Dave’s College Football Preview

College football is back, and this season is set to be one of the best in the sport’s rich history. With conferences shifting and rivalries dying, everything appears to mean more in the 2023 season. Below is my 133-team college football preview, organized in alphabetical order. Each team has an in-depth breakdown and a best-case scenario (BCS) rather than a standard prediction. EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was composed shortly before the beginning of the college football season. Records and statistics will have likely changed. 

• Air Force Falcons: Heading into 2023, Air Force will be without QB Haaziq Daniels or RB Brad Roberts, but 17-year head coach Troy Calhoun will have the Falcons ready for another successful season in Colorado Springs. The offensive line brings back four starters, including All-Mountain West candidates Thor Paglialong and Everett Smalley. The defense should be tops in the conference, as most of the unit that allowed 13.4 points per game and a 27.9% conversion rate on third down returns eight starters. Trey Taylor at safety and tackle Peyton Zdroik are the best players on the defensive side of the ball, and John Lee Eldridge could have a breakout season at running back. BCS: Mountain West Title, Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, and a bowl victory. EDITOR’S NOTE: The Falcons started the season strong with a 42-7 win over Robert Morris in Falcon Stadium. 

• Akron Zips: Joe Moorhead enters his second season at the helm for Akron after going a paltry 2-10 in his debut turn. The offense should be much improved under DJ Irons at QB. The Zips will play intriguing Florida transfer Lorenzo Lingard at running back and have a pair of talented receivers in Alex Adams and Daniel George. If Akron wants to win the MAC East, the offensive line (56 sacks allowed in ’22) and defense (33.5 points per game allowed) must improve. BCS: Frisky in MAC East, with victory over Kent State for the Wagon Wheel and covers against Kentucky and Indiana on the road. EDITOR’S NOTE: After being up 21-7 at one point, Akron couldn’t hold on and fell to Temple on the road to open the 2023 campaign. 
• Alabama Crimson Tide: The SEC West is up for grabs this season, and the two top contenders are Alabama and LSU. Luckily for the Crimson Tide, the annual jaunt against the Tigers is at Bryant-Denny Stadium. This team, though, has more question marks than usual. Jalen Milroe appears to be the starter at QB, but Ty Simpson and Tyler Buchner could both see action. Tommy Rees is also entering his first season as Alabama’s offensive coordinator, and he inherits a deep running back room headlined by Jase McClellan and a solid offensive line centered around preseason All-American JC Latham. Kevin Steele is entering his fifth season overall at Alabama, but his first as defensive coordinator. Will Anderson is gone, but Dallas Turner and Kool-Aid McKinstry return to headline the defense. There is plenty of talent on both sides of the ball; the question is, how fast can Nick Saban put it together? BCS: National Champions, with revenge victories over Tennessee, LSU, and UGA in the SEC Championship Game. EDITOR’S NOTE: A 56-7 drubbing of Middle Tennessee opened the season. Milroe had five touchdowns. 
• Appalachian State Mountaineers: Appalachian State’s 6-6 record was the worst the program has had since entering the FBS in 2014. The bright side? Five of those six games were one-score losses. The key to success this season for App State is finding a replacement for Chase Brice at QB. It’s likely to be redshirt freshman Ryan Burger, and if he plays well, new OC Frank Ponce’s offense could be explosive. Nate Noel, who averaged 6.94 yards per carry, returns in the backfield, and the offensive line/receiving corps combo is one of the best in the Sun Belt. The defense faces plenty of losses, but safety Nick Ross and linebacker Andrew Parker are solid anchors. BCS: Sun Belt East Title, with a road win over James Madison and a close loss at UNC. EDITOR’S NOTE: The offense looked solid, but the defense was questionable in an opening 45-24 victory over Gardner-Webb in Boone. 
• Arizona Wildcats: Entering his third season, Jedd Fisch took Arizona from 1-11 in his first year to 5-7 last year. The next step is the first bowl appearance for the Cats since 2017. Top receiver Dorian Singer is gone to rival USC, but QB Jayden de Laura should lead a prolific offense, including returning targets Jacob Cowing and Tetairoa McMillan. The key to go bowling is the defense, who gave up 36.5 points per game last season and returns only three starters. BCS: Bowl appearance, with wins at Arizona State, Washington State, and Mississippi State. EDITOR’S NOTE: A 38-3 win over Northern Arizona opens the campaign, headlined by a 21-point third quarter. 
• Arizona State Sun Devils: Kenny Dillingham enters Tempe with the task of rebuilding a storied Arizona State program, and it will take time. Over 30 transfers are joining the Sun Devils, and the starting QB job is wide open. Notre Dame transfer Drew Pyne, Trenton Bourguet, and Jaden Rashada can all run OC Beau Baldwin’s offense. Tight end Jalin Conyers, receiver Elijhah Badger, and Sacramento State transfer RB Cameron Skattebo will complement whoever takes snaps under center. The defense is an area of concern, as last year’s unit gave up over 30 points per game. BCS: Frisky in Pac-12, with shocking home wins over Oregon, Colorado, Oklahoma State, and Arizona to claim the Territorial Cup. EDITOR’S NOTE: The Sun Devils opened their campaign with a narrow 24-21 victory over Southern Utah. Jaden Rashada appears to be QB1, as he started and threw for 236 yards with two touchdowns. 

• Arkansas Razorbacks: Arkansas has one of the best QB-RB tandems in the country with KJ Jefferson and Raheim Sanders. The offense will score in bunches, but the defense needs to improve if the Razorbacks want to win the SEC West for the first time since 2006. Over ten players come via the transfer portal to bolster a defensive unit that gave up over 30 points a game last season. OC Dan Enos will also have some turnover on the line and at receiver, but Jefferson is dynamic enough to mitigate the losses. BCS: SEC West Title, and Jefferson wins the Heisman. EDITOR’S NOTE: A 56-13 win at War Memorial over Western Carolina opened the year for the Razorbacks. 
• Arkansas State Red Wolves: Butch Jones is 5-19 through two years at Arkansas State, and things aren’t looking ideal for the Red Wolves this season. Only seven starters are back from last year’s team, and the defense last season allowed over 30 points per game. The offense is also questionable, with J.T. Shrout and Jaxon Dailey both works-in-progress at QB. If Shrout or Dailey blossom under center, the receiving corps could be one of the best in the Sun Belt. BCS: A bunch of close, hard-fought losses, with a shocking Week 2 win over Memphis. Editor’s Note: The Red Wolves were annihilated by Oklahoma 73-0 in Week 1. There was little fight, and Arkansas State only had ten first downs compared to Oklahoma’s 36. 
• Army Black Knights: Jeff Monken’s Black Knights have had one losing season over the past seven years, but things are changing in West Point. The running game will still be emphasized, but more shotgun looks are expected in OC Drew Thatcher’s system. Bryson Daily appears to be QB1, with four returning offensive-line starters and Jakobi Buchanan at fullback. The defense should be stellar, as a unit that allowed just under 23 points per game returns seven starters. The loss of Andre Carter II stings, though, and the schedule is hard to navigate. BCS: Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy and the offense is steady despite change. EDITOR’S NOTE: An opening 17-13 loss on the road to Louisiana-Monroe does not help the Black Knights. The Black Knights had five turnovers, including two interceptions from Daily. 
• Auburn Tigers: Despite a brutal SEC West, Auburn will improve in Hugh Freeze’s first year. The success in the transfer portal is primarily the reason why. Freeze got offensive line help, a quarterback (Payton Thorne), and various pieces at receiver and on defense. The offense was average last season, and the passing attack needs to improve under OC Philip Montgomery. Defensively, the Tigers must stop the run to contend, but the secondary is strong. BCS: SEC West Title and Freeze gets the Tigers knocking on the door of the CFP. EDITOR’S NOTE: The offense looked potent in a 59-14 lashing of UMass to open the season. 
• Ball State Cardinals: Ball State fell short of a bowl bid last season. This was mainly due to MAC play, as the Cardinals lost four one-score games in the conference. If Mike Neu’s team wants to go bowling again, two transfers (quarterback Layne Hatcher and running back Marquez Cooper) must be All-MAC caliber. The offensive line and the tight end duo are already one of the best in the conference (Brady Hunt and Tanner Koziol). The offense needs to start making big plays: Ball State only has ten plays of 40-plus yards offensively over the past two years. The defense last season was the worst in the conference against the run, and the secondary is rebuilding. The trio of Cole Pearce, Clayton Coll, and Sidney Houston are stellar at linebacker. BCS: The Cardinals go bowling and nearly win the MAC West. EDITOR’S NOTE: Kentucky bested Ball State Week 1, winning 44-14 in Lexington. 

• Baylor Bears: Baylor’s regression from Big 12 Champions in 2021 to 6-7 last season was one of the most surprising turns in the sport. The defense regressed (under 20 points per game allowed in Big 12 play in ’21 to over 30 in ’22), and the offense struggled in the red zone. Blake Shapen needs to take the next step at QB for Baylor to be successful, but a solid rushing attack led by Richard Reese should help. The offensive line needs to be retooled, but Dave Aranda should keep Baylor above .500 if all goes to plan. BCS: On the cusp of a Big 12 Championship appearance, and Shapen has a great year. EDITOR’S NOTE: A Week 1 shocker in Waco. Texas State beat Baylor 42-31 behind a strong performance from TJ Finley at QB. There are now more questions than answers for the Bears, and Dave Aranda’s seat is getting warmer by the hour. 
• Boise State Broncos: One of the most consistent programs in the college football landscape, Boise State surprisingly hasn’t won the Mountain West since 2019. In his third season at the helm, Andy Avalos should lead the Broncos to glory this season. Taylen Green is a rising star at QB as he looks to build off of a 2022 campaign in which he accounted for 2,628 total yards and 24 total scores. The running back tandem of George Holani and Ashton Jeanty, along with the mobile Green, should pace a prolific offense, but the defense has plenty of holes to fill, especially when it comes to stopping the pass. BCS: Mountain West champs, with a bowl upset. Green is a dark horse for the Heisman. EDITOR’S NOTE: An opening 56-19 loss to Washington is undoubtedly cause for concern, but it’s on to UCF in Boise next week. 
• Boston College Eagles: Jeff Hafley is entering his fourth season in Chestnut Hill, and his seat is reasonably warm after a 3-9 record last year. If BC wants to go bowling this year, the offensive line must be healthy and set the tone early. Having Christian Mahogany back after injury is a great place to start. Quarterback Emmett Morehead is ready to take the next step and could be one of the best in the ACC after throwing for 1,254 yards and 10 TDs last season. The defense was porous in 2022, surrendering over 30 points a game. With only five starters from that unit returning this season, the Eagles could be in for shootouts most games. BCS: Bowl game appearance and win, with ACC upsets scattered throughout the schedule. EDITOR’S NOTE: The MAC is back, as Northern Illinois traveled to Chestnut Hill and beat BC 27-24 in overtime. Backup Thomas Castellanos got the nod at QB, and was good, but the defense looked questionable. 
• Bowling Green Falcons: The margin of error is small for Scot Loeffler and Bowling Green this season. Coming off of a bowl trip and a 6-7 record seems okay, but considering that the Falcons won five one-score games means the pendulum might swing the opposite direction this season. Indiana transfer Connor Bazelak is QB1, and he’s surrounded by a solid offensive line and two playmakers in running back Terion Stewart and wideout Odieu Hiliare. Six starters are back on the defense, including tackling machine Darren Anders at linebacker. BCS: MAC East title and bowl appearance, and Bazelak is one of the best QBs in the conference. EDITOR’S NOTE: The Falcons couldn’t take care of the ball on the road against Liberty, throwing five interceptions (Bazelak with three, backup Camden Orth with two) and losing 34-24. Manage the ball, and perhaps the Falcons get an upset. Now, it’s on to Eastern Illinois Week 2, and questions at quarterback abound after Bazelak’s struggles. 
• Buffalo Bulls: Last season, Buffalo showed grit, going 7-6 under Maurice Linguist and a surprising victory over Toledo, the eventual MAC champions. The key was the turnovers, as Buffalo forced 26 last season. With an expected regression in that department for 2023, both sides of the ball need to improve for the Bulls to contend in the MAC. Only five starters are back on defense, but linebacker Shaun Dolac and safety Marcus Fuqua are two of the best players in the conference. The Bulls averaged a hair under five yards per snap last season, but QB Cole Snyder and the 1-2 running back punch of Ron Cook and Mike Washington should improve that statistic. BCS: MAC Championship, and Snyder is the best QB in the conference. A bowl win has fans excited for 2024. EDITOR’S NOTE: The Bulls were frisky, but ultimately couldn’t handle Wisconsin on the road. 38-17 was the final score, but Snyder threw for 194 yards and two touchdowns against a stingy defense.  

