Here are my predictions on how the 2017 College Football Hesiman Trophy race will play out.
Who'll Be Heading to New York?
1. Sam Darnold, Quarterback, USC: Darnold is my pick to win the Heisman Trophy this season and he is also the favorite to win it as well. He will make his teammates better and lead his team to great things this season. I picked USC to win the National Championship, so a conference championship and a playoff finalist should help his cause as well.
2. Lamar Jackson, Quarterback, Louisville: The reigning Heisman winner will be back to lead the Cardinals. I'm not sure if he will be as good, but I have the Cardinals making the playoff and that should help Jackson's cause.
3. Bo Scarbrough, Running Back, Alabama: Scarbrough is my sleeper candidate to make it to New York. He will be running behind a strong offensive line and is on a team I picked to go unbeaten in the regular season and that should help his cause.
Rest of the Top-10 Finalists
4. Saquon Barkley, Running Back, Penn State
5. Mason Rudolph, Quarterback, Oklahoma State
6. Baker Mayfield, Quarterback, Oklahoma
7. Deondre Francois, Quarterback, Florida State
8. JT Barrett, Quarterback, Ohio State
9. Jake Browning, Quarterback, Washington
10. Quinton Flowers, Quarterback, South Florida
Honorable Mentions (no order)
- Nick Chubb, Running Back, Georgia
- Jesse Ertz, Quarterback, Kansas State
- Alex Hornibrook, Quarterback, Wisconsin
- Trace McSorley, Quarterback, Penn State
- Cam Akers, Running Back, Penn State
- Jalen Hurts, Quarterback, Alabama
- Rashan Gary, Defensive End, Michigan
- Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cornerback, Alabama
- Will Grier, Quarterback, West Virginia
- Bryce Love, Running Back, Stanford
- Josh Rosen, Quarterback, UCLA
- Royce Freeman, Running Back, Oregon
Thursday, August 31, 2017
2017 College Football Season Predictions
Here are my predictions for the 2017 College Football season.
AAC
- East
1. South Florida (12-0; 8-0)
2. Temple (8-4; 5-3)
3. Cincinnati (6-6; 4-4)
4. UCF (6-6; 3-5)
5. East Carolina (3-9; 2-6)
6. Connecticut (2-10; 1-7)
- West
1. Houston (10-2; 6-2)
2. Memphis (8-4; 5-3)
3. Navy (7-5; 4-4)
4. SMU (7-5; 4-4)
5. Tulsa (6-6; 4-4)
6. Tulane (4-8; 2-6)
The Bulls of South Florida come into this season as the prohibitive favorites to win this conference and are also the favorite of the Group of 5 teams to reach a New Years Six Bowl. Charlie Strong takes over for the departed Willie Taggart, who took the Oregon job. Quarterback Quinton Flowers was outstanding last season and is a sleeper for the Heisman Trophy this season. The defense has 9 returning starters so that unit should be improved. The Cougars of Houston should be very good again under first year head coach Major Applewhite. Texas A&M transfer Kyle Allen will be a solid fit in Applewhite's offense and their defense will be solid led by stud defensive lineman Ed Oliver. A favorable schedule will propel them to a division title. The Tigers of Memphis had a solid first season under Mike Norvell and should be decent again this season. The offense should be dynamic led by quarterback Riley Ferguson, but their defense won't be very good due to the loss of several guys. The Owls of Temple may take a step back due to the departure of Matt Rhule. New head coach Geoff Collins has a lot of work cut out for him with new personnel coming in, but a favorable schedule might make the Owls record better than what it should be. The Navy Midshipmen may take a step back due to some key personnel losses and a tough schedule, but Ken Niumatalolo is a great coach and tends to get a ton out of his players. The Mustangs of Southern Methodist should be one of the most improved teams in the conference in Chad Morris's third season. With a firepower offense and favorable schedule, a bowl game is a distinct possibility. The Bearcats of Cincinnati are coming off a disappointing 4-win season and look to be a factor in the conference again. The Knights of Central Florida are coming off a very good first season under Scott Frost and should be decent again this season with a high powered offense led by quarterback McKenzie Milton. Even though their schedule isn't favorable, the Knights should be better and back in a bowl game. The Golden Hurricane of Tulsa are coming off an amazing 10-win season. Expect them to take a step back this season due to key personnel losses on offense and a non favorable schedule. The Green Wave of Tulane should be better in Willie Fritz's second season under the helm, but the record may not show it. The Pirates of East Carolina should be better in Scottie Montgomery's second season with a ton of transfers coming in, but the record probably won't show it. Randy Edsall returns to his old stopping grounds in East Hartford, but the Huskies will struggle this season, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
