beat anyone in the nation.

3

Key Number

The number of ranked opponents South Carolina defeated in 2022.

This included wins over number five Tennessee and number eight Clemson late in the year.

HEAD COACH: Shane Beamer OFF. COORDINATOR: Dowell Loggains DEF. COORDINATOR: Clayton White

Offense

Despite some rumors that he might transfer, Spencer Rattler will be back, which is key for new offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains.

The loss of MarShawn Lloyd hurts, but Juju Mcdowell and Dakereon Joyner collectively bring enough experience to offset that loss. Antwane Wells Jr. is back after some great performances to end last season and will be a threat on the outside. There are no glaring concerns along the offensive front. I don't see that position group becoming an overwhelming strength or weakness.

Defense

The Gamecocks had a handful of defensive duds throughout the 2022 campaign. It was often the running game that hurt them.

They landed some long-term help with the addition of Nyckoles Harbor, the number one athlete in the 2023 recruiting cycle. He might not contribute for a few seasons.

There is not a lot of starting continuity, but definitely a veteran presence along the defensive front. Tyreek Johnson has been with the team since 2019. That kind of experience will help.

21 14

Rank Rank

2023 Schedule UNC Sept. 2 Furman Sept. 9 Sept. 16 @ Georgia Sept. 23 Miss St Sept. 30 @ Tenn OCt. 14 Florida OCt. 21 @ Missouri OCt. 28 @ TAMU NOv. 4 JVSU NOv. 11 Vandy NOv. 18 Kentucky NOv. 25 Clemson

Antwane Wells Jr

Photo by Gary McCullough via Associated Press

Overview

South Carolina was feeling invincible after their wins over Clemson and Tennessee, but since then have come back down to Earth. A bowl loss to Notre Dame was followed by an offseason where the Gamecocks saw several high-profile players leave via the portal. Jordan Burch, MarShawn Lloyd, and Austin Stogner just to name a few. Beamer managed to pick up the pieces and perform well, capping it off with the 16th-ranked recruiting class.

It was an offseason full of highs and lows, and I'd say they came out the other end a slightly better team. South Carolina should once again outperform expectations and turn in another great year.

2 Big Questions Can they beat Clemson again?

A comeback win in Death Valley was one of the highlights of last season, but Clemson will most likely be favored again when they come to Columbia in November.

South Carolina hasn't beat Clemson for back-to-back seasons since 2013. Can they end the drought?

Who produces at tight end?

With Stogner gone, South Carolina got three tight ends from the portal.

Who will step up and become the starter?

111

Ole Miss

Rebels Huskies

Please don't go

112

If you have been watching college football during the past ten years, you probably have an opinion on Lane Kiffin. Fans in Knoxville and Los Angeles might have stronger opinions than others, but overall Kiffin is the type of figure that is very polarizing. He often doesn't beat around the bush and ultimately, he's always looking out for the next opportunity. This offseason, the job at Auburn was available, and Kiffin was a name linked to the vacancy from the jump. What ensued was an exhausting saga of false reports, alleged interviews, and ratios on Twitter. Things ended with Kiffin not taking the job, signing an extension to stay with Ole Miss. There are conflicting reports about how close Kiffin was to becoming the coach at Auburn. The coach himself of course has downplayed the whole situation. Either way, this series of events may have served as a reality check for

2022 Season Review Record: 8-5 Conf. Finish: 7th Rank: Unranked

the Rebels. Lane Kiffin has built an impressive system in Oxford, and at any point, if he were to leave, it could look something like Lincoln Riley's departure from Oklahoma. The rumors of Kiffin joining the Tigers got so intense that people began speculating about which guys would leave to join him. Outstanding true sophomore Running Back Quinshon Judkins was one of those names flying around. Whatever Kiffin's intentions were with his actions, it resulted in long-term security at Ole Miss.

35

Key Number

The number of players that have transferred to Ole Miss in the last two seasons. Kiffin is a strong allure for players. Him leaving would be very detrimental to the roster.

HEAD COACH: Lane Kiffin OFF. COORDINATOR: John David Baker DEF. COORDINATOR: Pete Golding

Offense

I will give $100 to anyone who can predict the starting quarterback at Ole Miss.

Spencer Sanders, Jaxson Dart, and Walker Howard are all up in the air to be the guy under center. The Rebels return eight starters and also added three additional portal guys that will start. Of them, tight end Caden Prieskorn from Memphis is the guy to get the most excited about.

Up front, this team will be good at protecting the passer, as usual. Quinshon Judkins should have an excellent encore season as the go-to back.

Defense

Pete Golding was snatched up by Kiffin after the 39-yearold defensive coordinator was fired from Alabama.

Golding will get a chance at redemption with a defense that needs some work. There are nine new faces on this defense via the portal, and most notably four in the secondary, which will be a point of emphasis for the Rebels. Zamari Walton from Georgia Tech is the name they are most excited about, and he will start at cornerback, and serve as a veteran leader for the defense.

24 14 Rank Rank

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 Mercer Sept. 9 @ Tulane Sept. 16 GA Tech Sept. 23 @ Bama Sept. 30 LSU OCt. 7 Arkansas OCt. 21 @ Auburn OCt. 28 Vandy NOv. 4 TAMU NOv. 11 @ Georgia NOv. 18 UlM NOv. 23 @ Miss St

Caden Prieskorn Photo via Ole Miss Athletics

Overview

2022 was perceived as a bit of a transition year for Ole Miss. Now that this team is past the Auburn drama, they can get to work on figuring out how to navigate an increasingly difficult SEC West. Of the three options that Ole Miss currently has at quarterback, I would guess that Sanders gets the start, and the Rebels have their typical potent passing game.

They also will have the unenviable task of playing both Alabama and Georgia this season, both on the road.

Hiring Golding was a gamble, but I think it will pay dividends on defense. Ole Miss is going to get their swagger back. They should be a threat to the big dogs.

2 Big Questions Could Ole Miss get caught looking ahead?

The game circled in red on the Rebel's schedule will be that late September game in Tuscaloosa, but with so much focus on the Crimson Tide, could they overlook the Green Wave?

Tulane is a great team, and. beat the Big 12 champions last season.

Is there more to the Golding hire?

Was hiring Saban's excoordinator a calculated move to get intel on Alabama? At this point, I wouldn't put anything past Kiffin.

113

Auburn

HEAD COACH: Hugh Freeze

Tigers

OC: Phillip Montgomery DC: Ron Roberts

Offense

In a late portal addition, Auburn finally got another quarterback. Payton Thorne comes to campus and is the presumed starter. This has been made clear by the Tigers determination to get another guy from the portal. This will be one of the most talented and underrated offenses in the SEC. Having Caleb Burton and Nick Mardner catching the ball is enough to make any offensive coordinator's mouth water. Many project this offensive line to be a strength. Transfer Brian Battie and returner Jarquez Hunter will put together an intimidating rushing attack.

114

Rank

2022 Season Review Record: 5-7 Conf. Finish: 13th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question What changes in Freeze's second go?

Nehemiah Pritchett Photo via Auburn Athletics

Overview

Auburn is a nightmare team for preview magazine season.