• BYU Cougars: BYU’s schedule for 2023 is a bear: a road trip to SEC West sleeper Arkansas, and the Cougars also have to travel to Kansas, TCU, Texas, West Virginia, and Oklahoma State. Welcome to the Big 12. Kalani Sitake has an uphill battle in his eighth season at the helm in Provo, and if the Cougars want to at least go bowling, it starts with the well-traveled Kedon Slovis at QB. He’s got a great receiving corps to work with, complemented by UNLV transfer Aidan Robbins at RB. Jay Hill enters his first season as defensive coordinator after building Weber State into an FCS powerhouse. The defense last year (29.5 points per game, with 170+ rush yards allowed per game) left plenty to be desired, and a transition period should be expected for the Cougars overall this season. BCS: The Cougars go bowling after running the table on the road. Kedon Slovis has the best season of his career at QB. EDITOR’S NOTE: The Cougar defense looked solid in a 14-0 victory over Sam Houston to open the year. Slovis, though, looked average at best. 
• California Golden Bears: California enters their final season in the Pac-12 with ten returning starters on defense. This includes Jackson Sirmon, an All-American contender at linebacker who had 104 tackles last season. The offense, though, is the main area of concern. Jake Spavital enters his first season as offensive coordinator after coaching Texas State for three years. Sam Jackson V, the TCU transfer, is expected to start at QB, and he has weapons in Jeremiah Hunter (wideout) and Jaydn Ott (running back). The offensive line also needs to be sharper after giving up 31 sacks in 2022. A year of transition should be expected for Cal. BCS: On the cusp of a PAC-12 Championship appearance, with a home victory over Auburn Week 2. Spavital’s new system works wonders, leaving hope for the future in the ACC. EDITOR’S NOTE: Looks like Spavital’s offense is strong: the Golden Bears beat North Texas on the road 58-21 to open the season. Jaydn Ott rumbled for 188 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. 
• Central Michigan Chippewas: Jim McElwain’s Chippewas bottomed out last season, going 4-8 after hoping for at least a MAC West crown. Turnovers combined with a disappointing season from Lew Nichols III at running back was the recipe for disaster. This season, though, nine starters are back on a defense that is near the top of the conference. This includes Donte Kent, arguably the best corner of the MAC, who is coming off of a 51-tackle, 15 pass-breakup season in 2022. If Bert Emanuel Jr. can develop at QB, Central Michigan will go bowling. BCS: The Chippewas offense does enough for a bowl appearance, but no MAC crown. EDITOR’S NOTE: They hung around early, but eventually CMU fell to Michigan State on the road 31-7 to open the year. Emanuel looked questionable throwing the ball, but fine on the ground. 
• Charlotte 49ers: Last season, Charlotte went a porous 3-9, and it could be tough to top that win total this year. Biff Poggi enters the 49er program as a football lifer and, most recently, associate head coach to Jim Harbaugh at Michigan. The transfer portal is this team’s saving grace, with 30 new players headed to the Queen City. Eyabi Okie will be a great edge rusher after transferring from Ann Arbor, but the defense gave up nearly 40 a game last year. One player might not be enough to mitigate that number. Shadrick Byrd and Durell Robinson anchor a decent rushing attack, but the QB position is a question mark, headlined by Bethune-Cookman transfer Jalon Jones. BCS: The 49ers somehow get to over .500 and a bowl, where they lose. EDITOR’S NOTE: Charlotte is two wins away from matching last year’s win total after opening the year with a 24-3 drubbing of South Carolina State. The schedule doesn’t get easier, though, as the 49ers are at Maryland Week 2. 
• Cincinnati Bearcats: The inevitable year of transition for Cincinnati is finally here. A new coach (Scott Satterfield), a new conference (Big 12) and a roster that returns only seven starters leaves more questions than answers. The defense should be the strength, as Dontay Corleone is back up front and Deshawn Pace is a star in the secondary. If the Bearcats want to go bowling, Satterfield will have to unlock the offense, and it starts with Emory Jones at QB. The former Florida/Arizona State signal-caller is depending on transfer portal receivers and a thin offensive line to navigate a stacked conference. BCS: Satterfield gets to a bowl in his first season at the helm, and the year of transition isn’t as bad as expected. Emory Jones looks strong at QB, enough to get NFL looks. EDITOR’S NOTE: They may have played Eastern Kentucky, but a 66-13 win is still impressive. Emory Jones accumulated 371 total yards and seven touchdowns through the ground and air. 

• Clemson Tigers: Can Clemson get back to the mountaintop? Not according to most pundits, as the consensus is that Florida State, not the Tigers, will win the ACC. Doubt Dabo Swinney at your own peril. The defense is loaded: Jeremiah Trotter and Barrett Carter tackle everything. Ruke Orhorhoro and Tyler Davis are killers on the line. Add in Nate Wiggins, Andrew Mukuba, and Jalyn Phillips in the secondary, and this ACC defense is really SEC-caliber. Offensively, new coordinator Garrett Riley looks to develop Cade Klubnik into a star under center. If the offensive line gels and the receivers step up, the 1-2 punch of Klubnik and Will Shipley at running back will be All-ACC, and potentially in New York for the Heisman Trophy presentation. Clemson gets Florida State once in “Death Valley” (notice the quotes), but can the Tigers beat the Seminoles twice? BCS: National Champions. Dabo does it again behind a Heisman season from Klubnik and a top-five defense. EDITOR’S NOTE: The Tigers were utterly humiliated in an opening 28-7 loss to Duke on the road. The offense looked porous, and Dabo Swinney finds himself on the hot seat after one game in 2023. 
• Coastal Carolina Chanticleers: Tim Beck has clown-sized shoes to fill at head coach after Jamey Chadwell’s departure. However, he does have the best quarterback in the Sun Belt, Grayson McCall, to help ease the transition in Conway. Outside of McCall, Coastal Carolina has plenty of playmakers: Running backs Brayden Bennett and Reese White are a formidable 1-2 punch, and the combination of Sam Pinckney and Jared Brown at receiver is arguably the best in the conference. As long as the offense keeps humming, the Chanticleers should be fine. The defense, though, must improve after giving up over 30 points per game a season ago. BCS: Sun Belt Champs, and McCall has a Heisman-caliber season under center. EDITOR’S NOTE: It was a tough ask, but Coastal Carolina could have realistically beaten UCLA at The Rose Bowl Week 1. It didn’t happen, as the Bruins limited McCall and won 27-13. 
• Colorado Buffaloes: The most intriguing team in 2023, Colorado begins the Coach Prime Era with a massive roster haul and a loaded schedule. Personnel-wise, Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders are dark-horse Heisman contenders. Hunter is a two-way menace (WR/CB), and Sanders might be the best QB the Buffs have seen in their storied program. Former Kent State head coach Sean Lewis should have the Buffs scoring 30+ regularly and with ease. The concern is the defense, which gave up nearly 45 points per game last season. It likely won’t get better, yet. However, I’ve learned to expect the unexpected from Deion Sanders, whether positive or negative. BCS: Colorado shocks the world and wins the Pac-12. Shedeur Sanders and Hunter are both in New York for the Heisman presentation, and Hunter wins it. The Buffs make the CFP, but lose. EDITOR’S NOTE: I told you to expect the unexpected! In his first game at the helm, Coach Prime and the Buffs shocked TCU in Fort Worth with a 45-42 thriller. The offense looked incredible, but the defense couldn’t stop a snail. Shedeur Sanders and Hunter, though, look like the best tandem in college football. 
• Colorado State Rams: If all goes to plan, Jay Norvell’s Colorado State team has to chance to be one of the most improved in the Mountain West in 2023. The offense was anemic last season, averaging a tad over 13 points per game. The offensive line gave up 59 sacks and couldn’t create rushing lanes (2.8 yards per carry), but QB Clay Millen has potential and Tory Horton is one of the best receivers in the country. The defense, though, wasn’t an issue last year, averaging under 20 points allowed per game. Jack Howell, Henry Blackburn, and Chigozie Anusiem return at DB, and Mohamed Kamara is a menace up front. BCS: CSU wins their rivalry games (Colorado, Air Force, and Wyoming) and goes bowling. EDITOR’S NOTE: Not the strongest start for the Rams, as Washington State beat CSU 50-24 in Fort Collins. The defense, the supposed strength, got torched by the Cougars. 
• Duke Blue Devils: In his first season in Durham, Mike Elko revitalized Duke football. With 17 starters back from a team that went 9-4 in 2022, the ACC Championship is shockingly within reach. The schedule, though, is brutal: Clemson, Notre Dame, NC State, and Wake Forest all come to Wallace Wade Stadium, while the Blue Devils travel to Florida State and UNC. Riley Leonard has an outside shot at the Heisman Trophy after a stellar 2022 campaign. He’s buoyed by an offensive line headlined by All-ACC left tackle Graham Barton, as well as a defense that had a huge improvement in Elko’s first year. Duke does lose the element of surprise this season, but Elko should have the Blue Devils in the hunt for the conference crown. BCS: ACC Champions with a shocking CFP berth. The Devils run the table in conference play, and Riley Leonard wins the Heisman. EDITOR’S NOTE: The best-case scenario is looking more and more like reality, as Duke shocked Clemson 28-7 to open the season. The defense looked like one of the best in the country, and Riley Leonard looked the part under center. 

• East Carolina Pirates: It’s a rebuild year in Greenville, NC. East Carolina is coming off of a solid 8-5 season, but virtually everyone offensively (QB Holton Ahlers, RB Keaton Mitchell, WRs Isaiah Winstead and C.J. Johnson) is gone. One starter returns on the offensive line, and it’s up to the unproven Mason Garcia to replace Ahlers at QB. The defense might have to carry the burden in 2023, with six starters returning. BCS: Frisky in AAC, with a bowl appearance after shocking Tulane in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. EDITOR’S NOTE: Even without Jim Harbaugh, Michigan cruised to a 30-3 win over the Pirates in Ann Arbor. 
• Eastern Michigan Eagles: Chris Creighton is one of the most underrated coaches in college football. Eastern Michigan made one bowl game from 1987 to 2015; the Eagles have made five since 2016 and tied Toledo for first in the MAC West a season ago. However, there is plenty of turnover from 2022 to 2023. Sidy Sow and Marcellus Johnson are gone at offensive line, and so are the two best receivers (Dylan Drummond and Hassan Beydoun). Defensively, replacing versatile end Jose Ramirez will be tough. However, Samson Evans is an All-MAC caliber running back, and new QB Austin Smith has been good in certain spots. BCS: Outright MAC West Title, with Evans winning Player of the Year in the conference. EDITOR’S NOTE: The Eagles struggled in their first game, but managed to beat Howard 33-23 in Ypsilanti. It’s on to Minnesota in Week 2. 
• Florida Atlantic Owls: FAU, much like their basketball team, could surprise plenty this season. Tom Herman debuts as head coach in Boca Raton, and with him comes QB Casey Thompson. The former Texas/Nebraska signal-caller inherits a strong backfield with Larry McCammon, Zuberi Mobley, and Kobe Lewis. The defense has room to improve, but almost everyone is back from last year’s unit, including Evan Anderson on the line. BCS: FAU wins the conference, and Casey Thompson is a revelation at QB. EDITOR’S NOTE: An opening victory over Monmouth at FAU Stadium helps Tom Herman’s team. Casey Thompson looked comfortable, and McCammon looked unstoppable on the rush. 
• FIU Panthers: Unfortunately for second-year coach Mike MacIntyre, things aren’t looking up for FIU again this year after going 4-8 last year. Running back Lexington Joseph is out for the year after tearing his ACL in the spring, and plenty of players left via the transfer portal. If FIU wants to escape the C-USA cellar, it starts with QB Grayson James growing into a capable starter and the defense holding teams under 30 a game. BCS: The Panthers claw their way to .500. EDITOR’S NOTE: A loss to Louisiana Tech on the road opened the 2023 campaign, but the Panthers bounced back and beat Maine the next week. 
• Florida Gators: Losing Anthony Richardson at QB headlines the 2023 season for Florida, and it could be a rebuild for Billy Napier in his second season at the helm. Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz takes over under center, and he was up-and-down in Madison. Hopefully a change of scenery helps gets Mertz over the hump, along with two studs in the backfield (Trevor Etienne and Montrell Johnson). The defense is a work in progress, as the Gators finished near the bottom of the SEC in yards per play allowed, points per game allowed, and couldn’t stop the run. It’s a transition year in Gainesville, but that doesn’t happen for the Gators. Napier could be on the hot seat if things go wrong. BCS: Mertz is unlocked and the Gators surprisingly win the SEC East. EDITOR’S NOTE: The defense kept it close, but the offense couldn’t get going in a 24-11 loss at Utah to open the year. Mertz was fine, but the running game looked anemic. 