AAC Championship Game: South Florida over Houston
ACC
- Atlantic
1. Louisville (11-1; 7-1)*
2. Florida State (10-2; 7-1)
3. Clemson (10-2; 6-2)
4. NC State (6-6; 3-5)
5. Syracuse (4-8; 2-6)
6. Boston College (5-7; 2-6)
7. Wake Forest (5-7; 2-6)
- Coastal
1. Virginia Tech (9-3; 6-2)
2. Pitt (8-4; 6-2)
3. Miami (9-3; 5-3)
4. Georgia Tech (7-5; 5-3)
5. North Carolina (6-6; 3-5)
6. Duke (4-8; 2-6)
7. Virginia (2-10; 0-8)
Something tells me that the Cardinals of Louisville, who are being overlooked by many experts due to their disappointing finish to last season will emerge from this conference and make the playoff. Lamar Jackson will be bidding for a second straight Heisman trophy although it will be hard for him to match last seasons numbers. The Seminoles of Florida State have a top five roster in the country, but due to questions on the offensive line and a difficult schedule, I believe they will be left out of the College Football Playoff. Quarterback Deondre Francois and running back Cam Akers will lead a dynamic offense and Derwin James comes back from injury to lead a decent defense. The reigning national champion Clemson Tigers may take a slight step back due to the losses of DeShaun Watson, Mike Williams, and others. The personnel is still very good so they should still be heard from in perhaps one of the two best conferences in the sport. The Hokies of Virginia Tech are my pick to win the Coastal Division due to a good defense and a favorable schedule. The Hokies have some questions offensively but head coach Justin Fuente should be able to figure out the quarterback situation and who gets carries in the ground game. The Panthers of Pittsburgh should be a factor in the conference yet again in Pat Narduzzi's third season at the helm. The offense should be solid with USC transfer Max Browne leading the way at quarterback, but the defense has many questions though. The Hurricanes of Miami should be a decent team yet again although Brad Kaaya is gone. The Canes defense returns 7 starters so that should help. The Yellow Jackets of Georgia Tech should be a factor in the conference due to it's strong running game and a solid defense. The North Carolina State Wolfpack should be improved with many starters returning on both sides of the ball. With a difficult schedule, I don't see the Wolfpack meeting top-25 expectations like some experts think. The
Tar Heels of North Carolina will take a step back due to the departure of Mitch Trubisky and running back Elijah Hood. Larry Fedora has work cut out for him, but I believe the Heels will be bowl eligible. The Eagles of Boston College had a decent finish to last season that ended in a bowl victory, but thanks to a brutal schedule, it will be difficult for the Eagles to make a bowl this season. The Orange of Syracuse should be improved in year two under Dino Babers, although a bowl game appearance isn't likely. The Orange will be very good offensively led by quarterback Eric Dungey. The Decon Demons of Wake Forest are coming off a breakthrough season. Although they have many returning starters, the schedule is tough so I see this team taking a step back record wise. The Duke Blue Devils should be improved after a disappointing season last season thanks to the return of quarterback Daniel Jones. I don't see a bowl appearance for this team due to an experienced defense and a tough schedule. The Cavaliers of Virginia should improve in Bronco Mendenhall's second season, although the record may not show it. The Cavs may be competitive with a somewhat decent offense and a defense that will improve with 8 starters returning.