It is known that they possess the talent to compete with the best teams in the SEC, and they have developed a reputation as a team that The Auburn defense randomly pops off a ten-win operated at a decent level in 2022, especially considering season. Looking at their their awful offense. The Tigers additions through the portal loaded up the front seven with Hugh Freeze's track with transfers, and Justin record in the SEC, there's Rogers will lead the way as a reason to be very excited former four-star nose tackle. about what this team is Auburn boasts a wealth of capable of. With the way their experience in the secondary schedule is built, they'll have and returns five players who a chance to build some played a lot of snaps last serious momentum for the season. Look for Nehemiah gauntlet they play during the Pritchett in particular to step middle months. Hugh Freeze up as a leader, as he's been a should have Auburn back big part of the defense for the upright, looking scary for the last three seasons. coming years.

Defense

27

When Hugh Freeze was coaching Ole Miss from 2012-2016, the Rebels had one of the conference's best offenses, with a pedestrian and sometimes downright awful defense.

Freeze appeared to address this by hiring Ron Roberts away from Baylor and putting him in charge of the defense.

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 Umass @ Cal Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Samford Sept. 23 @ TAMU Sept. 30 Georgia OCt. 14 @ LSU OCt. 21 Ole Miss OCt. 28 Miss St NOv. 4 @ Vandy NOv. 11 @ Ark NOv. 18 NMSU NOv. 25 Alabama

Missouri

HEAD COACH: Eliah Drinkwitz OC: Kirby Moore DC: Blake Baker

Tigers

Offense

If you were looking for a side of the ball that held this team back in 2022, this was it.

Brady Cook did not perform well enough to cement himself as the guy and Jake Garcia came in as a former four-star to battle for starting quarterback. Whoever ends up winning the job will operate behind an offensive line with big questions to answer after allowing 26 sacks last season. The biggest win for this offense in the offseason was landing former five-star receiver, Theo Wease from Oklahoma, who aims to replace the production of Dominic Lovett, who shipped off to Georgia.

Rank

2022 Season Review Record: 6-7 Conf. Finish: 10th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question What does Jake Garcia bring to town?

Ty'Ron Hopper Photo via Sports Illustrated

Overview

Missouri has had back-toback six win seasons that ended in a bowl loss and a losing record. However, everything around Columbia suggests this team is making strides in the right direction.

Outside of Georgia and Missouri was dead last in run Alabama, no team in the SEC defense two seasons ago, and was as good at stopping the one of the best this last year. run as Missouri. The Tigers are Drinkwitz acknowledged their also top ten in the nation in offensive failures and took a returning defensive chance on promising young production. Ty'Ron Hopper Offensive Coordinator Kirby became the eighth returning Moore. Losing a pair of critical starter when he announced skill guys on offense is a his decision to come back in tough blow, so the Tigers are mid-January. While the run banking a lot on Moore's defense was elite, there is success calling plays. Missouri room to grow defending the is a dark horse in the East, but pass, and Daylan Carnell will a brutal stretch near early look to build off of a breakout November will likely expose year at corner back. them as pretenders.

Defense

36

Jake Garcia transferred in from Miami to challenge Brady Cook for the job, and there are a few key traits that might give him separation. Garcia is a slightly more aggressive passer and while not a mobile quarterback, is elusive enough to buy himself extra time in the pocket.

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 S. Dakota MTSU Sept. 9 Sept. 16 KSU Sept. 23 TBD Sept. 30 @ Vandy OCt. 7 LSU OCt. 14 @ UK OCt. 21 SCar NOv. 4 @ Georgia NOv. 11 Tenn NOv. 18 FLorida NOv. 25 @ Ark

115

Texas A&M 39

HEAD COACH: Jimbo Fisher OC: Bobby Petrino DC: DJ Durkin

Aggies

Offense

In one of the most eyebrowraising moves of the offseason, Texas A&M hired Bobby Petrino to serve as offensive coordinator. This was needed, as the Aggies offense was hot garbage in 2022. Conner Weigman will be the guy, so there is more clarity at quarterback. Evan Stewart is a clear top receiver and a future star. The offensive line is young, talented and promising. Not having the explosiveness of Devon Achane at running back will be tough, but true freshman Rueben Owens II could be just as lethal on the ground.

Defense

Identifying the issue is very simple for this defense. In conference, they were dead last in rushing defense and first in passing defense.

Clearly overloading on talent doesn't automatically make a defense roll. The Aggies saw a lot of talent walk out the door in the transfer portal but now will have some clarity on defense. Walter Nolen, Shemar Stewart and Demani Richardson need to step up and be playmakers. There is no shortage of talent here, but they must find cohesion.

116

Rank

2022 Season Review Record: 5-7 Conf. Finish: 13th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question

Is Jimbo's fate at A&M already sealed?

Evan Stewart

Photo by Timm Hamm via Sports Illustrated

Overview

If you're a believer in the concept of '"addition by subtraction," then you will really like this Aggies team.

Texas A&M shipped out 31 guys in the transfer portal, and still has one of the more talented rosters in college football. Losing talent is broadly seen as a bad thing and clearing things out has seemingly simplified things. A tipping point will be the success of Petrino as the offensive play caller. We will also see if Jimbo can fight the urge to take back play-calling duties. It is hard to bet against this team, but there's enough dysfunction that I will remain cautious about picking them for more than six or seven wins.

It seemed like a foregone conclusion this offseason that if Jimbo Fisher did not have such a massive buyout, he would be gone from College Station.

There was very little discourse about him having any job security.

Are things already etched in stone for Jimbo, or can he win the boosters back?

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 UNM @ Miami Sept. 9 Sept. 16 ULM Sept. 23 Auburn Sept. 30 Ark Alabama OCt. 7 OCt. 14 @ Tenn OCt. 28 Scar NOv. 4 @ Ole Miss NOv. 11 Miss St ACU NOv. 18 @ LSU NOv. 25

Kentucky 40

HEAD COACH: Mark Stoops OC: Liam Coen DC: Brad White

Wildcats

Offense

Devin Leary rides in from Raleigh to play quarterback, instantly softening the blow of losing Will Levis. However, it will not mean much if this team can't figure out how to protect him. Transfers Ben Christman and Marques Cox will try to improve an offensive line that allowed over three sacks a game, ranking last in the SEC. Freshman All-American Barion Brown should be an excellent receiver in a decently prepared room. The backfield got severely depleted, and they will have to rely on Vanderbilt transfer Ray Davis to start.

2022 Season Review Record: 7-6 Conf. Finish: 8th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question JJ Weaver

Photo by Andy Lyons Via Getty Images

Overview

Seven wins are great for Kentucky through a historical lens but in the context of 2022, the season was a disappointment. They had a top-ranked prospect at quarterback, an elite defense, and some really solid Brad White's defense has weapons at the skill positions. been among the best in the This year, especially with the SEC during his time in addition of Devin Leary, Lexington. The Wildcats Kentucky finds itself in a return D'Eryk Jackson, Trevin similar situation. The defense Wallace, and JJ Weaver as should be even better in arguably the three biggest 2023, and the depth will give players from their defense them some wiggle room if last season. Several others injuries occur. It will again such as Maxwell Hairston got come down to how well they some serious playing time in can protect the passer. They the secondary last season. got a couple of names to help The passing defense was near with that from the portal, but the top in the SEC. However, I believe it will still be an issue there is still room to grow in that flares up causing the run defense, which is Kentucky to have another critical when playing the SEC. middling season.

Defense

Rank

Will Offensive line have a resurgence?

The Kentucky offensive line was formerly a strength under Mark Stoops but was among the worst in the nation last season. They can do all they want to attract talent in the portal, but it will come down to the scheme.