• Florida State Seminoles: In his fourth season at the helm, Mike Norvell could finally lead Florida State back to the promised land and into the CFP. The offense is dynamic, headlined by Heisman contender Jordan Travis at QB, running back Trey Benson, and three spectacular pass-catchers (Keon Coleman, Johnny Wilson, Jaheim Bell). The defense can be better against the run, but still held teams to around 20 points per game. Jared Verse is an All-American caliber edge rusher, and Virginia transfer Fentrell Cypress II is a lockdown corner. Fabien Lovett and Braden Fiske should not be overlooked on the defensive line. BCS: The first National Championship since 2013. Travis wins the Heisman, and several players are drafted high. EDITOR’S NOTE: Hype has reached a fever pitch after the Seminoles manhandled LSU 45-24 in Week 1. Jordan Travis looked as advertised, and Keon Coleman tore the Tigers to shreds with three touchdowns. The defense came up with clutch stops, as well. 
• Fresno State Bulldogs: Quarterback Jake Haener and receiver Jalen Moreno-Cropper are gone to the NFL, so how does head coach Jeff Tedford get Fresno State back to the top of the Mountain West after winning the title a year ago? It starts with UCF transfer Mikey Keene at QB and a slew of transfer receivers. The Bulldog defense was strong last season (under 20 points per game) and returns seven starters. BCS: Back-to-back Mountain West titles and a bowl win. Keene picks up where Haener left off and has an All-Conference year. EDITOR’S NOTE: Going to West Lafayette and beating Purdue is no small feat, but the Bulldogs did just that in a 39-35 victory. Keene was dynamic at QB, but receiver Erik Brooks (nine catches for 170 yards and two TDs) was the headliner. 
• Georgia Bulldogs: It’s extremely hard to three-peat in any sport, let alone college football. But Georgia, again, is the overwhelming favorite to win the national title this season. The biggest loss is OC Tood Monken, but Mike Bobo shouldn’t stray too far from the winning system. Carson Beck is QB1, and has the nation’s best tight end, Brock Bowers, to throw to. Dominic Lovett (Missouri) and RaRa Thomas (Mississippi State) should be instant-impact transfers at receiver. The defense won’t miss a beat, headlined by Mykel Williams up front, Jamon Dumas-Johnson and Smael Mondon at linebacker, and Malaki Starks in the secondary. The running back room is deep, Javon Bullard is a game-wrecker at safety, and the offensive line is the class of the conference. Oh, and the schedule has never been easier. What more could you want? For Georgia fans, it’s championship or bust. BCS: The three-peat is complete. Brock Bowers wins the Heisman at tight end, and the defense is again the best in the country. EDITOR’S NOTE: The offense sputtered at times, but UGA eventually cruised to a 48-7 opening win over UT-Martin between the hedges.  
• Georgia Southern Eagles: Clay Helton’s first season at the helm in Statesboro could not have gone better. A bowl appearance with upset victories over Nebraska, James Madison, and Appalachian State, all while moving from the option to a pass-first offense. If the Eagles want to surprise again, the offense has to be prolific to make up for a mediocre defense (three returning starters this season, and over 30 points allowed per game last season). Davis Brin is a great fit from Tulane at QB, so the Eagles should once again go bowling. BCS: Sun Belt East title, with a bowl win. EDITOR’S NOTE: A 34-0 drubbing of The Citadel at Paulson Stadium has Eagles fans feeling great headed into the UAB matchup Week 2. 
• Georgia State Panthers: Georgia State’s streak of three straight winning seasons ended in 2022, but five of their eight losses were one-score games. This season, one starter returns on the offensive line, and the top running back (Tucker Gregg) is gone. Darren Grainger, though, is one of the best QBs in the Sun Belt. He accumulated 3,185 total yards in 2022, and should be electric again in OC Trent McKnight’s system. The defense was near the bottom of the conference in most statistical categories a year ago, but a good core of linebackers returns, headlined by Jordan Veneziale. BCS: Nearly Sun Belt champs, with a +.500 season overall. EDITOR’S NOTE: Another one-score game to open the year, but this time it’s in the Panthers favor (a 42-35 victory over Rhode Island). 

• Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: Brent Key’s interim tag is gone headed into his first full season at the helm for GT. The transfer portal brought two great players on offense (Haynes King at QB and Dominick Blaylock at WR), but improvement on the line must occur for the two to be successful. The defense held teams to under six yards per snap last year, but plenty of talent (Keion White, Charlie Thomas, Zamari Walton) is gone, leaving more questions than answers for a Yellow Jacket squad looking to go bowling. BCS: Frisky in the ACC, with a bowl win. King and Blaylock becomes one of the best QB-WR duos in the conference. EDITOR’S NOTE: The offense looked great, the defense not so much in an opening 39-34 loss to Louisville.  
• Hawaii Rainbow Warriors: Timmy Chang struggled in his debut season coaching at his alma mater (the Rainbow Warriors went 3-10), but there is optimism that Hawaii can make some noise in the Mountain West this year. The run and shoot offense is back, and quarterback Brayden Schager has the tools to unlock it, but he needs to be sharper overall. The receiving corps has to come through in a big way, and so does the offensive line, who loses some starters headed into 2023. The defense should be better, but how much better (nearly 35 points allowed per game last season) is the question. BCS: Hawaii gets to .500. EDITOR’S NOTE: An 0-2 start (losses to Vanderbilt and Stanford) is brutal for the Rainbow Warriors, especially considering both contests were decided by a touchdown. 
• Houston Cougars: After going 12-2 in 2021, Houston went a paltry 8-5 in 2022, and is looking for consistency heading into the Big 12. The defense was the main issue, giving up over 30 points per game last season as opposed to just over 20 in 2021. Nelson Ceaser and Chidozie Nwankwo anchor the defense up front. Offensively, Donovan Smith was a great transfer portal pickup from Texas Tech, and the receiving corps, led by Matthew Golden, should be one of the best in the Big 12. BCS: Houston shocks the world and wins the Big 12 in their first season in the conference. Dana Holgorsen’s team doesn’t make the playoff, but is on the cusp. EDITOR’S NOTE: An opening 17-14 victory over UTSA is better than people realize. Smith looked strong at QB, but the schedule gets no easier from here. 
• Illinois Fighting Illini: Last season, Illinois smashed all expectations and finished with the program’s best record (8-5) since 2007 (9-4). Bret Bielema has the Fighting Illini ready for a run at the Big Ten West title, but the defense is in rebuild mode with a new coordinator (Aaron Henry) and plenty of lost stars that contributed to a unit among the best in the country last season (12.8 points per game). Keith Randolph Jr. and Jer’Zhan Newton are beasts up front, but the secondary needs to be rocksteady to continue the momentum. Tommy DeVito is gone at QB, so Ole Miss transfer Luke Altmyer steps into the role. Also gone is Chase Brown at running back, but there are plenty of options to take his place. BCS: The Fighting Illini win the Big Ten West and go bowling. EDITOR’S NOTE: An opening 30-28 victory over Toledo leaves concerns about the defense, but is overall a quality win. The next two games are brutal: at Kansas and then Penn State in Champaign. 
• Indiana Hoosiers: Tom Allen isn’t on the hot seat yet, but after going 6-18 over the past two years, how Indiana does this season could determine Allen’s future with the program. The transfer portal will be counted on early and often for the Hoosiers: Tayven Jackson (QB, Tennessee) and Christian Turner (RB, Wake Forest) are likely starters Week 1, and the defense that gave up nearly 35 points per game comes back with only two starters. Cam Camper and Jaylin Lucas should help the offense at receiver and running back, respectively, but the two best players are on the defensive side of the ball (Aaron Casey at linebacker and Andre Carter on the edge). BCS: Indiana gets over .500 and Tom Allen avoids the hot seat. Casey and Carter have all-conference seasons. EDITOR’S NOTE: The defense looked solid, but the offense couldn’t get anything going in a 23-3 Week 1 loss to Ohio State in Memorial Stadium. 

• Iowa Hawkeyes: Brian Ferentz, not Kirk, is on the hot seat entering 2023 for Iowa. The offensive coordinator has to find a way to improve a unit that averaged only 17.7 points per game in 2022. However, Cade McNamara is possibly the quarterback the Iowa faithful have waited for. The Michigan transfer is mobile with a solid arm, and has two great tight ends (Erick All and Luke Lachey) to throw to. Running back Kaleb Johnson could also be a star for the Hawkeyes. Iowa’s defense, as usual, will be splendid. You lose plenty of talent, but Cooper DeJean is a potential All-American at corner and the line can stop plays before they happen. BCS: Iowa wins the Big Ten and makes it to the CFP. McNamara is the Chosen One at QB, and wins the Heisman. The Hawkeyes fall short in the playoffs, though. EDITOR’S NOTE: A 24-14 victory over Utah State is a solid, but not ideal, way to open the season. McNamara looked comfortable, but the defense gave up an uncharacteristic 329 total yards.  
• Iowa State Cyclones: Last year’s 4-8 record for Iowa State was the first losing season and missed bowl appearance since 2016. Matt Campbell, though, is still a fantastic coach, and the Cyclones are due for a rebound. However, losing Hunter Dekkers at QB stings, especially considering he did it to himself with a slew of gambling allegations. The combination of Rocco Becht and J.J. Kohl should hopefully manage in Dekkers’s absence. The offensive line needs to improve to open up the running game, and the top receiver from last season, Xavier Hutchinson, is gone to the NFL. The defense last year for the Cyclones was top-notch, and the secondary is stacked this year (TJ Tampa, Beau Freyler, and Myles Purchase are All-Conference caliber). Furthermore, the linebackers are always solid when coached by Matt Campbell. BCS: Iowa State navigates a tough schedule and wins the Big 12. No playoff appearance, but the Cyclones make a New Year’s Six Bowl. EDITOR’S NOTE: A 30-9 victory over Northern Iowa in Ames is a great place to start. 
• Jacksonville State Gamecocks: Despite transitioning from the FCS to the FBS, Rich Rodriguez’s Gamecocks should be competitive early and often. The offense will score in bunches, headlined by a solid backfield (Anwar Lewis and Malik Jackson) and an All-Conference caliber receiver (Sterling Galban). Zion Webb and Logan Smothers will duke it out for the QB spot, but either way the offense again will be potent. The secondary is questionable, but defensively the Gamecocks should wreak havoc up front. BCS: Jacksonville State wins the Conference USA in their first year, and goes bowling. EDITOR’S NOTE: Starting 2-0 with victories over UTEP and East Tennessee State might be a harbinger of more down the line.  
• James Madison Dukes: Last year’s transition to FBS ball could not have gone better for James Madison, who went 8-3 despite being ineligible for a bowl. They are ineligible again this year, but that shouldn’t stop Curt Cignetti’s team from winning plenty of games. The offense that led the Sun Belt in scoring a year ago loses Todd Centeio at QB, but Arizona transfer Jordan McCloud should help the Dukes continue to score in bunches. The offensive line returns all five starters, and the running back room is deep. The defense last season was a killer, and should be again with the deadly linebacking duo of Taurus Jones and Jailin Walker. BCS: James Madison wins the Sun Belt East (again), and the bowl ineligibility is lifted heading into 2024. EDITOR’S NOTE: The offense looked crisp in a 38-3 drubbing of Bucknell to open the season. Three straight road games (Virginia, Troy, and Utah State) should make things tough, though.  
• Kansas Jayhawks: In his third season in Lawrence, Lance Leipold has Kansas ready for a potential run at the Big 12 Title. This sentence five years ago would be unfathomable, but the Jayhawks return 17 starters, and it starts with dark-horse Heisman candidate Jalon Daniels at quarterback. Jason Bean, though, is also a star as a backup in case Daniels is still hurt due to a lingering back injury. The offensive line is deep, the receiving corps is loaded, and the offense should score in bunches. The defense, though, is seeking consistency after giving up around 35 points per game a season ago. The linebackers are strong, and Cobee Bryant and Kenny Logan are menaces in the secondary, but the defensive line needs to establish some pressure despite losing all four starters. BCS: Kansas wins the Big 12, makes the CFP, and Daniels wins the Heisman. EDITOR’S NOTE: Daniels is still sidelined as of writing, but Jason Bean looked solid in an opening 48-17 win over Missouri State.  

