I think that this is going to be a really good season, but with the same results-ish. I think that 3 of the final four teams are repeats from last year, and the one that I don't believe in might finish outside of the top ten, but still qualify for the college football New Year's Six (Oklahoma). Here are my 9 that I think could compete for the title, plus 9 players to watch out for on both sides of the ball.
#9 - West Virginia. My Big 12 (I still am baffled we have kept the conference names, as there are only 10 teams in the Big 12, 14 teams in the Big Ten, but at least the Pac-12 has their shit together) champion. I've always like Will Grier, and I'm glad he's found success, even if it isn't in the swamp. I still think he will be a great pro quarterback, just because he is so even-keeled on the field. Reminds me a lot of Eli Manning, take what you will with that. David Sills V is still catching passes, and one could say that they have the best receiving quartet in the nation. If they beat Oklahoma in the final week, and only drop 1-2 other games, a top 10 finish would be a good year for them.
#8 - Michigan State. A beautiful non-conference schedule plus Michigan and Ohio State at home look pretty awesome to me. The fact that they are returning 20 of their 24 starters has me really excited, and best case scenario, Michigan State is back in the playoff. But playing away to Penn State the week before hosting Michigan, and the potential of Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship is a big ask of a team that still relies on Brian Lewerke at quarterback. He's fine, but it's the rest of the team that makes this thing tick.
#7 - Notre Dame. My reach pick. I think Brian Kelly has the best team he has ever put together at Notre Dame on the field this year. I don't like the fact that they lost 2 all-Americans on the offensive line, but this is a really talented team, they have a super transfer in Alohi Gilman to step right in and lead the defense, and Julian Love is one of my favorite corners in the country. The schedule sets up nice, and if they can win two tough away games (Virginia Tech, Northwestern), the showdown with USC at the end could be for a playoff place.
#6 - Washington. This is a really underrated team in the news circles. CBS Sports rarely mentions them, I haven't even seen them on ESPN for playoff talk, and Twitter pretty much all but ignores them. But, I love this team, and they could challenge the top two. Jake Browning is back for his senior year, and he's been really solid for them over his career. Myles Gaskin is one of the nation's best backs, Marquis Spiker could be the best freshman WR in the nation, and the defense is loaded. Everyone thinks that the Huskies just pile up points, but it's this team's top 10 defense that could give them an undefeated regular season, and a shot at the title.
#5 - Ohio State. Where to begin... I was really excited about this team before their off-season debacle. Now Urban is out for a couple of games (piece of cake, really - Oregon State, Rutgers and TCU) and they are introducing a new quarterback. These things could be issues, and while most of the country thinks they are a top 4 team, I think the intangibles push them outside the elite. I'll probably eat my words though, as JK Dobbins and Mike Weber are the nation's best running duo, and the defense is loaded with 5 star talents, as well as my pick for the #1 spot of the 2019 NFL Draft, Nicky B. The Big Ten is tough this year, but they definitely have the talent to make it look easy. Even with the big target on their backs.
#4 - Georgia. I know that everyone is talking about the Alabama quarterback controversy this fall, but a team a couple hours east of them, could also be traveling in similar waters. Georgia was led to the final last year by freshman Jake Fromm, and it looked to be his position for years to come. And then they bring in the #1 QB recruit in the country Justin Fields. Rumor has it that he played great in the spring game, and getting them both on the field will be interesting. The early schedule should allow for it, and with D'Andre Swift, Terry Godwin, Riley Ridley and Isaac Nauta around the edges, Georgia should be right back in the running to compete for another title.
#3 - Wisconsin. I almost picked them 2nd, that's how much I like them this fall. I think Jonathan Taylor is the best running back in the country, and Alex Hornibrook is a great leader and reminds me of the situation that Ken Dorsey was in with those great Miami teams. He has ample WR's to throw to, and is protected by the nation's best offensive line. All 5 of those guys should be playing on Sundays. The schedule also sets up nicely, but there is a tricky game when they travel to Iowa. They also head to Michigan and Penn State, but get through those 3 games, and the Big Ten title game, and they will certainly be playing meaningful football in January.
#2 - Alabama. Some might say this is a down year for the Tide, as they only return 2 starters on defense, and 7 on offense. What they don't understand is they have 5 star talents at every position, and not just with one guy. Jalen Hurts looks to be the back-up QB and he's played in 2 national championships. Tua was sensational in the title game last year, and looks to have won the job. Handing off to Damien Harris and Najee Harris should help. I'm sure the defense will find new pieces (they always do), and I expect nothing less than another appearance in the championship game during the new year. It's just one team comes back looking a little bit better.
#1 - Clemson. I haven't seen a projected defense this good, since those aforementioned Miami Hurricanes of the early 2000's. They are LOADED. The entire defensive line could make some form of an All-American team. Kendall Joseph might be one of the best LB's in the country. My only question mark for Dabo's 2nd title is the play at QB, and that might not be too much of an issue. Kelly Bryant is fine, and doesn't really lose games the way some quarterbacks do. He isn't DeShaun Watson though, and he has a bunch of talented QB's behind him, including the guy that I think could be the #1 pick in the 2021 NFL draft, Trevor Lawrence. Just watch his YouTube videos; his throws are off the charts. The only guy that I've seen with his confidence and moxie is Troy Aikman. He looks like a winner. And if he becomes the starting QB this fall... look out.
Clemson vs Georgia - Winner: Clemson
Alabama vs Wisconsin - Winner: Alabama
Clemson vs Alabama - Winner: Clemson
9 Offensive Players to watch for:
Will Grier - QB, West Virginia. They will sling it. Watch the yards pile up.
Jonathan Taylor - RB, Wisconsin. Just like all the other guys. But somehow better.
N'Keal Harry - WR, Arizona State. Should be the 1st WR off the board next year.
Khalil Tate - QB, Arizona. My favorite QB to watch in the country.
D'Andre Swift - RB, Georgia. I like him as much as Todd Gurley. Watch him on the power runs.
Drew Lock - QB, Missouri. Probably the 1st QB off the board next year, just looks the part.
Noah Fant - TE, Iowa. Just seems to always be in the end zone.
Deebo Samuel - WR, South Carolina. For those of you that already miss Dante Pettis.
Juwan Johnson - WR, Penn State. They have low-key been spitting out a ton of good wideouts.
9 Defensive Players to watch for:
Clelin Ferrell - DE, Clemson. The fast one.
Christian Wilkins - DT, Clemson. The strong one.
Dexter Lawrence - DT, Clemson. My favorite one.
Austin Bryant - DE, Clemson. The well-rounded one.
Ed Oliver - DT, Houston. The challenger to Nick Bosa for the opportunity to play for the Dolphins.
Nick Bosa - DE, Ohio State. Probably the player the Dolphins draft if they end up #1.
Devin White - LB, LSU. Oh my! A little bit of Von Miller, and a little bit of Ryan Shazier.
Greedy Williams - CB, LSU. Patrick Peterson part 2.
Julian Love- CB, Notre Dame. If my Packers have to take another DB in 2019, let it be this one.
Enjoy the season, everyone!
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