Ultimately, this season will live and die by the offensive line play.

2023 Schedule Ball ST Sept. 2 EKU Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Akron Sept. 23 @ Vandy Sept. 30 FLorida @ Georgia OCt. 7 OCt. 14 Missouri OCt. 28 Tennessee NOv. 4 @ Miss St NOv. 11 ALabama NOv. 18 @ SCAR @ UL NOv. 25

117

Arkansas

HEAD COACH: Sam Pittman OC: Dan Enos DC: Marcus Woodson

Razorbacks

Offense

Dan Enos returns to this program as offensive coordinator after the surprising departure of Kendal Briles. Enos will have the luxury of a veteran with an All-conference upside in KJ Jefferson at quarterback.

Arkansas is near the top of the SEC in roster turnover and will have Var'Keyes Gumms coming in to play tight end despite a long process. The most interesting transfer to this offense has to be Tyrone Broden, who stands as the tallest receiver in the FBS at 6'7". Lord have mercy.

118

Rank

2022 Season Review Record: 7-6 Conf. Finish: 11th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Will Jacolby Criswell perform if needed?

KJ Jefferson Photo via Arkansas Athletics

Overview

The Sam Pittman era at Arkansas has reached a key flexion point. After some clear improvement in 2020, and a huge jump in 2021, this last This defense had whispers season was a step backward of the dark days of Arkansas record-wise. I find the football last season, as they reaction to this interesting, as struggled against the pass everyone knew that the and the run. The portal was Razorbacks had a brutal used to fill out this defense, schedule, and yet acted the same as the offense. surprised when they saw a Jaheim was a big name for decrease in total wins. The this defense, as they landed coaching changes and roster Jaheim Singletary at corner overhaul this offseason can from Georgia, and Jaheim be looked at one of two ways.

Thomas as a backer from Either Arkansas has some big Cincinnati. In addition to that, issues, and they are in they also lured in three power desperation mode. Or, Sam five defensive linemen. But Pittman knows that some the cupboard is not empty, changes need to be made to Chris Paul Jr. and LaDarrius start winning again. I chose to Bishop return as contributors. lean toward the latter.

Defense

43

A big issue for Arkansas in 2022 was the health of KJ Jefferson. And in a few big moments, where he either wasn't fully healthy or couldn't play, the backups failed to deliver. Jacolby Criswell is the intended solution to this issue. If Jefferson goes down, or isn't 100%, can he win games for the Hogs?

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 WCU Kent St Sept. 9 Sept. 16 BYU Sept. 23 @ LSU Sept. 30 TAMU OCt. 7 @ Ole Miss OCt. 14 @ Bama OCt. 21 Miss St Nov. 4 @ FLorida NOv. 11 Auburn NOv. 18 FIU NOv. 25 Missouri

FLorida

HEAD COACH: billy Napier OC: Rob Sale DC: Austin Armstrong

Gators

Offense

Most concerns for this Florida team are around the offense. Graham Mertz will start at quarterback, but noticeably as a result of no competition. Ricky Pearsall and Montrell Johnson Jr. will be solid returning production at receiver and running back, which is a luxury Florida has very little of. The Gators are outside of the top 100 in returning production on offense. One of the biggest works in progress has been rebuilding this offensive line, which did not appear to be developing well in the Spring game. Florida got some backup caliber linemen from the portal that they are asking to start.

Rank

2022 Season Review Record: 6-7 Conf. Finish: 10th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Does Armstrong fit the timeline?

Jason Marshall Jr. Photo by Hannah White via Florida Athletics

Overview

The note in which Florida ended their 2022 campaign was sour. They got body bagged by Oregon State 30-3 in the Las Vegas Bowl, and ended with a losing record for a second straight season. As things start to come together The Gator's defense is also this season and you factor in unrecognizable from last what the Gators lost, versus year. Florida will be asking what they added there are guys like Jason Marshall Jr. not a lot of differences and Kamari Wilson to step between this team and the into larger roles, banking on one fielded in that bowl game. their development to pay off. They will certainly develop They will be relying on with another year in the multiple transfers to start system, but Florida is not including Teradja Mitchell primed to win games this from Ohio State, a former season. Barring a four-star linebacker. Firsttransformation from Graham year Defensive Coordinator Mertz and a stroke of genius Austin Armstrong will have his from Armstrong, Florida will hands full. be the bottom of the barrel.

Defense

45

Austin Armstrong is the replacement as defensive coordinator for Billy Napier. Armstrong is 29 years old and only has two seasons of experience as a defensive coordinator at Southern Miss. I have no doubt he will be a good coordinator down the line, but does Napier have the time to wait for that?

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 @ Utah Sept. 9 MCneese Tenn Sept. 16 UNCC Sept. 23 Sept. 30 @ UK OCt. 7 Vandy OCt. 14 @ SCar OCt. 28 Georgia NOv. 4 Arkansas NOv. 11 @ LSU NOv. 18 @ Mizzou NOv. 25 FSU

119

Mississippi State 47 HEAD COACH: Zach Arnett OC: Kevin Barbay DC: Matt Brock

Bulldogs

Offense

Zach Arnett went out and got Kevin Barbay to command this offense, a guy who has a reputation for adapting his scheme to the strength of his personnel. This likely means we will see Will Rogers slinging the rock around, trying to get playmakers Lideatrick Griffin, Jaden Walley, and Jo'quavious Marks in space to make good things happen. With a new Will Rogers Photo via Sports Illustrated scheme comes a heavier reliance on the run, and Mississippi State has been All things considered, the working on developing the fans in Starkville seem to be run blocking up front. pretty satisfied with the way Arnett is running things. The Unlike the offense, there will defense has been a strength for this team over the past not be much change on this few seasons, and many are side of the ball. Arnett has been gathering pieces for this hoping Arnett can expand defense since 2020, bringing upon that with total control. things together this year. Jett Offensively, things should be Johnson is one of just four very interesting to watch. A starters returning, but the change in scheme could be system has produced a crop difficult, but I think the of new faces ready to work.

Bulldogs have enough talent Esaias Fudge will be one of to learn quick. Will Rogers will those new faces, as he is be a savvy presence at asked to fill the shoes of quarterback and can do as Emmanuel Forbes at much as Barbay needs him to. cornerback. The Bulldogs Mississippi State will be way have also done a good job under the radar in the SEC adding depth in the West, but look for them to secondary, so they should be cause a couple of blips down in a good spot. the line.

Overview

Defense

120

Rank

2022 Season Review Record: 9-4 Conf. Finish: 5th Rank: 20th

1 Big Question Is the offensive line ready for a change?

In Barbay's offensive system, Mississippi State will be trying to run the ball a lot more. This will be a dramatic change up for a group of linemen that have been doing something completely different in Leach's air raid system. A key development will be just how long it takes for them to get adjusted.

2023 Schedule Sept. 2 SELA Arizona Sept. 9 LSU Sept. 16 Sept. 23 @ SCar Sept. 30 Alabama OCt. 7 WMU OCt. 21 @ Ark OCt. 28 @ Auburn NOv. 4 Kentucky NOv. 11 @ TAMU NOv. 18 SO Miss NOv. 23 Ole Miss

Vanderbilt 65

HEAD COACH: Clark Lea OC: Joey Lynch DC: Nick Howell

Commodores

Offense

Vanderbilt's offense had several temporary strokes of genius, layered between uninspiring sad excuses for football. It appeared that Mike Wright was their quarterback of the future until AJ Swann swooped in and took the job out from under him. Swann is younger, can protect the football well, and the Commodores are building around him.