• Kansas State Wildcats: Chris Klieman has the unenviable task of replacing Deuce Vaughn at running back, and loses a handful of defensive backs. Outside of those losses, Kansas State is a legitimate threat to repeat as Big 12 Champions. Will Howard is a rising star at QB, and the offensive line is arguably the best in the country. Defensively, there are plenty of stars to replace, but Kobe Savage is one of the best safeties in the Big 12, and the linebacker corps is stacked. Klieman is an incredible coach, and he should have the Wildcats right back in the title hunt, and possibly in the CFP. BCS: Kansas State breaks through and wins the National Championship, as well as the second straight Big 12 Title for the Wildcats. Will Howard has a Heisman season, and the defense is stellar. EDITOR’S NOTE: A 45-0 schlacking of Southeast Missouri State to open the season is just what the doctor ordered. Will Howard looked solid, and two receivers (RJ Garcia II and Ben Sinnott) had at least 100 yards. 
• Kent State Golden Flashes: Do not expect Kent State to be solid in Kenni Burns’s first season at the helm. ZERO offensive starters return, but the portal provided two quarterbacks (Jaren Lewis and Michael Alaimo) and running back Ky Thomas (Kansas). The defense has All-MAC contenders in lineman CJ West and linebacker Khalil Saunders. If the running game is established early and often, Kent State could surprise in the MAC. BCS: Kent State gets to .500 despite being projected as one of the worst teams in the country. EDITOR’S NOTE: UCF dismantled the Golden Flashes 56-6 in Week 1. 
• Kentucky Wildcats: Kentucky’s offense was the big issue for the Wildcats last season, so Mark Stoops lured his old OC Liam Coen back to Lexington and brought in QB Devin Leary from NC State. Leary is a great QB who is a dark-horse Heisman contender, and should fill in nicely for the departed Will Levis. The receiving trio of Tayvion Robinson, Barion Brown and Dane Key is among the best in the SEC, and the transfer portal should help retool the offensive line. Jordan Dingle and Josh Kattus are also two solid tight ends. Defensively, the unit that held teams under 20 a game last year loses star Justin Rogers, but the linebackers are great and the Keeshawn Silver/Josiah Haynes combo will be lethal on the line. BCS: Kentucky breaks through and wins the SEC Championship. Devin Leary is in New York for the Heisman Trophy presentation, and the defense is tops in the SEC. The Wildcats make the College Football Playoff. EDITOR’S NOTE: The offense looked solid in a 44-14 win over Ball State, but the Wildcats need to continue to improve to reach their BCS.  
• Liberty Flames: The roster is in flux, with a total of eight returning starters. Yet, Liberty can realistically contend for the C-USA title. Jamey Chadwell starts his tenure as head coach after establishing a reputation as an offensive guru. The quarterback position is up for grabs, but Kaidon Salter appears to be the favorite after transferring from Tennessee. The rest of the gaps on offense should be filled by the portal, but as we know, it’s hit-or-miss. Most of the star playmakers from the defense are gone, but Kendy Charles is a beast at defensive tackle who is All-Conference caliber. BCS: Despite all of the turnover, Liberty wins the Conference USA. EDITOR’S NOTE: An opening victory over Bowling Green helps plenty for the Flames. Salter looked solid at QB, creating through the air and on the ground. 
• Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns: Last year was a rebuilding year for Louisiana, but this year Michael Desormeaux’s team has a chance to break through and run the Sun Belt once again. The schedule is favorable, and Chandler Fields and Ben Wooldridge are both capable starters at QB. However, replacing Chris Smith at running back will prove to be a challenge. Only two starters are back on defense, as well. Depth overall is a concern for this team, but a bowl game is within reach for Louisiana. BCS: The Ragin’ Cajuns get to a bowl game, and a star QB emerges. EDITOR’S NOTE: Wooldridge is QB1 after passing for three touchdowns in UL’s opening victory over Northwestern State. 

• Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks: With the Sun Belt Conference growing into a powerhouse, one program or two had to suffer. ULM has been that program so far, but Terry Bowden’s team should improve this year. If Jiya Wright and Hunter Herring develop at quarterback, the offense has the chance to be high-powered. Ole Miss transfer Isaiah Woullard is a great running back, and wide receivier Tyrone Howell is one of the best in the conference. The portal should help a defense that returns only four starters, but the secondary is strong with a decent corner tandem in Lu Tillery and Deuce Mayberry. Getting to .500 will be a challenge, but the Warhawks are capable. BCS: The Warhawks get above .500 and make it to a bowl. EDITOR’S NOTE: What an impressive win for the Warhawks! ULM beat Army 17-13 to open the season, despite spotty quarterback play. 
• Louisiana Tech Bulldogs: Sonny Cumbie’s first year at the helm in Ruston was a rebuilding year, but a slew of transfers should help Louisiana Tech be one of the most improved teams in the C-USA this season. It starts with Hank Bachmeier at QB. The Boise State transfer has a strong receiving corps to work with, including top target Smoke Harris, and Marquis Crosby and Charvis Thornton are a great 1-2 punch at running back. The defense gave up nearly 40 points a game last season, but leading tackler Hugh Davis is back to hopefully improve the unit. BCS: Louisiana Tech wins the Conference USA after a great season from Hank Bachmeier. EDITOR’S NOTE: A win over FIU and a loss on the road to SMU has the Bulldogs at 1-1 entering a home game against Northwestern State. 
• Louisville Cardinals: Jeff Brohm has come home, and Louisville is a dark-horse pick to head to the ACC Championship. No Clemson, Florida State, or UNC on the schedule certainly helps, but the offense will be prolific. Jack Plummer is capable, but unproven at quarterback. The receiving corps is headlined by the dangerous transfer Jamari Thrash, but the offensive line needs work. Defensively, the secondary loaded up through the portal (Storm Duck and Marquis Groves-Killebrew), but the defensive line is nasty. BCS: Louisville wins the ACC behind a career year from Plummer and a good-enough defense. EDITOR’S NOTE: A 39-34 shootout win over Georgia Tech is a solid start, considering the game was a de facto road trip (held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta). The duo of Plummer and Thrash looked dangerous and dynamic, but the defense clearly needs some help. 
• LSU Tigers: Brian Kelly exceeded expectations in Year 1 in Baton Rouge, delivering the Bayou Bengals an SEC West title. Now, expectations are set for a potential CFP appearance and national championship. Jayden Daniels bulked up and is ready for a Heisman-caliber season after a year under Mike Denbrock’s offense. If not him, then Garrett Nussmeier is arguably the best backup in the country. The receiving corps, headlined by Malik Nabers and tight end Maason Taylor, is one of the best in the country, and the offensive line should improve heavily. The defense, as usual, is loaded. Maason Smith is back at defensive tackle after missing most of last season with a torn ACL. Harold Perkins might be the best linebacker in college football, and the secondary is built on transfers who should be fine at DBU. BCS: Brian Kelly breaks his drought and delivers another title to Baton Rouge. Jayden Daniels wins the Heisman, and Maason Taylor and Harold Perkins are the best defensive tandem in the country. EDITOR’S NOTE: There is work to be done after suffering a 45-24 defeat to Florida State. The Tigers looked flat, unable to capitalize on goal-line opportunities and couldn’t establish the run. 
• Marshall Thundering Herd: After starting the year 3-3, Marshall won six out of seven to close the season. Quite impressive for Charles Huff’s Thundering Herd. Now, the pieces are in place for Marshall to win the Sun Belt. Rasheen Ali is an all-conference running back, and Cam Fancher is a capable QB who does need to take the next step. The defense was spectacular last season, but with only three starters back, the transfer portal will have to come in clutch. Look for Micah Abraham to continue to star at corner. BCS: Marshall shakes off defensive turnover and wins the Sun Belt. Fancher emerges as a star at QB, and Ali wins Sun Belt Player of the Year after an incredible season. EDITOR’S NOTE: A narrow 21-17 victory over Albany leaves plenty of concerns, but Ali was as advertised with 137 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.  

• Maryland Terrapins: Mike Locksley’s offense at Maryland should be spectacular this season. Taulia Tagovailoa is back at QB, and so is All-Big Ten caliber running back Roman Hemby. The receivers should also be solid, but are unproven via the transfer portal. Defensively, the linebacking corps is the strength, as Jaishawn Barham and Ruben Hyppolite are one of the best tandems in the Big Ten. Ja’Quan Sheppard is a huge portal pickup from Cincinnati at corner, but the defense has to be better if the Terps want to break through in the loaded Big Ten East. BCS: Maryland breaks through and wins the Big Ten East. Taulia Tagovailoa channels his older brother in a Heisman year, and the defense is serviceable enough to get the Terps to a New Year’s Six Bowl. EDITOR’S NOTE: Tagovailoa had four first-half touchdowns in a 38-6 whomping of Towson. 
• Memphis Tigers: With the American Athletic Conference getting weaker with realignment, Ryan Silverfield’s Tigers have a chance to run the league once again. Seth Henigan returns at QB, and he is among the conference’s best. Huge transfer pickup Blake Watson (Old Dominion) and Sutton Smith fill a strong running back room. However, the team’s top four targets at receiver from 2022 are all gone, leaving a noticeable void. Defensively, the Tigers gave up too many points (nearly 30 a game) a season ago, but the run defense is solid and should keep Memphis in games. BCS: Memphis wins the conference and a bowl game to get back to the standard. Seth Henigan wins Player of the Year in the conference. EDITOR’S NOTE: A 56-14 beatdown of Bethune-Cookman starts the season. Henigan threw for over 300 yards, but control (two picks) was an issue. 
• Miami (FL) Hurricanes: Mario Cristobal is too solid of a head coach for Miami not to improve in his second season at the helm. Shannon Dawson heads into his first season at offensive coordinator after serving at the same position in Houston. If he and quarterback Tyler Van Dyke mesh well, the offense could be lethal. The offensive front is strong, with two five-stars (Francis Mauigoa and Samson Okunlola) and Alabama transfer Javion Cohen. Lance Guidry is also new at defensive coordinator after taking Marshall’s defense to new heights last season. He gets great pass rushing (Akheem Mesidor) and the best safety tandem in the ACC (Kamren Kinchens and James Williams) to ease the transition. BCS: Miami wins the ACC in Cristobal’s second season, backed by a turnover-forcing defense and the best offensive line in the country. EDITOR’S NOTE: A 38-3 victory over Miami (OH) opens the season. The real test is next week: Texas A&M comes to town. 
• Miami (OH) RedHawks: Miami has all of the tools necessary to win the MAC East, and it starts with the return of Brett Gabbert at QB. Outside of Gabbert, the offense has concerns, with leading target Mac Hippenhammer done and a patchwork offensive line. The defense, though, is loaded, and should be one of the best in the MAC. The defensive backs are everywhere, and linebacker Matthew Salopek tackles well and gets behind the line with ease. If the ground game gets going on the offensive side of the ball, the RedHawks will be great. BCS: Miami wins the MAC behind otherworldly quarterback play from Gabbert and the best defense in the conference. They go bowling and win handily. EDITOR’S NOTE: Flush Week 1, as going on the road to Miami (FL) was too tall a task to overcome. 
• Michigan Wolverines: Ann Arbor is the place to be in the Big Ten, and Jim Harbaugh is looking to break through and deliver Michigan a national title this year. Much like Georgia, Alabama, and other contenders, Michigan is loaded on both sides of the ball. J.J. McCarthy is a star at QB, and the combination of Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards at running back is arguably the best in the country. The offensive line, as per usual, is among the best in college football, and the receiving corps is criminally underrated (Cornelius Johnson and Roman Wilson will both have great years). The defense brings back seven starters, and the defensive line will bring pressure paired with stud linebackers (Junior Colson, Michael Barrett, and Nebraska transfer Ernest Hausmann). BCS: Michigan finally wins it all, behind a Heisman year from McCarthy and the best defense in the country. The Big Ten Title also stays in Ann Arbor. EDITOR’S NOTE: Michigan rolled over East Carolina to open the season, 30-3.  

• Michigan State Spartans: Losing Payton Thorne at QB and both Jayden Reed and Keon Coleman at wideout leaves Sparty with more questions than answers on offense. Noah Kim will take the snaps under center, and doesn’t need to be Thorne, but needs to be good in order to keep Michigan State in the Big Ten title hunt. The offensive line has to take a massive step, and that starts with veterans Nick Samac and JD Duplain. Defensively, the linebackers are solid, but the secondary questionable. If Mel Tucker wants to avoid the hot seat, MSU needs plenty to go their way. BCS: Michigan State gets to the Big Ten Championship after stellar play from Kim at QB and an improved defense under Mel Tucker. EDITOR’S NOTE:  A solid 31-7 win over Central Michigan starts the year strong, but the schedule doesn’t get any easier. 
• Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders: Rick Stockstill is one of the most underappreciated coaches in college football, and the Blue Raiders should be in the Conference USA title hunt and go to another bowl game. The offense needs more if MTSU wants to achieve a conference title. Plenty of receivers have to be replaced, but the running backs are decent and Nick Vattiato is a fine substitute for Chase Cunningham at QB. The defense returns nine starters from a great run defense last season. The pass defense was weak, but 20 turnovers helped mitigate the net loss. BCS: MTSU goes bowling and wins the Conference USA. Rick Stockstill continues to show why he’s one of the best coaches in the country. EDITOR’S NOTE: Losing 56-7 is never a good way to start the year, but when you’re playing Alabama, what do you expect? 
• Minnesota Golden Gophers: P.J. Fleck’s Golden Gophers are a sleeper pick to get to the Big Ten Championship, and it starts with a loaded offense. Tanner Morgan and Mohamed Ibrahim are gone at QB and RB, but Athan Kaliakmanis is a solid replacement for Morgan and Sean Tyler is a great substitute at running back. The receiving corps is loaded: Chris Autman-Bell, Brevyn Spann-Ford, and two transfers (Corey Crooms from Western Michigan and Elijah Spencer from Charlotte) are the headliners. The offensive line lost some talent, but will be fine. Just five returning starters headline the defense, but the linebackers are tough and the secondary can make plays. The pass rush needs to get in the backfield more for Minnesota to surprise teams this season. BCS: P.J. Fleck leads Minnesota to a Big Ten title, and Kaliakmanis breaks out to become the best QB in a loaded conference. EDITOR’S NOTE: A gritty, 13-10 win over Nebraska highlighted a strong defense but questionable offense. 
• Mississippi State Bulldogs: Zach Arnett has the tough task of replacing the late Mike Leach as Mississippi State’s head coach, and he is trying to instill his stamp on the program. The Air Raid is being phased out, and Kevin Barbay will install a more balanced attack as the new OC. Will Rogers, though, still runs the offense as QB, and this team will go as far as he can take them. The receiving corps is stacked, the offensive line returns everyone, and the running backs should break out in a big way in the new system. Defensively, the linebacking tandem of Jett Johnson and Nathaniel Watson is among the best in the SEC, but new parts in the secondary and defensive line are unproven. BCS: Mississippi State pulls off the shocker of all shockers and wins the loaded SEC West. Will Rogers wins the Heisman, and the defense shuts down the likes of Alabama and LSU. Zach Arnett honors Mike Leach with a New Year’s Six Bowl win and the best season in program history. EDITOR’S NOTE: Will Rogers is still Will Rogers. He threw for 227 yards and two touchdowns in a 48-7 blowout over Southeastern Louisiana. The running game looked spectacular behind Jo’Quavious Marks (127 yards and two touchdowns). 
• Missouri Tigers: Eliah Drinkwitz’s Mizzou team has the chance to surprise… if the offense is good. The unit averaged less than 25 points per game last season, but Brady Cook is back at QB and is looking to take a step to stardom. The receiving corps is headlined by Luther Burden, an All-SEC candidate, but the offensive line needs to open up the run to take the burden off of Cook at QB. The defense shouldn’t be an issue, as the unit last year was stellar and returns eight starters. Cornerbacks Kris Abrams-Draine and Ennis Rakestraw are ball hawks, and Ty’Ron Hopper is a great open-field tackler who can get in the backfield. BCS: Missouri, behind a top-notch defense and an All-SEC season from Brady Cook, wins the SEC East. EDITOR’S NOTE: A 35-10 victory over South Dakota is headlined by great play from Cook and Cody Schrader at running back. 