ACC Championship Game: Florida State over Virginia Tech
(I have Louisville making the playoff but FSU winning the conference title-- similar to 1-loss Ohio State making the playoff and conference champion and 2-loss Penn State being left out last season in the Big-10.)
Big-10
- East
1. Ohio State (12-0; 9-0)
2. Penn State (10-2; 7-2)
3. Michigan (9-3; 6-3)
4. Michigan State (8-4; 5-4)
5. Indiana (6-6; 3-6)
6. Maryland (4-8; 2-7)
7. Rutgers (2-10; 0-9)
- West
1. Wisconsin (11-1; 8-1)
2. Northwestern (9-3; 6-3)
3. Minnesota (9-3; 6-3)
4. Nebraska (6-6; 4-5)
5. Iowa (6-6; 3-6)
6. Purdue (3-9; 2-7)
7. Illinois (2-10; 1-8)
This conference is the best in the sport this season. The Buckeyes of Ohio State are my pick to win this conference and go to the college football playoff for the third time in four seasons. I believe in new offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson to rejuvenate JT Barrett and this offense. The Huskies of Wisconsin are my pick to win the west this season due to an awesome defense and a favorable schedule. They did lose a lot on offense but they have good personnel in place to replace what they have lost. A breakout season for quarterback Alex Hornibrook is definitely in play. The Nittany Lions of Penn State are coming off an amazing season that ended in a heartbreaking defeat in the Rose Bowl. They should be very good yet again with that explosive offense led by Heisman Trophy candidates in quarterback Trace McSorley and running back Saquon Barkley. The Wolverines of Michigan should be very good again in year three under Jim Harbaugh. Quarterback Wilton Speight is back, but his supporting cast isn't strong around him. The defense should be excellent yet again led by Rashan Gary. The Wildcats of Northwestern should be improved this season thanks to a ton of returning starters on offense including quarterback Clayton Thorson and seven returning defensive starters as well. The schedule also sets up well for Pat Fitzgerald's team. The Golden Gophers of Minnesota should be improved in PJ Fleck's first season under the helm. Fleck has done a lot with his Western Michigan teams so despite personnel concerns, expect the Gophers to exceed expectations this season and a favorable schedule should help. The Spartans of Michigan State are poised for a bounce back after a dismal 3-win season. The offense has some new personnel but the offensive line and running game should be solid and the defense should be better with a ton of returning starters.
The Cornhuskers of Nebraska are coming off a good second season under Mike Riley, but expect a step back this season due to losses on both sides of the ball and a somewhat difficult schedule. The Hawkeyes of Iowa may also take a step back this season due to some key personnel losses and a tough schedule. The Hoosiers of Indiana may hang around in some games due to a decent defense, but their offense won't be as good due to the departure of former head coach Kevin Wilson. The Teraphins of Maryland were somewhat decent in DJ Durkin's first season at the helm, but expect a step back this season. A difficult schedule and uncertainty on both sides of the ball will doom them. The Boilermakers of Purdue made a very good coaching hire in Jeff Brohm, but they still aren't going to be very good any time soon. Brohm will inherit an offense that will make games interesting, but the defense is not in great shakes. The Fighting Illini of Illinois probably won't be improved this season due to a lot of personnel change. The Scarlet Knights of Rutgers, like Illinois, are rebuilding so improvement record wise isn't likely although the Knights return some defensive starters so an improvement on that end of the ball isn't out of the question.