Vanderbilt returns all three of their top receivers from last year, led by Will Sheppard who caught nine touchdowns in 2022. They return 73% of their offensive production\ but still must scheme around a massive talent gap between them and their competition.

2022 Season Review Record: 5-7 Conf. Finish: 14th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Is Vanderbilt being disrespected?

AJ Swann

Photo by Matt Melton via Fansided

Overview

Vanderbilt winning three games out of conference was meaningful for the program but is also the bare minimum.

This team shouldn't be losing to Hawaii and NIU, no matter where the game is being played. Winning two In their two conference conference games was an victories last year the defense excellent payoff, but there's played a big role for this no rest in the SEC. Offensively team. In those victories, they they will try to build, and take were able to win against advantage of the fact that Kentucky by stopping the things stayed well intact. The pass and beat Florida by defense will need to play with shutting down the run. Being a clear identity and have good able to win multiple different discipline to secure more wins ways is critical, and is a in conference. If Vanderbilt testament to the playmakers can navigate the nonVanderbilt has acquired. conference well, I think they Devin Lee and Darren Agu on can steal a few more the defensive line, and Jaylen conference games and beat Mahoney at defensive back. their win total from last year.

Defense

Rank

Despite their breakout wins toward the end of last season, Vanderbilt is still being projected to finish dead last in the SEC and is not favored in a single conference game. This is the reality that they exist in. It is going to take a lot more than just two conference wins to get out of the cellar.

2023 Schedule Aug. 26 Hawai'i AAMU Sept. 2 Sept. 9 @ Wake Sept. 16 @ uNLV Sept. 23 UK SEPT. 30 Missouri OCt. 7 @ Florida OCt. 14 Georgia OCT. 28 @ Ole Miss NOv. 4 AUburn NOv. 11 @ SCar NOv. 25 @ Tenn

121

SEC Predictions

Go DAWGS No matter which way you cut it, it always comes down to these two. Georgia has been 1-4 against Alabama since Kirby Smart took over. No matter what you think about this team, they have yet to prove they can consistently beat the Tide.

This pick doesn't necessarily boil down to anything I saw from Georgia but comes from some of the alarming signs of 122

2023 Projected Standings West 11-2 (7-1)* 1. Alabama 9-3 (6-2) 2. LSU 8-4 (5-3) 3. Texas A&M 8-4 (4-4) 4. Auburn 8-4 (4-4) 5. Ole Miss 7-5 (3-5) 6. Arkansas 7-5 (3-5) 7. Mississippi St East 1. Georgia 12-1 (7-1)* 2. Tennessee 9-3 (5-3) 3. South Carolina 8-4 (4-4) 4. Missouri 6-6 (3-5) 5. Kentucky 6-6 (2-6) 6. Florida 4-8 (2-6) 7. Vanderbilt 4-8 (1-7)

*Qualified for Conference championship game

weakness Alabama has. It speaks volumes to Nick Saban that I still have the Tide in their conference championship game. I just can't pick them over the Dawgs. Georgia will win and get a chance to make it three straight national championships.

Big Ten Championship vs

Winner: Georgia

What makes this Magazine possible Hello, it's me, Tyler. Thank you if you've made it this far I really appreciate it. If you don't already follow me on Tik Tok, that account is what makes this magazine possible. Go ahead and drop me a follow @CFBudge. That account will have updated takes and predictions from me leading up to and during the football season. Also if you want to ask me some college football questions, just message me. I am always down to talk ball and I check my notifications frequently, so it's likely I'll respond. There is also a QR code below that will take you right to my page. Thank you again, Go Beavs,

-Budge

123

The Group 5 The Bigof Ten STAYING AFLOAT

2022 G5 Champions

American

Tulane

C-USA

UTSA

MAC

Toledo

Mountain West Fresno State

Sun Belt Troy

3 124

Key Number

The number of teams that made the jump from group of five to power five this offseason. There are rumors that up to six more could be headed in the same direction soon.

The Group 5 The Bigof Ten Biggest Non-conference Games

One of the biggest lies in college football is the term Aug. 26 Ohio @ San Diego State "FBS." Saying Georgia and sept. 2 Boise State @ Washington Ball State are both FBS UTSA @ Houston Sept. 2 teams, implies that they are South Alabama @ Tulane Sept. 2 in the same division of Sept. 9 App State @ North Carolina football. This is not the case.

Sept. 9 Oklahoma @ Tulsa There was always a clear Sept. 9 Troy @ Kansas State separation in talent, power UTSA @ Tennessee Sept. 23 and money between the power five, and the group of five. For a long time, the group of five battled for national relevance in college football. The smaller schools Who goes next? had their victories in the form The Pac-12, Big 12 and of Boise State's win over ACC are on the prowl for Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl, programs that could help and Cincinnati finally get their feet back under breaking into the playoff. The them. It has been a while unfortunate truth is that any since we've had some time a group of five school realignment news. Aside became too prominent, they from the aforementioned would quickly be poached by schools, Memphis, FAU and a power five conference.

Frank Harris UNLV are some others to Photo by Charlie Blalock via SA Express News Utah, TCU and most recently keep an eye on. a trio of teams from the down the ladder. Programs Where does the NY6 American have all been have shifted from trying to team come from? snatched up. The final of the keep their conferences The American conference three moves effectively relevant, to auditioning for a has been the dominant crushed the American's promotion. Tulane, SMU, San force in producing New "power six" campaign to be Diego State, and Boise State Year's Six teams, but after considered one of the most are a handful of teams that losing three of their best prominent conferences. And have rumors swirling about programs, will another now, with the SEC and Big where they might end up. I conference make a move?

Ten beginning to separate feel like the fallout that these The Sun Belt is trending themselves from the other trends have had on small upward, so the next great power conferences, the teams has been overlooked. group of five team could smaller schools find Each day they inch closer to a come from there. themselves slinking further somber future.

2 Big Questions

125

American Picks MVP: Frank Harris

DPOY: Darius Hodges

OPOY: Moochie Dixon

Newcomer: Jaylan Knighton

Overview

126

There is no conference I am more excited to watch play out than the American. The addition of UTSA, Rice, Charlotte, North Texas, and Florida Atlantic creates a chaotic, beautiful cluster of teams that epitomize college football. My pick to win the conference will be Tulane, but I don't quite see them reaching the level required to make back-to-back New Year's Six bowls. My confidence in them is shaky, as Willie Fritz went 2-10 with a similar team in 2021. UTSA is a team I am very high on.