• Navy Midshipmen: Ken Miumatalolo is gone from the head coaching role he had for 15 years, so Brian Newberry takes the reins. The defense for the Midshipmen should be solid, with nine starters back, headlined by defensive end Jacob Busic and linebacker Colin Ramos. The offense finished last in the AAC in scoring and yards per play last season, so new coordinator Grant Chestnut looks to jumpstart a unit led by Tai Lavatai at quarterback. BCS: Navy breaks .500 and beats Army. EDITOR’S NOTE: Everything looked bad in a 42-3 loss at the hands of Notre Dame in Dublin. 
• NC State Wolfpack: Dave Doeren has reunited the duo of Brennan Armstrong (a QB transfer from Virginia) and Robert Anae (Virginia’s former OC) in Raleigh. This is to hopefully spark an offensive unit that couldn’t break 25 points per game last year. The receivers need to emerge early and often, and the ground game needs work, but Armstrong is a capable veteran. The defense should be one of the best in the conference. Payton Wilson is a do-it-all playmaker who opted to return and lead a unit that allowed under 20 a game in 2022. The corner combo of Shyheim Battle and Aydan White is lethal. BCS: NC State rekindles their offense and wins the ACC. The defense is the best in the conference, and a New Year’s Six Bowl win comes as well. EDITOR’S NOTE: A gritty 24-14 win over UConn starts the year. With Notre Dame coming to town Week 2, the offense will have to improve quickly. 
• Nebraska Cornhuskers: Give Matt Rhule time, Husker Nation: in his debuts at Baylor and Temple he went a combined 3-21. Jeff Sims comes from Georgia Tech as a mobile quarterback who can throw as well. Running back Anthony Grant is back, but he needs the offensive line to be somewhat dependable. Marcus Washington, freshman Malachi Coleman, and transfer Billy Kemp IV headline a deep receiving corps. The defensive line needs work, but the linebacking corps is solid and the secondary has a stat-sheet stuffer in Isaac Gifford. BCS: Nebraska gets above .500 in a loaded Big Ten and goes bowling. EDITOR’S NOTE: An opening 13-10 loss to Minnesota stings, but there’s no time to mourn; the Huskers are heading to Boulder to face Coach Prime and Colorado. 
• Nevada Wolf Pack: Nevada didn’t lack effort last season, but it definitely lacked results, going 2-10 in Ken Wilson’s first season at the helm. The offense averaged under 20 points per game and the defense allowed more than 30, a toxic combination. Brendon Lewis (Colorado) and Sean Dollars (Oregon) should be the QB-RB combo. Three of the top four receivers are back on an offense that needs to be productive. The defense returns six starters, including outside linebacker Drue Watts. BCS: Nevada is frisky in the Mountain West and makes a bowl game. EDITOR’S NOTE: Getting thrashed by USC was expected, but 66-14 is still embarrassing. 
• New Mexico Lobos: The offense last season for New Mexico was anemic, averaging under four yards per play. To fix the obvious problem, Danny Gonzales brought on UAB interim head coach Bryant Vincent to run the offense. Dylan Hopkins is following Vincent from Birmingham, and is a solid veteran that should jumpstart the anemic offense. The wide receiving room is also very strong. The defense only has two returning starters, but Donte Martin is an all-star corner and D’Arco Perkins-McAllister is an impact transfer at safety. BCS: Lobos get right to .500. EDITOR’S NOTE: The season opens with a 52-10 blowout loss at the hands of Texas A&M. 

• New Mexico State Aggies: In Jerry Kill’s first season at the helm of New Mexico State, the Aggies went from 2-10 in 2021 to 7-6 with a bowl win. This year, the offense returns eight starters, with a solid offensive line that will set the tone early. Diego Pavia returns at QB, where he should take the next step and be a great Conference USA quarterback. Four of the top five receivers are back for an overall potent offense. The defense was incredible last season, improving in virtually every way from a 2021 squad that surrendered over 40 points a game. However, only four returning starters are back from a unit that gave up less than 24 a game. BCS: New Mexico State wins the Conference USA, and Jerry Kill is the Coach of the Year for the conference. EDITOR’S NOTE: The Aggies sit at 1-1 after a home loss to UMass and a win against Western Illinois.  
• North Carolina Tar Heels: Many forget Mack Brown’s Tar Heels started off 2022 9-1, but then lost their last four games. This year, expectations are sky-high in Chapel Hill. Drake Maye is one of the favorites at QB to win the Heisman Trophy, and he’s complemented by a deep running back room and a lethal receiving corps headlined by transfers Devontez Walker (Kent State) and Nate McCollum (Georgia Tech). The offensive line, though, must improve to ensure Maye lives up to the hype. Defensively, UNC allowed the most points per game in the entire conference, but eight starters return. BCS: UNC makes the CFP behind an ACC Championship win and a Heisman campaign from Drake Maye. EDITOR’S NOTE: Even without Devontez Walker at wideout (eligibility issues), Drake Maye and the Heels looked solid in an opening 31-17 statement win over South Carolina.  
• North Texas Mean Green: Eric Morris enters his first season in Denton with high expectations for the Mean Green. The offense averaged 462 yards and 34 points per game a year ago, and while those numbers will be hard to match, the O should still be great. ULM transfer Chandler Rogers gets the nod at QB, and the receiving corps is stacked. All of the top rushers and four starters on the line are back, as well. The defense has the experience and talent, but Matt Caponi faces an uphill battle in the offensive-minded AAC. BCS: North Texas utilizes the best offense in the conference to win the AAC and their bowl game. EDITOR’S NOTE: A 58-21 road loss to Cal produces worries about the defense, but look for the Mean Green to get back on track at FIU Week 2. 
• Northern Illinois Huskies: QB Rocky Lombardi and WR Trayvon Rudolph were injured most of last year, and that hurt NIU’s chances in the MAC. Now, both are back, and looking to take back the conference they have dominated in the past. Outside the dynamic duo of Lombardi and Rudolph, Antario Brown is an All-MAC caliber tailback, and the offensive line is top-class. Plenty of defensive cogs for the Huskies have departed, though, but the defensive line is deep. BCS: Northern Illinois gets over the hump and retakes the MAC title. Lombardi and Rudolph both star. EDITOR’S NOTE: An opening overtime win over Boston College on the road has expectations high for head coach Thomas Hammock’s squad. 
• Northwestern Wildcats: The off-the-field issues for Northwestern will be hard to overcome for Northwestern in 2023, but incoming transfer QB Ben Bryant is a huge bright spot. He won’t solve every offensive issue (the offensive line, running backs, and receivers leave plenty to be desired), but he provides veteran leadership and poise. Bryce Gallagher and Xander Mueller should pace a defense that returns only five starters. BCS: Northwestern gets to .500 despite the circus surrounding the program. EDITOR’S NOTE: Rutgers smacked the Wildcats in Piscataway 24-7; Ben Bryant looked mediocre at QB with no touchdowns and two picks. 

• Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Marcus Freeman had highs (9-4) and lows (losses to Marshall and Stanford) in his debut at head coach for Notre Dame, but this year a CFP appearance could be in the cards. Sam Hartman is a huge upgrade at quarterback for the Fighting Irish, and he’s playing behind two of the best offensive linemen (Joe Alt and Blake Fisher). Audric Estime is the leader of a deep running back room, but the receiving corps is relatively unproven. Defensively, the Irish should be stronger overall, with a terrific defensive line and All-American talent in the secondary. BCS: Sam Hartman wins the Heisman, and Notre Dame wins the National Championship. The defense is Top 5 in the country, and Marcus Freeman gets a hefty contract extension. EDITOR’S NOTE: ND is 2-0 after blowouts over Navy and Tennessee State. The first test comes at NC State next week.  
• Ohio Bobcats: The Ohio Bobcats will go as far as QB Kurtis Rourke goes. His status for 2023 is up in the air after suffering a torn ACL late in 2022. If he’s healthy, he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the country. The receiving corps is loaded and 1,000-yard rusher Sieh Bangura is also back. The defense, though, is questionable at best. The secondary and linebackers are decent, and the portal should help Tim Albin’s team hold their own in the MAC. BCS: Kurtis Rourke is healthy and has the best MAC QB season ever. Ohio wins the MAC handily and surprises a Power 5 team in bowl season. EDITOR’S NOTE: Rourke is still sidelined, and Ohio sits at 1-1 after a road loss to San Diego State and a home win over LIU.  
• Ohio State Buckeyes: Ryan Day’s Buckeyes were a field goal away from a National Championship berth and likely win. The offense this season is slightly rebuilding, with C.J. Stroud gone and three key linemen to the NFL as well. However, the receiving corps is the best in the country. Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Julian Fleming are all NFL-ready, but Lorenzo Styles and Cade Stover also make this unit the nation’s best. TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams would be the best 1-2 running back punch in the country if not for a certain team in Ann Arbor. The offensive line needs work, but will get there. In short, whoever starts at QB (Devin Brown or Kyle McCord) should be just fine in new offensive coordinator Brian Hartline’s system. The defense under Jim Knowles should be once again among the country’s best, as JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer are a ferocious end tandem and Tommy Eichenberg is a tackling machine. BCS: Ohio State climbs the mountain: they win the Big Ten and the National Championship. Marvin Harrison Jr. wins the Heisman after an unreal year. EDITOR’S NOTE: The quarterbacks looked shaky, but the Buckeyes rode a great defense to a 23-3 opening win over Indiana. 
• Oklahoma Sooners: Brent Venables’ debut season was far from ideal, as Oklahoma suffered its first losing season since 1998. The offense, though, was great, leading the Big 12 in total offense. Dillon Gabriel is the guy at quarterback, but if he somehow struggles, Jackson Arnold is a gem recruit who is a future star in Norman. Jovantae Barnes leads a deep rushing crew, Drake Stoops and Andel Anthony will pace a loaded receiving corps, and the offensive line has improved. The transfer portal should help the defense, as Jacob Lacey (Notre Dame) and Davon Sears (Texas State) are instant-impact defensive linemen. Furthermore, Danny Stustman and Dasan McCullough pace a stacked linebacking corps, and the secondary should benefit from an improved pass rush. BCS: Oklahoma wins the Big 12 and makes the CFP in Venables’s second year. Dillon Gabriel is the next OU quarterback to win the Heisman. EDITOR’S NOTE: 73-0 over Arkansas State is a splendid way to start the year for Boomer Sooner. 
• Oklahoma State Cowboys: Mike Gundy hasn’t had a losing record since 2005, and the head coach shouldn’t stop that trend in 2023. There are five Big 12 home games, and the Pokes avoid Texas, Texas Tech and TCU altogether. Garret Rangel appears to be QB1, and he has a great running back stable (Ollie Gordon II, Elijah Collins, and Jaden Nixon) to work with. The receiving corps brings back the top three targets, and De’Zhaun Stribling should make an immediate impact transferring from Washington State. Defensively, a new 3-3-5 scheme from first-year coordinator Bryan Nardo should take time to establish. Collin Oliver, though, is one of the country’s best ends and the corner tandem of Korie Black and Kale Smith is solid. BCS: Oklahoma State wins the Big 12 in the last year of the conference as we know it. Garret Rangel emerges as the next great gunslinger for the Cowboys. EDITOR’S NOTE: A 27-13 opening win over Central Arkansas leaves concerns for both sides of the ball. 