Big-10 Championship Game: Ohio State over Wisconsin
Big-12
1. Oklahoma State (11-1; 8-1)
2. Kansas State (10-2; 7-2)
3. Oklahoma (10-2; 7-2)
4. TCU (8-4; 6-3)
5. West Virginia (9-3; 6-3)
6. Texas (7-5; 5-4)
7. Baylor (6-6; 3-6)
8. Texas Tech (3-9; 2-7)
9. Iowa State (3-9; 1-8)
10. Kansas (2-10; 0-9)
This conference is going to be better this season, although I have this conference being left out of the playoff for the third time in four seasons. My pick to win the conference championship is the Cowboys of Oklahoma State. Quarterback Mason Rudolph and James Washington will lead this prolific offense that should be one of the best offenses in the sport. Their defense had some key losses, but Mike Gundy picked up a few transfers to fill the voids. The Wildcats of Kansas State will be one of the most improved teams in the sport with a ton of starters coming back on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Jesse Ertz will lead the offense with a great offensive line and a ton of talent around him in receiver Byron Pringle and running back Alex Barnes. The defense should be one of the best in the conference despite replacing linebacker Elijah Lee and defensive end Jordan Willis. The Sooners of Oklahoma should be very good again despite the retirement of Bob Stoops. The Sooners lost a ton of offense in Joe Mixon, Dede Westbrook, and Samaje Perine, but Baker Mayfield is a one
of the best quarterbacks in the country and new head coach Lincoln Riley will find a away to make it work. The defense has a ton of returning starters so that unit should be better than last season especially with the team moving to a 4-3 scheme. The Horned Frogs of Texas Christian should improve on last years disappointing 6-win season. Led by quarterback Kenny Hill the Frogs offense should be improved thanks to all of their returnees. Their defense should be better with seven returning starters, although they will miss some of the ones they lost. The Mountaineers of West Virginia might take a slight step back record wise but they should still be a good team. Florida transfer Will Grier will be their quarterback and he was awesome during his brief stint with the Gators. They lost a ton on offense, but Grier's arrival and the return of running back Justin Crawford should help. The 'Neers lost a ton on defense as well, but defensive coordinator Tony Gibson always does a good job getting a ton out of his players. The Longhorns of Texas should be better in Tom Herman's first season at the helm. The 'Horns have a lot returning on offense including quarterback Shane Buechele, who showed a ton of promise in his true freshman season. The defense must improve under Herman and it probably will since he brought his defensive coordinator Todd Orlando
over from Houston. The Bears of Baylor should be better in Matt Rhule's first season at the helm, despite the team returning only ten starters from last seasons team. Sophomore Zach Smith is expected to be their starter at quarterback and he was promising a year ago. The backfield of Terence Williams and JaMycal Hasty is back, but the losses of receivers KD Cannon and Ishmael Zamora will hurt. The defense will be a work in progress since there's only five starters returning. The Rail Raiders of Texas Tech will take a step back after the loss of quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Nic Shimonek will replace Mahomes and the offense should be good with some other returning starters. The defense still won't be very good although they have starters returning. The Cyclones of Iowa State should be better in Matt Campell, although the record might not show it. Quarterback Jacob Park should improve in his second season too with good weapons around him. The defense should be better with transfers coming in up front and returning starters in the secondary. The Jayhawks of Kansas should be improved although their record won't show it. They have transfers coming in on offense that will be decent although their defense won't be very good.