Frank Harris is back at quarterback for his twentyfifth season, and Jeff Traylor's offense is a thing of beauty. SMU and Rhett Lashlee should be right in the race, as they have the best portal class out of the entire group of five. JT Daniels is the starter at Rice, and Mike Bloomgren could have a payoff year for multiple seasons of building. East Carolina is my sleeper pick to win this conference. Mike Houston's Pirates have been slowly climbing up the standings each year with him at the helm. UAB and Memphis will disappoint, but

Biggest Conference Games

Sept. 30 Oct. 12 OCt. 13 oct. 21 Nov. 4 Nov. 4 Nov. 18 Nov. 25

South Florida @ Navy SMU @ East Carolina Tulane @ Memphis Memphis @ UAB UTSA @ North Texas SMU @ Rice Rice @ Charlotte UTSA @ Tulane

Projected STandings

Michael Pratt Photo via Tulane Athletics

still squeak into a bowl games. Charlotte will just make it, Biff Poggi has done wonders for them in the transfer portal. I think we could see a falloff from North Texas, where Eric Morris will struggle to get his footing in year one. It will take time for Tom Herman to turn around FAU, and Navy will be rough with a new coach. Tulsa made an aggressive move to hire Kevin Wilson, so their future

11-2 (7-1)* 1. Tulane 9-4 (7-1)* 2. UTSA 9-3 (7-1) 3. SMU 7-5 (6-2) 4. Rice 7-5 (5-3) 5. ECU 7-5 (4-4) 6. UAB 7. Memphis 6-6 (4-4) 8. Charlotte 6-6 (4-4) 6-6 (3-5) 9. N. Texas 4-8 (2-6) 10. FAU 4-8 (2-6) 11. Navy 3-9 (2-6) 12. Tulsa 13. S. Florida 3-9 (2-6) 3-9 (1-7) 14. Temple *Qualified for Conference championship game

is bright. I think the South Florida offense will be fun under Golesh, but the defense will be atrocious.

Temple football is in a rough spot. I don't see Stan Drayton winning many games in year two.

CONFERENCE USA Picks MVP: Austin Reed

DPOY: Praise Amaewhule

OPOY: Vaughn Blue

Newcomer: KalanI Norris

Overview This conference was in danger of collapsing in the middle of the offseason but made a few key moves to stay alive. They managed to convince Middle Tennessee State to stay for another year for some cash. Then they added Liberty, Sam Houston State, and Jacksonville State, then extended an invite to New Mexico State. The conference now has multiple rising programs and a decent core of teams to work with going forward. As far as this season goes, I believe it is a two-horse race. Western Kentucky has proven under Tyson Helton that they will have one of the best offenses year in and year out. Liberty had the homerun hire of the offseason in the form of former Coastal Carolina Head Coach Jamey Chadwell. The cupboard is very much full at Liberty. I expect them to avenge a regular-season loss to the Hilltoppers in the conference championship game and win the C-USA. Middle Tennessee State has a lot to build off of from an eight-win 2022. Rick Stockstill has been with the program since 2006, and are an excellent dark horse

Biggest Conference Games

Sept. 28 Sept. 28 OCt. 5 oct. 24 Nov. 4 Nov. 18 Nov. 18 Nov. 25

Sam Houston St @ J'ville St MTSU @ Western Kentucky FIU @ New Mexico State Liberty @ Western Kentucky Western Kentucky @ UTEP UTEP @ MTSU louisiana Tech @ J'ville st Liberty @ UTEP

Projected STandings

Austin Reed

Photo via Western Kentucky Athletics

candidate to make a run in this conference. UTEP is another blossoming program, that was a laughing stock in recent memory. Dana Dimel has flipped the script and has the the Miners bowl contenders every year. They are another sneaky pick if you believe the top three in this conference won't pan out.

Sam Houston State will be an interesting fit in the C-USA. They can't qualify for a bowl

10-3 (8-0)* 1. WKU 12-1 (7-1)* 2. Liberty 7-5 (5-3) 3. MTSU 7-5 (5-3) 4. UTEP 5-7 (4-4) 5. SHSU 6-7 (3-5) 6. NMSU 3-9 (2-6) 7. La Tech 2-10 (1-7) 8. JVST 2-10 (1-7) 9. FIU

*Qualified for Conference championship game

game, but I expect a solid output from a great program.

Watching Terry Kill rebuild New Mexico State has been a pleasure, and they will continue to improve.

Louisiana Tech could be on the wrong end of some ugly losses; Sonny Cumbie has to prove his head coaching mettle. Jacksonville State is not quite ready for the FBS. They will be near the bottom with FIU.

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MId-American Conference Picks MVP: Dequan Finn

DPOY: Donte Kent

OPOY: Samson Evans

Newcomer: Don Munnerlyn

Overview

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The MAC remains completely intact despite all the conference realignment. I think it's fair to say that the MAC has the clearest identity of any conference right now.

They provide fun FBS level football from teams in the midwest, and wonderful "MACtion" where you can get your college football fix on an early weekday. I believe Eastern Michigan will win the MAC this season, as Chris Creighton puts the finishing touches on an impressive rebuild. If the Eagles can win another road game against the power five they could get some legitimate traction for a New Year's Six bid. The defending MAC champions, Toledo, should be right there but inconsistency in conference will bite them.

Costing the team a shot at defending their title. I think Northern Illinois could be a fun little surprise in the West division. They are twelfth in the country in returning production and should use that to, at the very least, go bowling. Western Michigan will be a tough task to turn around for Lance Taylor.

Another down year is expected from them. Jim

Biggest Conference Games

Sept. 23 Ohio @ BOwling Green Ohio @ Northern Illinois Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Toledo @ Miami (OH) Miami (Oh) @ Ohio oct. 28 oct. 31 Buffalo @ Toledo Nov. 8 Eastern Michigan @ TOledo Nov. 21 Eastern Michigan @ Buffalo Nov. 25 Northern Illinois @ Kent State

Projected STandings

Samson Evans

Photo by Walt Middleton via Easter Michigan Athletics

McElwain has been interesting at Central Michigan. However, they have to go out and earn it. I believe Ohio will be back in the MAC championship game, but come up short again. Tim Albin has silenced some doubts, but Eastern Michigan will just be too loaded. Miami Ohio should get back up there, and be right on the Bobcats heels. Scott Loeffler at Bowling Green has done

West 1. E. Michigan 11-2 (7-1)* 9-3 (6-2) 2. Toledo 3. N. Illinois 6-6 (4-4) 4. W. Michigan 4-8 (3-5) 5. Ball State 3-9 (2-6) 6. C. Michigan 3-9 (2-6) East 1. Ohio 8-5 (7-1)* 2. Miami (OH) 8-4 (6-2) 3. BGSU 5-7 (4-4) 4. Buffalo 4-8 (3-5) 5. Kent State 3-9 (2-6) 6. Akron 3-9 (2-6) *Qualified for Conference championship game

well, but bad schedule breaks won't help. Buffalo could end up being a casualty of a chaotic conference, although I do believe Linguist is a solid coach. Kent State will struggle after getting marred by the portal Lastly, please pray for Akron football.

Mountain West Picks MVP: Taylen Green

DPOY: DJ Schramm

OPOY: Jonah Panoke

Newcomer: Jaelen Gill

Overview The Mountain West was an exceptionally weak conference last season by their usual standards. Several teams were just downright uncompetitive in the conference. Boise State is my pick to win the Mountain West, and I think Taylen Green is the most dynamic player in the conference. I've had my doubts about Andy Avalos, but the Bronco's resurgence down the stretch last year was very impressive.