• Old Dominion Monarchs: Ricky Rahne knows the offense has to be better in his fourth season at ODU. Kevin Decker enters the OC role coming from Fordham, where he created one of the top offenses in the FCS. However, losing your top quarterback (Hayden Wolff), running back (Blake Watson) and receiver (Ali Jennings III) is painful. Grant Wilson should be fine under Decker’s system at QB; he served under Decker at Fordham. However, the receiving corps is the weak link, and an offensive line that struggles in the pass rush doesn’t help. The defense is headlined by Jason Henderson, an All-American candidate who tackles everything. The secondary, though, is questionable. BCS: Old Dominion gets to over .500 and wins a bowl game. EDITOR’S NOTE: The Monarchs stuck around, but ultimately fell to a better Virginia Tech team 36-17 to open the season with a loss. 
• Ole Miss Rebels: Ole Miss enters 2023 with plenty of strong transfers and arguably the deepest quarterback room in the country. Jaxson Dart is the proven starter, but Spencer Sanders (Oklahoma State) and Walker Howard (LSU) could both start and flourish if the time comes. Quinshon Judkins is a potential All-American at running back, and the receiving corps is underrated, with Jordan Watkins and transfer Tre Harris (Louisiana Tech) leading the bunch. Defensively, Pete Golding brings experience at Alabama to Oxford, and coaches a unit that is stocked with transfers that could make or break the Rebels’ season. BCS: Ole Miss breaks through and wins the National Championship, along with the SEC. Dart has a Heisman season, and the defense is a revelation under Golding. EDITOR’S NOTE: A 73-7 blowout over Mercer starts the campaign. Dart looked comfortable under center, and the defense flew all over the field in Golding’s new system. 
• Oregon Ducks: Year 2 of the Dan Lanning era in Eugene brings high hopes. The Ducks just missed a trip to the PAC-12 Championship last season, and with a revitalized Bo Nix back at quarterback, the offense could be lethal once again. The offensive line loses plenty, but the rushing attack combined with Bo Nix’s legs should be one of the best in the country. The receivers all have All-Conference upside, led by stud Troy Franklin. Christian Gonzalez and Noah Sewell leave the defense, but Trikweze Bridges is ready to take the next step. The line should be much improved, with Brandon Dorlus and South Carolina transfer Jordan Burch menaces in the making. BCS: Oregon wins the PAC-12 and the National Championship. Bo Nix shakes off the criticism and decisively wins the Heisman, and the defense is near the top in every national statistic. EDITOR’S NOTE: The Ducks accumulated 729 yards of offense in an 81-7 blowout of Portland State.  
• Oregon State Beavers: A sleeping giant has been awoken in Corvallis, as Jonathan Smith’s Beavers quietly went 10-3 with a bowl win over Florida. The passing attack needed to be improved headed into 2023, and Smith got D.J. Uiagalelei from Clemson. The quarterback has the chance to flourish in a new system with a great running back (Damien Martinez) and one of the best offensive lines in the country. The receivers need work, but DJU is good enough to bring the best out of them. The defense loses five of its top seven tacklers after leading the PAC-12 in total defense, but Trent Bray’s 3-4 should create stars early. BCS: DJU wins the Heisman, and Oregon State wins the PAC-12. EDITOR’S NOTE: DJU looked like a new quarterback in a 42-17 victory over San Jose State on the road.  
• Penn State Nittany Lions: Penn State could finally break through and win the Big Ten this year, and it starts with Drew Allar at quarterback. The kid is a bona fide star in the making, but the rest of the offense is also incredible. Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen are stars at running back, and Olu Fashanu is a generational prospect on an offensive line that is among the best in the country. The receivers are questionable, but KeAndre Lambert-Smith should breakout along with Kent State transfer Dante Cephas. Defensively, the Nittany Lions should be great, with ends Adisa Isaac and Chop Robinson a deadly tandem. Kalen King is a future NFL conrer, and the three main starters at linebacker are back. BCS: Penn State breaks through, wins the Big Ten and National Championship. Drew Allar wins the Heisman, and the Nittany Lions dominate behind the best offensive line in the country. EDITOR’S NOTE: A decisive 38-15 victory over West Virginia starts the campaign. Drew Allar was spectacular: 325 yards and no interceptions. Lambert-Smith was unguardable at wideout: 123 yards and two touchdowns on four catches. 

• Pittsburgh Panthers: Pittsburgh makes an intriguing case as a dark horse in the ACC this year. Plenty of talent is gone, but the new talent starts with Boston College transfer Phil Jurkovec taking over under center. He’s not mobile, but can sling it all over the field. The offensive line is solid, but the wideouts and running backs need to develop quickly. Pat Narduzzi always has a stingy defense, and this year should be no different for Pitt. The system is feast-or-famine, relying on a dominant pass rush to help impact the secondary. Expect Bam Brima and Dayon Hayes to blossom into stars. The corner tandem of MJ Devonshire and Marquis Williams is one of the best in the conference. BCS: Pitt claws their way to an ACC crown, and the defense is among the best in the country despite a risky system. EDITOR’S NOTE: Pitt rolled to a 45-7 Week 1 victory over Wofford at home. 
• Purdue Boilermakers: Ryan Walters takes over for Jeff Brohm this season at head coach, and it’s a tall task for the Boilermakers to get back to the Big Ten Championship. Aidan O’Connell and Charlie Jones are both gone from the offense, but Graham Harrell is a budding star at offensive coordinator and should have the unit going early. Quarterback Hudson Card should bloom in a new system, and Devin Mockobee is poised for another great year at running back. Deion Burks and T.J. Sheffield could join the storied lineage of great Purdue receivers this year, as well. Defensively, the unit needs work after returning only four starters. Cam Allen, though, is a great safety who is pacing a strong secondary. BCS: Purdue gets to the Big Ten Championship again, and Hudson Card flourishes with a change of scenery after leaving Texas. EDITOR’S NOTE: The 2023 campaign started with a thud after a 39-35 loss to Fresno State at home. The offense was great, the defense porous. 
• Rice Owls: Rice has yet to record a winning season under Mike Bloomgren, but the arrival of JT Daniels at quarterback could change everything for the Owls. He’s complemented by the dynamic duo of receiver Luke McCaffrey and tight end Jack Bradley, who will break out in the AAC. The linebacking corps should be stellar, but the defense must improve after surrendering nearly 35 points a game last year. BSC: JT Daniels finally lives up to the hype, leading a high-powered Rice Offense to an AAC championship and bowl win. EDITOR’S NOTE: Rice looked frisky against Texas, but ultimately fell 37-10 to a better Longhorns team. 
• Rutgers Scarlet Knights: Can Rutgers break through and get a winning season under Greg Schiano for the first time since 2014? Possibly, but it depends on new offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca’s system. The running game will be the strength, and some good transfers are at wideout, but Gavin Wimsatt needs to emerge as a QB1 for the Scarlet Knights to break .500. Defensively, Schiano always has a hard-nosed unit, and seven starters return from 2022. Deion Jennings and Moahmed Toure are All Big-Ten caliber, and the schedule is a bear, but the Scarlet Knights should break through with the pieces in place. BCS: Rutgers goes over .500 and bowling, and even pushes the top three (OSU, Michigan, and Penn State) in the Big Ten East. EDITOR’S NOTE: Beating Northwestern 24-7 is a fantastic start to the year, but consider that Northwestern is in full rebuild mode and the win becomes less impressive. 
• Sam Houston Bearkats: Bearkat fans should not expect greatness yet from Sam Houston. The transition from FCS to FBS is always difficult, but K.C. Keeler’s team will at least be competitive. Trevor Williams and Kavian Gaither anchor a strong defense that shouldn’t hesitate to wreck Conference USA competition. The offense, though, has only one returning starter, and Keegan Shoemaker is a question mark at quarterback. BCS: Sam Houston gets to .500. EDITOR’S NOTE: The Bearkats lose 14-0 to BYU in their season opener, but the defense looks as advertised. 

• San Diego State Aztecs: The Aztecs had a weird season last year, with questionable losses and too much talent to justify them. Jalen Mayden appears to be the quarterback of the future, and Ryan Lindley hopes to unlock him as the new offensive coordinator. The offensive line needs to be shuffled, but Mark Redman headlines a deep receiving corps. The defense should be one of the best in the conference, and Cody Moon is a beast at linebacker. BCS: The Aztecs win the Mountain West, and Mayden is a Group of 5 Heisman candidate. EDITOR’S NOTE: 2-0 with victories over Ohio and Idaho State is as good as Brady Hoke’s team can start. Three straight matchups against UCLA, Oregon State, and Boise State will test their mettle. 
• San Jose State Spartans: Head Coach Brent Brennan is looking to bring a Mountain West title to San Jose, and this might be his team’s best shot at that feat. Quarterback Chevan Cordeiro is back for his sixth year, and he is arguably the best signal-caller in the Mountain West who can do it on the ground and in the air. Nick Nash and Charles Ross should pace a relatively thin receiving corps, but Quali Conley leads a strong running back room. Six starters are back at defense, but losing Cade Hall and Villami Fehoko hurts the defensive line. The linebackers, though, should be solid. BCS: San Jose State rides Cordeiro to a Mountain West title, and the defense exceeds expectations. EDITOR’S NOTE: 0-2 so far, but the losses come to USC and Oregon State.  
• SMU Mustangs: The schedule is favorable and Preston Stone is a star in the making for the Mustangs. SMU should get back to the AAC Title Game if all goes to plan. LJ Johnson Jr. and Jaylan Knighton compose a deep running back room, and the receiving corps (Jordan Hudson, RJ Maryland, and more) is deep. The offensive line was built through the portal and should surprisingly be a strength for SMU. The defense is full of players with upside, but needs to be better for SMU to overcome a strong schedule. BCS: SMU runs the table and wins the AAC. Preston Stone is better than Tanner Mordecai at QB, and the Mustangs win their bowl game as well. EDITOR’S NOTE: The offense hummed in a 38-14 victory over Louisiana Tech to open the year. Going to Oklahoma is a hard task Week 2. 
• South Alabama Jaguars: Expectations are sky-high for Kane Wommack in his third season at the helm of South Alabama. The bulk of the roster is back from last year’s ten-win squad, including most of the offensive line that should be tops in the Sun Belt. The ground game must be better with La’Damian Webb returning. Carter Bradley is reliable at quarterback, but can’t run out of the pocket. The defense will be incredible, backed by a deep line and a secondary anchored by safety Jaden Volsin. The schedule is brutal, testing the Jaguars at every turn. BCS: South Alabma navigates a hard schedule and wins the Sun Belt. Carter Bradley has an All-American season, and the defense is top 10 nationally. EDITOR’S NOTE: Starting off with a 37-17 loss to Tulane isn’t ideal, but it’s nonconference and was an uphill battle either way.  
• South Carolina Gamecocks: Shane Beamer enters his third season in Columbia as one of the most respected coaches in the SEC. He has made the Gamecocks relevant again in a very short period of time, and South Carolina could break out this year. It starts with Spencer Rattler at QB, who needs to blossom under new OC Dowell Loggains. Dakereon Joyner has to anchor a thin running back room, but the receiving tandem of Juice Wells and Trey Knox could be one of the best in the SEC. The offensive line is a major concern, though. Defensively, the Gamecocks must stop the run by any means necessary. BCS: Spencer Rattler has a Heisman-esque season, and the defense is good enough to get the Gamecocks an SEC East title. EDITOR’S NOTE: The Gamecocks did not look promising in a 31-17 loss to UNC. The offensive line gave up nine sacks, and Rattler didn’t have a passing touchdown. Shane Beamer clearly has his work cut out for him. 