Big-12 Championship Game: Oklahoma State over Kansas State
C-USA
- East
1. WKU (9-3; 6-2)
2. Middle Tennessee (7-5; 6-2)
3. Marshall (7-5; 5-3)
4. FAU (6-6; 5-3)
5. Old Dominion (6-6; 5-3)
6. FIU (3-9; 1-7)
7. Charlotte (3-9; 1-7)
- West
1. Louisiana Tech (9-3; 7-1)
2. UTSA (8-4; 6-2)
3. Southern Miss (7-5; 5-3)
4. North Texas (4-8; 2-6)
5. UAB (4-8; 2-6)
6. Rice (1-11; 1-7)
7. UTEP (1-11; 0-8)
This conference has some decent teams and some really bad teams. The Bulldogs of Louisiana Tech are my pick to win this conference. Despite losing quarterback Ryan Higgins and some of their wide receivers, the offense should be really good with new quarterback J'Mar Smith, although the receiving corps are revamped, the running game remains intact. The defense did lose a ton, but they still have a good defensive line led by Jaylon Ferguson. The Hilltopers of Western Kentucky are my pick to win the East division despite losing head coach Jeff Brohm to Purdue. New head coach Mike
Stanford Jr inherits a very good team with a prolific offense led by quarterback Mike White. The defense only returns three starters so that unit will be a work in progress. The Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee should be decent again thanks to a prolific offense led by quarterback Brent Stockstill and wideout Richie James. The defense is a work in progress with a ton of starters to replace, though. The Road Runners of Texas-San Antonio is a program on the rise and should be better this season with an offense that should improve and a defense that should be decent yet again this season. The Golden Eagles of Southern Miss are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season from a year ago. The offense should be very good thanks to a strong running game and a very good receiving corp, but their defense could be a work in progress with a retooling front seven although the secondary is strong. The Thundering Herd of Marshall are poised for a bounce back season after a disappointing 3-win season from a year ago. The Herd's offense should be improved with transfers coming in, but their defense wasn't good a year ago although it should be a little bit better with some decent returning starters and transfers coming in. The Owls of Florida Atlantic should be improved in Lane Kiffin's first season at the helm with some decent transfers and recruits coming in on both sides of the
ball. The Monarchs of Old Dominion may take a step back record wise after having a breakthrough season a year ago. A good running game and receiving corps might make up for the loss of quarterback David Washington. The defense should be very good despite the linebacking corps being revamped. The Mean Green of North Texas are trending in the right direction after winning five games a season ago after only winning one two seasons ago, but a ton of work is to be done for head coach Seth Littrell in his second season. The Blazers of Alabama-Birmingham return after a two-year hiatus and head coach Bill Clark has done a solid job recruiting and landing transfers so being competitive isn't out of the question. The Panthers of Florida International should be better under new head coach Butch Davis although the record may not show it. The 49ers of Charlotte should improve due to some returning starters and it's better depth thanks to it's recruiting. The Owls of Rice have seen their win total decline the last few years and this may be a make or break season for head coach David Bailiff. The Miners of Texas-El Paso lose a lot on both sides of the ball and the pressure is on head coach Sean Kugler or else he may lose his job.
C-USA Championship: Louisiana Tech over Western Kentucky
Independents
1. Notre Dame (8-4)
2. BYU (8-5)
3. Army (7-5)
4. Massachusetts (4-8)
The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame are looking to bounce back from a vastly disappointing four-win season from a season ago. New quarterback Brandon Wimbush has a ton of talent around him in
running back Josh Adams and a great set of receiving corps led by Equanimeous St. Brown. The defense should be better although they lost a lot in their secondary, but they have Shaun Crawford and Nick Watkins coming back from injury. The linebackers corps are very good led by Nyles Morgan. The Cougars of Brigham Young should be a tough out yet again. Tanner Mangum returns as starting quarterback despite a new set of receiving corps and new running backs to hand off to. The defense did lose a few starters, but that unit should not miss a beat with talent in all areas of that side of the ball. The Black Knights of Army are looking to build on last seasons great 8-win season. Quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw needs to be better as a passer, but he has good running backs to hand the ball off to. The defense lost a few starters, but should be decent after giving up less than 20 points per game a season ago. The Minutemen of Massachusetts is looking to improve on last years 2-win season, but a tough schedule awaits them. The offense should be decent with quarterback Andrew Floyd leading the way. The defense will be a work in progress with a lot of losses on that side of the ball.