I think the next tier of this conference will be a bloodbath. San Jose State will wind up getting to the conference championship game, due to of a couple tiebreakers. Brent Brennan has been inching this team closer and closer to greatness, and with Chevan Cordeiro at quarterback this team has a high ceiling. I still struggle to see them having much success out of the conference. Wyoming comes next in the log jam. Craig Bohl's team is becoming increasingly harder to ignore, and they are the team I would say has the second-best odds to win the conference. Air Force has been consistently the best of the academy

Biggest Conference Games

Sept. 22 sept. 30 OCt. 14 Oct. 14 oct. 21 Oct. 28 Nov. 4 Nov. 11

Boise State @ San Diego State Hawai'i @ UNLV Wyoming @ Air Force San Diego State @ Hawai'i Utah State @ San Jose State Wyoming @ Boise State Boise State @ Fresno State Fresno State @ San Jose State

Projected STandings 1. Boise St 11-2 (7-1)* 2. SJSU 7-6 (6-2)* 3. Wyoming 7-5 (6-2) 4. Air Force 9-3 (5-3) 5. Fresno St 8-4 (5-3) 6. SDSU 6-6 (4-4) 7. Utah St 5-7 (4-4) 8. Hawai'i 5-8 (3-5) Taylen Green 9. CSU 4-8 (3-5) Photo via Boise State Athletics 10. UNLV 4-8 (3-5) schools, and that will continue under Troy Calhoun. 11. Nevada 2-10 (1-7) Fresno State will still be good, 12. New Mexico 3-9 (1-7) but we might see some regression as Deboer's players leave town. Brady Hoke will have SDSU back in the picture, but just below the top tier. Utah State will continue to flounder after a disappointing season, and Blake Anderson will face hotseat talk. Hawai'i is a sleeper to jump into the top half of

*Qualified for Conference championship game

the conference. Timmy Chang has improved that roster, and they will have some key swing games. Colorado State needs Jay Norvell to prove his contract was worth it. UNLV will quickly regret their firing of Marcus Arroyo, and Nevada and New Mexico will need a miracle to go bowling.

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Sun Belt Picks MVP: Davis Brin

DPOY: TJ Jackson

OPOY: Frank Gore Jr.

Newcomer: Jordan McCloud

Overview

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The Sun Belt has quietly developed into one of the best group of five conferences. There are five teams in the mix with legitimate New Year's Six aspirations. The Troy Trojans are my pick to win this conference. I think Jon Sumrall's squad is going to be the New Year's six representative for the group of five. South Alabama is another strong team in the West, but I think they fall victim to a tough schedule.

Texas State is an absolute wild card with TJ Finley and Malik Hornsby fighting for the starting quarterback job.

They also landed a lot of portal talent overall and could look much different than last season's team.

Southern Miss will be back with Frank Gore Jr. at running back, but they may be one of the teams lost in the scrum of solid conference contenders.

Arkansas State has been floundering in the bottom of the Sun Belt for a minute, and Butch Jones will likely improve their win total from last season. Louisiana and Louisiana-Monroe will be neck and neck for last place in the West, the latter of which

Biggest Conference Games

Oct. 17 Southern Miss @ South Alabama Southern Miss @ App. State Oct. 28 Nov. 4 Georgia Southern @ Texas State Marshall @ Appalachian State Nov. 4 Nov. 11 South Alabama @ Troy Nov. 18 App State @ Coastal Carolina Louisiana @ Troy Nov. 18 James Madison @ C. Carolina Nov. 25

Projected STandings

Malik Hornsby Photo via Texas State Athletics

I think will show significant regression. James Madison will be a dangerous team again, and I see them coming out on top of the East with a few losses to show for it.

Appalachian State is easily my sleeper team in the East, and they should be a pleasant surprise with their talented roster. Coastal Carolina is bound to see some regression after losing Chadwell, and Marshall will also be right

West 12-1 (8-0)* 1. Troy 2. S. Alabama 7-5 (5-3) 6-6 (4-4) 3. Texas St 5-7 (4-4)] 4. S. Miss 4-8 (2-6) 5. Ark State 4-8 (2-6) 6. ULL 2-10 (1-7) 7. ULM East 1. JMU 10-3 (7-1)* 2. App State 10-2 (7-1) 3. C. Carolina 7-5 (5-3) 4. Marshall 7-5 (5-3) 5. GASO 7-5 (4-4) 6. ODU 3-9 (2-6) 1-11 (0-8) 7. GSU *Qualified for Conference championship game

there. Georgia Southern will be intriguing as well with Clay Helton and Davis Brin. Old Dominion and Georgia State will be casualties of a stacked division.

Independent Picks MVP: Sam Hartman

DPOY: JD Bertrand

OPOY: Ta'quan Roberson

Newcomer: Dashaun Jenkins

Overview The number of independent teams has been trimmed down to just four. With conference champion autobids becoming a defining factor of the looming twelve team playoff, there is increasing pressure to find a home. Umass will have a difficult time finding a conference that wants to take them on. Maybe the C-USA if they want another member? I have always thought Army would be an excellent fit in the American, where location doesn't seem to matter and Navy already resides. For Connecticut, they have decent leverage for finding a conference. Their football program has resurged under Jim Mora, and they would also be a solid fit in the American. As for Notre Dame, their outright refusal to join a conference has fallen under increasing amounts of scrutiny. I for one have come to respect the Fighting Irish for this. Operating independently has kept them free from the worries associated with conference championships and realignment drama. As a general rule of thumb, an 11-1 record is good enough for

Aug. 26 Sept. 15 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 14 oct. 14 Nov. 4 Dec. 9

Biggest Games

Umass @ New Mexico State Army @ UTSA Ohio State @ Notre Dame Notre Dame @ Duke Troy @ Army USC @ Notre Dame Notre Dame @ CLemson Army @ Navy

Projected STandings 1. Notre Dame 2. Uconn 3. Army 4. Umass

Brady Olson

Photo by Michael Dwyer via Ap Photo

them to make the playoff, which they have now done multiple times. I expect Notre Dame to be an outstanding team this year and they will have a chance to derail three team's playoff hopes this season. However, their other six games against middling power five opponents could be tricky, and I could see them slipping up in a number of areas. Connecticut has been building slowly and as

10-2 8-4 5-7 3-9

long as they play to their potential, eight wins seems doable. Army is going to be interesting under Jeff Monken. A six-win season after the string of success that the Black Knights have had was not ideal. They are tasked with another really difficult schedule this year.

Look out for Army to scare a good power five team, as they've been known to do.

Massachusetts actually made a lot of noise in the transfer portal. There will be more talent on this team than usual, but I would not expect many wins versus FBS opponents.

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Hawai'i

HEAD COACH: Timmy Chang OC: Ian Shoemaker DC: Jacob Yoro

Golden Buffaloes Bruins Bears Rank Rank Rainbow Warriors

Offense

The run-and-shoot offense is back in Honolulu. Timmy Chang announced that for 2023 Hawai'i will lean on the offense that made them a force when he played quarterback for the 'Bows in the early 2000s. Calling plays for Hawai'i is Brayden Schager, who doesn't move the needle for most, but I think could develop into an excellent passer under Chang.

Jonah Panoke should be the biggest threat catching the football. I expect big seasons from him and transfer wideout Steven Mcbride from Kansas. Hawai'i is set to break in a mostly new offensive line, and their experience could prove useful down the stretch.

Defense

Many solid names traveled via the portal to help this side of the football. Kuao Peihopa is coming home to play defensive line. The Kamehameha graduate still has three years of eligibility.

Other big names include Cameron Stone, Elijah Robertson, and Patrick Hisatake, who could all instantly vie for starting positions. The 'Bows have shown promise defensively.

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2022 Season Review Record: 3-10 Conf. Finish: 9th Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Why cover Hawai'i?

Jonah Panoke Photo via Hawai'i Athletics

Overview

Hawai'i has the most unique culture of any team in college football and there's a reason they were able to parlay that into success during the bulk of the early 2000s. Chang is a perfect fit as the coach of Hawai'i, as he understands the unique path it takes to bring success to Hawai'i football. I believe their offense could wind up being one of the best in the Mountain West, and Shager and Panoke will probably win some awards. The defense may take a step back as a result of the fast-paced offense, but this is the kind of football Hawai'i has to play.