• South Florida Bulls: Alex Golesh arrives in Tampa after creating one of the best offenses in football at Tennessee under Josh Heupel. Now, though, the wunderkind has his work cut out for him. South Florida went 1-11 last year, and quarterback play (Byrum Brown, more than likely) needs to step up. The receivers and offensive line both need overhauls, but Golesh’s system should create plenty of scoring opportunities. The defense gave up over 40 points a game last year, so new DC Todd Orlando needs help from a unit that returns most of its starters. BCS: Golesh’s offense is the best in the conference, and the Bulls get to a bowl game. EDITOR’S NOTE: A 41-24 road loss to Western Kentucky kicks off the year. The offense looked shaky, and the defense worse.  
• Southern Miss Golden Eagles: Will Hall has expectations high for Southern Miss headed into his third year at the helm. Coming off of a bowl win, the Golden Eagles could surprise plenty of teams in the Sun Belt. Frank Gore Jr. is one of the best running backs in the country. If Clemson transfer Billy Wiles gets settled in at quarterback, the offense could be prolific. Six starters return on a defense that loses key pieces but could again be the class of the conference. BCS: Southern Miss rides Gore Jr. to a Sun Belt title and bowl win. EDITOR’S NOTE: The Golden Eagles looked solid in a 40-14 win over Alcorn State to open the year. Billy Wiles threw for 267 yards and three touchdowns, and the defense wreaked havoc. 
• Stanford Cardinal: Troy Taylor’s first season as head coach will not be easy. A massive rebuilding effort is underway for Stanford, and it starts at quarterback. Ashton Daniels needs to grow into the QB1 role carved out for him. He has John Humphreys and Benjamin Yurosek to throw to, which helps, and E.J. Smith and Casey Filkins are a solid running back tandem. The defense last season gave up over 35 points a game, extremely uncharacteristic for the Cardinal. The transfer portal gutted the defense this season, and it remains the biggest area of concern for Stanford. BCS: Taylor overachieves and gets Stanford to a bowl in his first season at the helm. EDITOR’S NOTE: A 37-24 win over Hawaii is nice, but at USC Week 2 looms large. 
• Syracuse Orange: Can Syracuse break through the averageness that has plagued Dino Babers’s team for years? Offensive coordinator Robert Anae is gone, so Jason Beck takes the reins. There’s a new defensive coordinator too in football lifer Rocky Long. The offensive concerns start with a patchwork O-Line and the loss of Sean Tucker at running back. If the line gets the most out of the transfer portal, expect LeQuint Allen to emerge as RB1 and a potential All-ACC player. Garrett Shrader is back at quarterback, and he has excellent targets (Umari Hatcher, Oronde Gadsden II, and Isaiah Jones) to throw to. Rocky Long’s 3-3-5 needs linebackers to perform well; lucky for Long, Syracuse has All-ACC contenders Stefon Thompson and Marlowe Wax. The secondary is big and front three mobile, and Syracuse could quietly have a Top 20 defense nationally if all goes to plan. BCS: Shrader has an unbelievable year, the defense is Top 10 nationally, and Syracuse wins the ACC. EDITOR’S NOTE: A 65-0 thrashing of Colgate opens the year. Everything’s on a scale due to the competition, but Shrader looked great and so did the defense. 
• TCU Horned Frogs: TCU completely overachieved in Sonny Dykes’s first season as head coach, making it to the National Championship game and winning the Big 12. Several key pieces are gone, but the Horned Frogs should be right back in the Big 12 hunt this season. Many forget Chandler Morris was QB1 for TCU last season; he got hurt, and Max Duggan took over. Now, Morris is back to lead an offense headlined by a strong offensive line, a two-headed monster at running back (Emani Bailey and Trey Sanders) and a solid receiving corps that should offset the loss of Quentin Johnston. The defense is fine, but Johnny Hodges and Jamoi Hodge are an excellent linebacking tandem. The secondary, headlined by Josh Newton, needs to be shutdown in a loaded Big 12. BCS: TCU gets back to the National Championship and wins it. Chandler Morris wins the Heisman after a Big 12 Championship season for the Horned Frogs, and the defense is good enough to deliver two trophies to Fort Worth. EDITOR’S NOTE: Well, that escalated quickly. A 45-42 stunning loss to Colorado opens the year. Morris couldn’t take care of the ball (two interceptions), and the defense looked paper-thin. The championship hangover is real. 

• Temple Owls: Stan Drayton is looking for consistency in Year 2 at Temple, and the head coach might get it. E.J. Warner could become the best quarterback in the AAC after a full offseason of work, and he has a strong receiving corps headlined by Colorado State transfer Dante Wright. The defense last season for the Owls was weak (too many points and a paltry run defense), but seven starters return and the linebacking corps is deep. BCS: E.J. Warner is the best quarterback in the conference, and Temple gets to the AAC Championship in Drayton’s second year. EDITOR’S NOTE: Warner looked great in a 24-21 home win over Akron to open the year. 
• Tennessee Volunteers: If Tennessee wants to break through and win the SEC East this season, the replacements will have to step up. Hendon Hooker is gone at quarterback; in steps Joe Milton III, with a cannon arm but questionable accuracy. If he’s down, Nico Iamaleava is a blue-chip recruit. The top receivers (Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman) are gone, so Ramel Keyton and Bru McCoy need to take the next step. The offensive line should be more consistent paired with a great 1-2 punch (Jaylen Wright and Jabari Small) at running back. The defense was shaky at times a year ago, but with the top offense in the country, you didn’t have to be perfect. Now that the offense loses plenty of key parts (including offensive coordinator Alex Golesh), the defense has to be All-SEC. BCS: Rocky Top gets an SEC Title and a National Championship. Joe Milton wins the Heisman, the offense is the best in the country again, and the defense breaks through under Tim Banks and is Top 10. EDITOR’S NOTE: The Vols took care of business and beat Virginia 49-13 Week 1. The offense looked dynamic and defense solid. 
• Texas Longhorns: Preseason expectations should always be taken with a grain of salt when it comes to Texas. It feels like they are “back” every year. There are now no excuses though for Steve Sarkisian’s team to not make a run at the Big 12 title and CFP. The offense is loaded. Quinn Ewers gets the start at quarterback (and it’s well-deserved), but Maalik Murphy and Arch Manning are stars-in-waiting if Ewers doesn’t live up to the hype. Losing Bijan Robinson at running back is hard, but the offensive line is one of the best in the Big 12 and the receiving corps is one of the best in the country. Xavier Worthy, Jordan Whittington, and Ja’Tavion Sanders headline the star returners, but Adonai Mitchell and Isaiah Neyor are two potentially game-wrecking transfers. The defense isn’t as talented as the offense, but plenty of veterans return to a unit that should be near the top of the Big 12. BCS: Texas breaks through and wins the Big 12 and National Championship. Quinn Ewers wins the Heisman in a landslide, and 2024 looks even better with Arch Manning under center. EDITOR’S NOTE: An opening 37-10 win over Rice sets the tone, but it’s on to Tuscaloosa Week 2. 
• Texas A&M Aggies: After going 5-7 in one of the most disappointing seasons in all of football in 2022, Jimbo Fisher has no more excuses headed into 2023. Bobby Petrino takes over offensive playcalling, and he inherits Conner Weigman at quarterback, who has the potential to be a star. The trio of Evan Stewart, Ainias Smith, and Moose Muhammad III is as good as any other in the country. Reuben Owens is a highly-touted freshman running back who should help fill the void left by Devon Achane. The offensive line needs to improve, but expect Petrino to have a great SEC offense in his first year at the helm. The talent is everywhere on the defense, but it’s inexperienced and needs to develop quickly. BCS: The Aggies develop all of their talent, create a juggernaut, and win the SEC/National Championship. Weigman is a revelation at QB, and the wide receiver room rivals 2019 LSU. EDITOR’S NOTE: A 52-10 win over New Mexico starts the year, but on the road at Miami (FL) next week does the Aggies no favors.  
• Texas State Bobcats: Texas State is one of the most intriguing teams in the country in 2023, and it starts with the hire of G.J. Kinne at head coach. The offensive guru took Incarnate Word to new heights in 2022 with the FCS’s top offense, and he brings that reputation to a Bobcats team looking for consistency. T.J. Finley (former Auburn quarterback) takes over under center, and looks to be Kinne’s muse. The offensive line is completely new, though, so it might take time for Kinne’s offense to be established. The defense, like the offense, is being built through the transfer portal, but the linebacking corps is the early strength. BCS: Texas State shocks the world and wins the Sun Belt in Kinne’s first year. The offense is one of the best in the country, and Kinne wins Coach of the Year in the conference. EDITOR’S NOTE: A shocking 42-31 upset victory over Baylor starts the Bobcats season with a bang. T.J. Finley looked great and the defense stepped up when it counted.  

• Texas Tech Red Raiders: Texas Tech, under Joey McGuire, could be this year’s TCU: an undervalued Big 12 team that shocks and contends for the CFP. Zach Kittley is a great offensive coordinator, and he has a capable quarterback in Tyler Shough. He’s a pro prospect who can run and gun, perfect for the Red Raiders. The receiving corps is loaded, headlined by Jerand Bradley and Myles Price. Drae McCray is an underrated transfer portal pickup as well. The O-line needs to be stronger but brings back experienced veterans. The defense is a work in progress (it’s still the Big 12), but Tony Bradford Jr. and Jaylon Hutchings highlight a strong defensive line. The secondary is in place, but the linebackers are relatively green. BCS: Texas Tech wins the Big 12 and gets to the CFP. Shough emerges as one of the best QBs in the country. EDITOR’S NOTE: Heartbreak on the prairie, as the Red Raiders were stunned by Wyoming in a double-overtime, 35-33 road loss. Texas Tech was up 17-0 to start the game, making the loss sting that much more and casting doubts over the rest of the year.  
• Toledo Rockets: With the return of 16 starters, Jason Candle’s Rockets have the chance to repet as conference champions in the MAC, a rare feat. Toledo features Dequan Finn at quarterback, one of the most dependable in the conference. He will keep you in games, but needs to take care of the ball. The running back room is deep and the line is loaded, which should help open up a passing attack headlined by the return of Jerjuan Newton. The secondary is unreal on defense, with five All-MAC candidates complemented by do-it-all linebacker Dallas Gant in the middle. If the Rockets take care of the ball, they will be just fine. BCS: Toledo wins the MAC and makes a New Year’s Six Bowl after going undefeated. EDITOR’S NOTE: An opening 30-28 loss to Illinois spoils the beginning of the year. 
• Troy Trojans: Jon Sumrall led Troy to an impressive 12-2 record and a Sun Belt Championship last season. For the Trojans, play like that is now the standard. The offense is definitely the weakness for Troy this season, and it starts with needed improvement on the offensive line. The good news in the backfield is that quarterback Gunnar Watson is dependable and Kimani Vidal is one of the best running backs in the Sun Belt. Defensively, the Trojans were unreal last season, giving up just over 17 points per game. The unit should again be solid this season, with a fantastic pass rush (T.J. Jackson, Richard Jibunor, and Javon Solomon) and secondary (Reddy Steward is a future NFL corner). BCS: Troy wins the Sun Belt once again, headlined by Vidal’s great season at running back and the top defense in the conference. EDITOR’S NOTE: Concerns abound for a defense that gave up plenty of points in a 48-30 win over Stephen F. Austin. There’s little time to fix the issues, as the Trojans travel to Manhattan to face Kansas State Week 2. 
• Tulane Green Wave: Willie Fritz elevated Tulane to new heights in 2022 with a 12-win season, backed by an explosive offense and solid defense. It will be hard to match lofty expectations in 2023, but don’t count out the Green Wave. Michael Pratt is one of the country’s best quarterbacks (3,488 total yards and 37 total TDs in ’22), and he’s back to run a potent Green Wave offense. He will have to be as advertised with a depleted running game and receiving corps, but the offensive line is one of the best in the country and should create plenty of space for Pratt to operate. There are plenty of holes defensively, but the corners are fantastic and should help mitigate big plays. BCS: Tulane wins the AAC and is the best Group of 5 school by a mile. Michael Pratt is a Heisman finalist, and Willie Fritz takes the Green Wave to a New Year’s Six Bowl. EDITOR’S NOTE: A convincing 37-17 win over tough South Alabama opens the year, with Michael Pratt looking as advertised and Jha’Quan Jackson looking incredible at receiver (three catches, two touchdowns, 106 yards). 
• Tulsa Golden Hurricane: Former Ohio State OC Kevin Wilson begins his head coaching tenure at Tulsa with plenty to get excited about. Braylon Braxton has the tools to be a great quarterback, but so does freshman Cardell Williams. The running back room and receiving corps are both deep, headlined by Anthony Watkins and Jordan Ford in the backfield and Malachai Jones and Marquis Shoulders out wide. The offensive line gave up 45 sacks a year ago, and is probably the main area of concern. Kendarin Ray is the anchor defensively and one of the best safeties in the AAC, but the unit returns only five starters and is dependent on the transfer portal for success this season. BCS: Tulsa gets to a bowl in Kevin Wilson’s first season. EDITOR’S NOTE: The Golden Hurricane looked great in a 42-7 opening win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff, but at Washington Week 2 is a mighty challenge. 