This team will be more fun to watch this season, and they could be sneaky good.

Hawai'i stands for all the best parts of college football. The program has fallen under tough times and I am rooting for them to turn it around. My good friend and podcast co-host is a diehard 'Bows fan. He constantly pestered me to make a Hawai'i spread. I told him I wouldn't. This one's for you Colt.

2023 Schedule Aug. 26 @ Vandy Sept. 1 Stanford Sept. 9 Albany Sept. 16 @ UO Sept. 23 NMSU SEPT. 30 @ uNLV OCt. 14 SDSU OCt. 21 @ NM OCT. 28 SJSU NOv. 4 @ Nevada NOv. 11 Air Force @ WYo NOv. 18 CSU NOv. 25

Uconn

HEAD COACH: Jim Mora

Huskies Golden Bruins Bears Rank Rank

OC: Nick CHarlton DC: N/A

Offense

This Huskies offense was very inconsistent in 2022. This was due in large part to Ta'Quan Roberson who tore his ACL in Uconn's week zero matchup versus Utah State.

When healthy, Roberson could be the X-factor for turning up this offense. Zion Turner, who played quarterback for all of last season, will still be available and could serve as an excellent utility player. Victor Rosa returns after a phenomenal freshman season, and Uconn has 89% of their total offensive production back. Kevens Clercius and Keelan Marion are back and hope to turn the passing game into a genuine threat.

Defense

Jim Mora has made it Uconn's clear identity to get stops and slow games down.

Jackson Mitchell returns as the clear leader of the defense and they rally a ton of production from 2023 on this side of the football as well. Eric Watts is a big part of that production, as he lead the team with seven sacks in 2022. There's a reason Mora needs no coordinator for this defense.

84 87

2022 Season Review Record: 6-7 Conf. Finish: N/A Rank: Unranked

1 Big Question Why cover Uconn?

Ta'Quan Roberson Photo via 247 Sports

Overview

Through two seasons as the head coach at Uconn, Jim Mora has earned a new nickname. "Him Mora" has been the rallying cry in the locker room. What Mora has done with the culture around this program in just a two seasons has been astronomical. There were rumors that this football program could be cut, but now that sounds like a joke.

Mora has built a defense that can single-handedly win football games. If Roberson can fulfill his potential, you've got a scary football team.

Even minimal offensive improvements could be huge.

If Uconn takes care of business they could turn in an eight-win season.

While not a top 25 or power five team this season, Uconn is still a relevant program. I have a number of followers who are Huskies fans, and I don't see any problem with showing them some love. I also believe that this program has power five infrastructure and could legitimately compete in the ACC in a few years.

2023 Schedule Duke Sept. 2 Sept. 9 @ GSU Sept. 16 FIU Sept. 23 NC State SEPT. 30 USU @ Rice OCt. 8 USF OCt. 21 OCT. 28 @ BC NOv. 4 @ Tenn NOv. 11 @ JMU SH NOv. 18 Umass NOv. 25

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Notre Dame

Fighting Huskies Irish

The New Standard

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Marshall quarterback Henri Colombi took the snap under center and took a knee. The clock ticked to zero and the final was Marshall: 26, Notre Dame: 21. Marcus Freeman was now 0-3 as the head coach of Notre Dame, stretching back to his coaching debut loss in the Fiesta Bowl. Rumors began to swirl about the future of Freeman as the coach in South Bend. People accused Freeman of being in way over his head and looking down the line, it was no longer certain the Irish were heading to a bowl game. What happened down the stretch was a mid-season turnaround that won everyone back over.

Notre Dame benched Tyler Buchner, and kicked their defense up a notch. They ripped off three straight wins, and despite stumbling versus Stanford, forged another five game winning streak, that included multiple ranked wins. The season was capped off with a victory over South Carolina. When the

2022 Season Review Record: 9-4 Conf. Finish: N/A Rank: 18th

Gamecocks were hotter than any team in America. Now, that's Marcus Freeman's Notre Dame team. Rock solid returning production, and the landing of Sam Hartman at quarterback have the buzz in South Bend at a fever pitch. For Freeman, the goal this season has to be to get a playoff bid.

The strength of the schedule is there, and Notre Dame has a clearer path than most. If the Fighting Irish go 11-1 or better, they will be in the playoffs. All eyes are on Marcus Freeman again, and this time for all the right reasons. It's time for him to deliver.

9

Key Number

The number of power five opponents on Notre Dame's schedule. There have been accusations that the Irish play a soft schedule, but it's tougher than most.

HEAD COACH: Marcus Freeman OFF. COORDINATOR: Gerad Parker DEF. COORDINATOR: Al Golden

Offense

Yes, they lost offensive play caller Tommy Rees, but they also didn't have anyone close to Sam Hartman at quarterback. Hartman's connection to Jayden Thomas is something to get very excited about this season. Several other receivers could break out with a much better passer. In line with their offensive philosophy, the Irish have one Sam Hartman Photo by Quinn Harris via Getty Images of the deepest offensive lines in the country. They will bruise opponents, paving The new Fighting Irish brand holes for Audric Estime. of football fits their name very appropriately. This team Thomas Harper and thrives off of getting physical Javontae Jean-Baptiste are and punishing teams up front, key transfers that this serving as a reminder of some coaching staff is very excited of the legendary Irish teams. about. Harper should start in With a guy like Hartman now the secondary, and be a operating in the pocket, this leader as a graduate transfer. could be one of the most Jean-Baptiste meanwhile, will lethal offenses in the country. be a lethal pass rusher from The growth from this defense Ohio State and is a last season was very guaranteed day-one starter. impressive. Look for them to This will go a long way to continue to grow this year. replacing Isaiah Foskey. JD Their season will come down Bertrand is likely to be the to a handful of critical swing voice of the linebackers and games versus a plethora of lead the middle of the playoff contenders. Notre defense. This coaching staff Dame will spoil some playoff will lean on Al Golden to make hopes, and if they do it the proper adjustments to enough, they could have their improve this defense. own.

Overview

Defense

8 14

Rank Rank

2023 Schedule Aug. 26 Navy Sept. 2 Tenn St Sept. 9 @ NC St Sept. 16 CMU Sept. 23 OSU Sept. 30 @ Duke Oct. 7 @ UL USC OCt. 14 Oct. 28 Pitt NOv. 4 @ Clemson NOv. 18 Wake NOv. 25 @ Stan

2 Big Questions What is their record in their 3 big games?

Clemson, Ohio State, and USC are all favorites to win their conference and playoff contenders. Notre Dame's successes and failures will be determined by the outcome of those games.

Who is the next Michael Mayer?

Notre Dame has a loaded tight end room with Kevin Bauman, Staes Holden and Mitchell Evans. Will one of them step up to replace Mayer's production? Or will it be done more by committee?

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Troy It's that easy?

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Knock Knock. Who's there?

It's Troy. Troy Who? Twelve win Troy. What? Exactly. Not many people can recall that Troy won twelve games last season. In fact, the last time most people watched a Troy game was probably when Appalachian State chucked a 53-yard hail mary at the buzzer to beat Troy on College Gameday. That miraculous play was one of just two losses sustained by the Trojans on the season.