• UAB Blazers: Much like Colorado, UAB is a very unpredictable team that could either run the table or completely bottom out. Trent Dilfer is an interesting hire at head coach, and he has plenty of interesting players to work with. Jacob Zeno appears to be QB1, and the receivers around him are promising. The offensive line will take time to get settled, but the running back room is strong enough to mitigate that. Defensively, Sione Ta’ufo’ou has his work cut out for him. This team is very much a work in progress, but has a high ceiling. BCS: Dilfer’s Blazers get to a bowl game in his first season, despite one of the most fluid rosters in college football. EDITOR’S NOTE: An opening 35-6 blowout of North Carolina A&T is a huge confidence booster now that Dilfer has a win under his belt. 
• UCF Knights: Gus Malzahn is no stranger to big environments, and he will have UCF ready for the Big 12 in his third season at the helm. John Rhys Plumlee is a do-it-all quarterback who is electric. The offensive line needs its new parts to work well early, but the supporting cast around Plumlee (Johnny Richardson, RJ Harvey, and Demarkcus Bowman at running back; Kobe Hudson and Javon Baker at receiver) is good enough to light it up in their new conference. Ricky Barber and Tre’Mon Morris-Brash headline a good, but not great, defense. The unit needs to get more takeaways and big plays to hold their own in the Big 12. BCS: JRP has a Heisman year and UCF wins the Big 12. Malzahn is Coach of the Year and gets the Knights to the CFP. EDITOR’S NOTE: A 56-6 win over Kent State starts the year; the offense and defense both looked great, but a road test to Boise State awaits. 
• UCLA Bruins: Chip Kelly is one of the most brilliant coaches in college football, and UCLA was a great team under Kelly in 2022. With plenty of pieces gone from last year’s nine-win team, it begins at quarterback for the Bruins. Dorian Thompson-Robinson was electric at quarterback, and it is now up to true freshman Dante Moore to replace him. He’s unproven, but has the tools to be great. Ethan Garbers is also a capable starter, but the situation needs to be ironed out for UCLA to win games. TJ Harden and Ball State transfer Carson Steele headline a deep running back room, and the receivers should be solid. Lethal edge rusher combo Laiatu Latu and Gabriel Murphy headline a defense backed by a solid linebacking corps and a fine secondary. BCS: Chip Kelly takes UCLA to new heights, winning the PAC-12 and nabbing a CFP berth. Moore blossoms into a star QB. EDITOR’S NOTE: A 27-13 win over Coastal Carolina to open the year is more impressive than people think.  
• UConn Huskies: UConn completely overachieved under Jim Mora last season, going 6-7 when many picked them to be the worst team in all of the land last year. Now, expectations are higher in Storrs for Mora’s second season. Four starters are back on the offensive line, and the ground game should be strong with Victor Rosa and Devontae Houston both bruisers. The passing game, though, needs to be better, and there are plenty of questions at QB and WR. The defense is full of grizzled veterans and has the capability to hold teams under 20 points regularly. BCS: UConn goes bowling with several impressive wins. EDITOR’S NOTE: An opening 24-14 loss to NC State in Storrs doesn’t help whatsoever. The offense looked anemic. 
• UMass Minutemen: Projected to be one of the worst teams again in 2023, head coach Don Brown has his work cut out for him in Amherst. The offense was atrocious last season, averaging just over 12 points per game. Georgia Tech transfer Taisun Phommachanh should be an immediate upgrade at quarterback, and four starters return on the offensive line. The receiving corps needs to be more prolific for the offense to get going. Defensively, the Minutemen are highlighted by a decent secondary, but the pass rush needs to get there for UMass to even sniff .500. BCS: UMass breaks .500 and gets to a bowl game. EDITOR’S NOTE: The Minutemen currently sit at 1-1 after a road win over New Mexico State and loss to Auburn at Jordan-Hare. 

• UNLV Rebels: Barry Odom could be the hire at head coach that steadies the ship in Las Vegas. The Rebels also bring in Brennan Marion at offensive coordinator, who is looking to build up an offense headlined by a deep running back room and plenty of transfer-portal receivers. Doug Brumfield needs to be more steady at QB for the offense to be unlocked. Barry Odom’s defense should be just fine, with promising safeties and some depth throughout the skill positions. BCS: UNLV goes bowling and is frisky in the Mountain West. EDITOR’S NOTE: A 44-14 home win over Bryant is a confidence booster, but the Rebels travel to Ann Arbor to face Michigan.  
• USC Trojans: If Lincoln Riley wants to break through in Year 2 in LA, it starts with maintaining an incredible offense. Caleb Williams is the best quarterback in the country, and could very well win the Heisman Trophy again. His receiving corps is deep, but needs a proven star to emerge like Jordan Addison to emerge. MarShawn Lloyd was a great portal get from South Carolina at running back, but the offensive line needs to be great to keep the Trojans offense going. Defensively, Alex Grinch is on the hot seat at DC, because if the unit is even somewhat good, USC makes the case for best team in the country. They are filled with transfers (Bear Alexander is the headliner from UGA), and needs to improve at every position to limit offensive output and avoid shootout victories. BCS: USC wins the Pac-12 and National Title behind Caleb Williams’s repeat Heisman season. The defense steps up and is good enough to bring another title to LA. EDITOR’S NOTE: The Trojans are 2-0 after taking care of business against San Jose State and Nevada. The offense looked as advertised, the defense a bit shaky. 
• UTEP Miners: Dana Dimel is on the hot seat enetering his sixth season in El Paso, but the Miners should be better this season and will likely go bowling. It starts with a great returning quarterback in Gavin Hardison and a deep running back room headlined by bell cow Deion Hankins. The weapons at receiver are solid as well, and the offensive line is among the best in the conference. The foundation is there up front on the defense, as well, but the secondary needs to improve. BCS: UTEP breaks out and wins the Conference USA behind a dynamic offense and an okay defense. EDITOR’S NOTE: The Miners sit at 1-1 heading into a Week 3 road trip to Northwestern. 
• UTSA Roadrunners: Welcome to the AAC, UTSA! 16 starters return from a team that went 11-3 last season, and expectations are high for Jeff Traylor’s first season in San Antonio. The offense last year was incredible, and Frank Harris is back to lead the charge at quarterback. The receiving corps is deep despite the loss of Zakhari Franklin, and Kevorian Barnes is a potential All-Conference running back. The offensive line is big, but needs work. Defensively, the Roadrunners are also loaded, with an insane secondary and plenty of speed. BCS: UTSA wins the AAC and gets to a New Year’s Six Bowl. Frank Harris has a great season, and so does Kevorian Barnes. EDITOR’S NOTE: An opening 17-14 loss to Houston really stings, and the schedule doesn’t get any easier. 
• Utah Utes: Utah has won back-to-back Pac-12 titles headed into 2023, and Kyle Whittingham’s team has a chance to do it again. Cameron Rising needs to be healthy at quarterback, but if he is, the offense should be great once again. The receiving corps is fine, but this is a ground-and-pound team with a deep running back room and sturdy offensive line. Defensively, the Utes should be near the top of the conference again, with devastating linebackers and a physical secondary. BCS: Utah not only wins the Pac-12, but wins the natty. Cam Rising takes home the Heisman, and the nation’s best defense propels the Utes to glory. EDITOR’S NOTE: Even without Rising, the Utes looked in control in a 24-11 win over Florida. Rising needs to be back ASAP though if the Utes want to keep the season going strong. 

• Utah State Aggies: If Utah State wants to return to Mountain West glory, Blake Anderson’s team has to be more consistent. The offense and defense were equally anemic last season, but Cooper Legas is back at quarterback and the transfer portal brings in defensive help. The offensive line is in total rebuild mode, so expect the running game to falter at times. The defensive tackles are strong, but everyone needs to gel very quickly on both sides of the ball for the Aggies to find success. BCS: Utah State wins the Mountain West with an incredible coaching job from Blake Anderson. EDITOR’S NOTE: The Aggies hung tough, but couldn’t beat Iowa on the road Week 1 in a 24-14 loss.  
• Vanderbilt Commodores: Clark Lea should be commended for the coaching job he’s done at Nashville, and the results will begin to garner praise in 2023. AJ Swann is back at quarterback, and could quietly emerge as one of the best in the conference. Jayden McGowan and Will Sheppard are a devastating duo at receiver, and the Commodores need to rely on the passing attack considering the running back room is thin. For the defense to improve from last season, where they were the worst unit in the SEC, the pass rush needs to get there. Seven starters are back on the unit that can only go up. BCS: Vanderbilt wins the SEC East and gets to a New Year’s Six Bowl. The tandem of McGowan and Sheppard proves impossible to guard. EDITOR’S NOTE: Taking care of business: the ‘Dores are 2-0 after wins over Hawaii and Alabama A&M. 
• Virginia Cavaliers: Tony Elliott, all things considered, should be commended for his work in Charlottesville. The tragic shooting last season hangs a dark cloud over 2023, but the Cavaliers will fight hard and be frisky in a loaded ACC. Tony Muskett steps in at quarterback, and is steady but not explosive. The receiving corps needs work, and the ground game needs to be established. Overall, a fairly paltry offense headed into the season. But, the defense returns six starters and should continue to be stingy. BCS: Virginia gets to a bowl game and wins, and is one of the most competitive teams in the ACC. EDITOR’S NOTE: A 49-13 loss to Tennessee starts the year, but the Cavs look to rebound Week 2 against James Madison. 
• Virginia Tech Hokies: The offense under Brent Pry in 2022 was horrible, so the Hokies need to start there if 2023 wants to be better. Grant Wells has the intangibles, but needs to stop throwing interceptions at quarterback. The receiving corps is deep and talented, but the blocking needs to be better to open up the rush. Cornerback Mansoor Delane is the highlight of an otherwise average defense. BCS: Virginia Tech gets to over .500 and a bowl victory. EDITOR’S NOTE: The Hokies start off the year right with a 36-17 win over Old Dominion. Both sides of the ball looked solid. 
• Wake Forest Demon Deacons: Losing Sam Hartman hurts, but too many are discounting Dave Clawson and Wake Forest in the ACC race. Mitch Griffis is an excellent replacement for Hartman at QB, and the receiving corps is one of (if not the) best in the conference. The offensive line needs to be solidified, and the defensive unit needs to be strengthened as well. The pass rush was good a season ago, and is the early strength of the Wake defense. BCS: Dave Clawson overachieves, getting Wake Forest an ACC Championship and New Year’s Six Bowl bid. EDITOR’S NOTE: An opening 37-17 victory is headlined by stellar play from Griffis. 

• Washington Huskies: Kalen DeBoer was fantastic in his first season as head coach of Washington last season, leading the Huskies to 11 wins and the nation’s best offense outside of Tennessee. Expectations are now lofty, and it starts with Heisman contender Michael Penix Jr. under center. If he’s healthy, he makes a strong case for best quarterback in the country. The offensive line is solid (Troy Fautanu and Roger Rosengarten are All-Pac 12 caliber), and Rome Odunze and Jalen McMillan are ballers at receiver. Defensively, containing the pass needs to improve, but the linebacking corps is among the best in the country and so is the pass rush. BCS: Washington wins the Pac-12/National Title behind Penix Jr.’s Heisman year. The defense and offense are both top five nationally. EDITOR’S NOTE: Penix looked incredible in a 56-19 win over Boise State: 450 yards and five touchdowns for the quarterback.  
• Washington State Cougars: Cameron Ward is back at quarterback in Pullman, and the Washington State offense should be electric because of that. Furthermore, Ben Arbuckle is a future head coach at offensive coordinator who’s Air Raid scheme should have WSU scoring in bunches. The portal brings in talented receivers, but the running game and offensive line both need work. The edge combo of Brennan Jackson and Ron Stone Jr. is one of the best in the conference and headlines an otherwise okay defense. BCS: Cameron Ward wins the Heisman, and Wazzu wins the PAC-12. EDITOR’S NOTE: A 50-24 win over Colorado State opens the season, with Ward looking as advertised. 
• West Virginia Mountaineers: Neal Brown enters his fifth season in Morgantown firmly on the hot seat. If Brown wants to keep his job, it starts by building around one of the best offensive lines in the Big 12. The running game should be solid behind the legs of CJ Donaldson Jr., but the quarterback (Garrett Greene) is unproven and so is the receiving corps. Sean Martin is one of the best ends in the Big 12 on defense, but the secondary is leaky and talent overall is an issue. BCS: WVU makes it to a bowl game and gets above .500. EDITOR’S NOTE: An opening 38-15 loss to Penn State is not good, but not horrible either. 
• Western Kentucky Hilltoppers: WKU should be one of the most dynamic offenses in the country again this year, and it starts with Austin Reed at quarterback. The gunslinger threw for 4,744 yards and 40 touchdowns for the Hilltoppers. Malachi Corley is back and headlines a deep receiving corps. The offensive line should help improve an otherwise average running game. JaQues Evans highlights a defense that should be along for the ride. BCS: Western Kentucky wins the Conference USA behind one of the best offenses in the country. EDITOR’S NOTE: A 41-24 win over South Florida gets the season started off right.  
• Western Michigan Broncos: Western Michigan is in rebuilding mode under first-year head coach Lance Taylor. Patience is needed on both sides of the ball, but the running back room is deep and the offensive line is solid. The pressure should be solid on defense, but the linebackers and defensive backs are thin. BCS: Lance Taylor leads WMU to .500 in a miraculous coaching job. EDITOR’S NOTE: The Broncos opened the season with a 35-17 victory over Saint Francis.  

• Wisconsin Badgers: Luke Fickell takes over in Wisconsin, and Phil Longo looks to bring the Air Raid to a team known historically for running the ball. The running game, though, will still be emphasized. Braelon Allen and Chez Mellusi are both All-Big Ten caliber. The receiving corps is stacked, and so is the quarterback room, with Tanner Mordecai likely getting the nod under center. The defense is a work-in-progress, but Fickell is great at developing talent. BCS: Wisconsin wins the Big Ten and gets to the CFP. Fickell is Coach of the Year, and the Wisconsin offense is the best it’s ever been. 
• Wyoming Cowboys: Craig Bohl’s Cowboys have quietly become one of the best, most consistent teams in the country. Fifteen starters are back, but the offense has to be better after averaging only 21 points per game. Andrew Peasley needs to take a step at QB, but the rushing attack should be strong. The defense also has the chance to be strong, with ten starters back. BCS: Wyoming wins the Mountain West and wins their bowl game. EDITOR’S NOTE: Expectations are now sky-high after a shocking win over Texas Tech to open the year.