The other was a week one defeat in Oxford versus Ole Miss. After their 1-2 start, first year Head Coach Jon Sumrall lead his team to eleven straight victories, including a top 25 win over UTSA in the Cure Bowl. The twelve-win season was the most wins since the school transitioned to the FBS in 2001. So who is Jon Sumrall, and how did he just pull this off? Sumrall has been a very quiet figure in college football over the past 20 years, and he jumped into

Huskies Trojans

2022 Season Review Record: 12-2 Conf. Finish: 1st Rank: 19th

coaching immediately after his playing career at Kentucky ended. He elevated slowly but surely through the group of five ranks, before landing a co defensive coordinator position at his alma mater. The 40-year-old coach was rising fast, and Troy took notice. They offered him the head coaching job after just one season of seeing him as a defensive coordinator at Kentucky. Dave Bartoo is a college football journalist that runs a website called the College Football Matrix.

On his website, he has a system that calculates "coach effect." It shows how much a coach is elevating his roster and his situation. Out of every coach from 2022, Sumrall sits atop the list.

5

Key Number

The number of wins Troy had in 2021. Sumrall's instant turnaround with the Trojans is among the most impressive we have seen and has people excited for this season.

HEAD COACH: Jon Sumrall OFF. COORDINATOR: Joe Craddock DEF. COORDINATOR: greg Gasparato

Offense

Gunnar Watson was a critical part of Troy's success, and his return to campus has this program buzzing. The veteran presence along the offensive line is something to behold, as it will be entirely made up of juniors and seniors for Sumrall's second year. Asa Martin is a 400-yard back from Memphis that has transferred to Troy and could get serious reps alongside Kimani Vidal. Troy is tasked with replacing their top two receiving threats, and Deshon Stoudemire will be the top guy.

Defense

Troy's biggest transfer of the offseason was sophomore edge rusher Zach Edwards, who struggled to get playing time at Louisville. He's a former three-star from Mississippi, and Troy is excited to have him on board.

Defense was king for Troy in 2022, and they allowed just under eighteen points per game. Reddy Stewart and TJ Jackson were both first team All-Sun Belt and will be the vocal leaders for the secondary and for the defensive front. Defense should once again be their strength.

25 14 Rank Rank

2023 Schedule

Kimani Vidal Photo via Troy Athletics

Overview

This year will be a prove-it year for the Trojans. Too often will we see a group of five program that pops off for a good season, before slinking back into the middle of the standings in their conference.

Troy has their work cut out for them, and play a pretty massive game at Kansas State in week two. If they can steal that game, they would likely control their own New Year's Six. Last season they didn't have that luxury, and it seemed near impossible for them to leapfrog any of the American teams. But, with the American stripped down, and the Sun Belt with multiple rising programs, Troy has all the tools to get it done. I see Troy as a New Year's Six team, with the potential to do something special.

Sept. 2 SFA Sept. 9 @ KSU Sept. 16 JMU Sept. 23 WKU Sept. 30 @ GA ST OCt. 7 ARK ST OCt. 14 @ ARMY OCt. 28 @ TEXAS ST NOv. 2 USA NOv. 11 @ ULM NOv. 18 LOUISIANA NOv. 25 @ USM

2 Big Questions Can Troy get into the playoffs?

Before you say no. What if they go undefeated, Kansas State wins the Big 12 (again), and a couple of other teams on their schedule end the season ranked? At that point, I feel like they at least deserve a look.

How long can they hold on to Sumrall?

As is inevitable for any group of five teams. Their coach will begin to get power five looks. They've extended their coach through 2026, but it's unlikely he sees it through.

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Award Winners Projected Heisman Finish

1. Cade Klubnik 2. Sam Hartman 3. Caleb Williams 4. Marvin Harrison Jr. 5. Nick Singleton

No Repeat for Williams Voter fatigue will play a key factor in Williams not getting the nod as a back-toback Heisman. There's a reason we haven't seen it happen since 1975 with Archie Griffin. But don't take anything away from Cade Klubnik. I think he will be electric in Clemson's new offense and will put up enough gaudy numbers in the ACC to warrant becoming the first Clemson player to ever win the Heisman. Do not sleep on Sam Hartman with Notre Dame either. Singleton and Harrison Jr. might not get the votes they deserve, but I think they have higher odds than most believe.

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Bednarik Award Winner

John Mackey Award Winner

Dallas Turner

Brant Kuithe

Butkus Award Winner

Doak Walker Award Winner

Jamon Dumas-Johnson

Nick Singleton

Jim Thorpe Award Winner

Lou Groza Award Winner

Ja'had Carter

Joshua Karty

Outland Award Winner

Rimington Award Winner

Olumuyiwa Fashanu

Drake Nugent

Ray Guy Award Winner

Biletnikoff Award Winner

Mason Fletcher

Marvin Harrison Jr.

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National Picks One Last Hurrah

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This may be the last season that bowl games mean anything at all. The evolution of the sport has seen the college football postseason transform time and time again, and the twelve-team playoff presents the biggest change. With the New Year's Six being absorbed into the playoff games, bowl games will have even less value. We could be soon living in a world where bowl bids are seen as NIT invitations, that big programs will just straight up reject. As a result, I expect there to be an increasing amount of pressure on the group of five to find an alternative postseason format. I think a group of five playoff is the answer, but there is no knowing which direction they go in. This is the final gasp from a bygone era of college football, so keep that in mind. In the Orange bowl I have ACC runners-up Florida State playing Notre Dame, who I believe secures an at-large bid after navigating a

ridiculous schedule. It will be a high-caliber, highly viewed game, and I like the Seminoles to win their first New Year's Six game since 2016. In the Peach Bowl, I have Troy matched up against a Penn State team that could finish third in their division. Making the Peach Bowl would be an outstanding accomplishment for Troy, but I believe Penn State and Drew Allar pull it out instead. This would mark the fourth New Year's Six win in James Franklin's time in Happy Valley. Texas and Alabama could get a rematch in the Cotton bowl, and this one would be very interesting. I am leaning toward Alabama, but there's no knowing what kind of opt outs we would see from the Crimson Tide. Finally, I have Ohio State playing Oregon in the Fiesta Bowl. I think Dan Lanning and the Ducks have done enough on defense to stuff the Buckeyes and win in a rematch from the 2014 national title.

The New Year's Six Winners Orange Bowl vs

Winner

Florida State

Peach Bowl vs

Winner

Penn State

Cotton Bowl vs

Winner

Alabama

Fiesta Bowl vs

Winner

Oregon

Playoff Picks 1

Georgia

1 4

USC

2

Clemson

2 2

3

Georgia Clemson

Clemson

Michigan

Clemson Stops History Earlier in this magazine, I said that it would take someone brave or stupid to pick against Georgia. I would like to think that I am the former, but only time will tell. If you asked me to pick

between the Bulldogs and Tigers tomorrow, I would pick Georgia. However I just cannot get past the historical trend of teams failing to repeat. Clemson is an attractive national title pick for a number of reasons. The Tigers have proven success in the playoff era, with the same general structure. There is realistically only one team in their conference that can

stop them, and it's Florida State. Clemson finally has a championship caliber quarterback, and an elite offensive mind calling plays.

Georgia is not going anywhere mind you, they will be back next season. For Michigan, another first round playoff exit will cause a stir in Ann Arbor. Despite another phenomenal season, people will still try to discredit Lincoln Riley.

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A Special thank you to Madeleine

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