MAC
- East
1. Miami-Ohio (8-4; 6-2)
2. Ohio (7-5; 5-3)
3. Bowling Green (6-6; 5-3)
4. Akron (5-7; 4-4)
5. Buffalo (3-9; 1-7)
6. Kent State (2-10; 1-7)
- West
1. Toledo (9-3; 7-1)
2. Northern Illinois (6-6; 5-3)
3. Western Michigan (6-6; 4-4)
4. Central Michigan (5-7; 4-4)
5. Eastern Michigan (5-7; 4-4)
6. Ball State (4-8; 2-6)
The Rockets of Toledo are the favorites to win this conference. Quarterback Logan Woodside is one of the best quarterbacks in the conference and the passing and running game will be prolific. The defense may take a step back after losing some key impact guys, but that unit won't be terrible. The RedHawks of Miami-Ohio vastly improved last season and now are the favorites to win the East division. Quarterback Gus Ragland has a lot of talent around him on offense with both the running game and receiving corps. The defense should improve as well due to eight starters returning. The
Bobcats of Ohio are one of the better teams in the MAC. Quarterback Quinton Maxwell leads the way offensively and has a solid running game and receiving corps. The defense should be really good again with a lot of starters retuning as well. The Falcons of Bowling Green are poised to rebound from a disappointing 4-win season from a year ago. The offense should be prolific with quarterback James Morgan leading the way with great receiving corps, but the defense will likely struggle since it only returns 5 starters. The Huskies of Northern Illinois look to rebound from a disappointing 5-win season from a season ago. The quarterback position is a question mark but the running game should be very good. The defense won't be very good outside of the secondary. The Broncos of Western Michigan will take a step back due to losing now former head coach PJ Fleck and many starters on a team that went unbeaten in the regular season a year ago. With inexperience behind center, the running game will be heavily relied on with three very good backs. The defense should still be very good with a bunch of starters returning. The Chippewas of Central Michigan might take a step back thanks to the departure of quarterback Cooper Rush although whoever replaces Rush has a nice supporting cast. The defense should be improved with six starters returning. The Zips of Akron
should improve this season with quarterback Thomas Woodson returning from injury to lead the offense although there was some turnover with Woodson's supporting cast. The defense won't be very good after losing a ton of starters. The Eagles of Eastern Michigan looks to build on last seasons surprising 7-win season. Quarterback Brogan Roback leads the way offensively and has a great receiving corps. The defense was vastly improved last year from two seasons ago and it should be even better this season. The Cardinals of Ball State have huge concerns on both sides of the ball, although their offense has a decent quarterback in Riley Neal and a decent running back in James Gilbert. Their defense could regress due to only four starters returning. The Bulls of Buffalo have a new coach in Lance Leipold, but the team needs improvement on both sides of the ball, although they have a promising quarterback in Tyree Jackson. The Golden Flashes of Kent State weren't very good offensively and some of that had to do with injuries hitting the quarterback position, but if they want to improve their results, the offense must improve. The defense is a strength of this team and it might keep them in games in conference play.
MWC
- Mountain
1. Boise State (9-3; 6-2)
2. Wyoming (7-5; 5-3)
3. New Mexico (7-5; 5-3)
4. Colorado State (7-5; 5-3)
5. Air Force (6-6; 4-4)
6. Utah State (3-9; 2-6)
- West
1. San Diego State (8-4; 6-2)
2. Nevada (6-6; 4-4)
3. Hawaii (6-6; 4-4)
4. UNLV (4-8; 3-5)
5. Fresno State (3-9; 2-6)
6. San Jose State (3-10; 2-6)
This conference has a mix of some very good teams, some sneaky good teams, and some bad teams. The Broncos of Boise State are my pick to win this conference, despite a ton of turnover on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Brett Rypien returns to lead the offense with a decent supporting cast around him. The defense has had a lot of turnover, but the starters that are returning are standouts. The Aztecs of San Diego State are my pick to win the West division. Quarterback Christian Chapman is poised to breakout after a promising first season and his supporting cast is pretty good despite losing Donnel Pumphrey. Despite losing a few awesome guys on the defensive side of the ball, the defense should still be very good. The Cowboys of Wyoming are looking to build on last years 8-win season. Quarterback Josh Allen is the best in the conference and could very well be a first round pick in next years NFL draft although most of the supporting cast around him is new. The defense will be improved thanks to a ton of starters returning. The Lobos of New Mexico have gotten better and
better every year under Bob Davie, but I think it would be hard to match or exceed the 9-win total from a year ago. This offense will score a ton of points led by quarterback Lamar Jordan, who has a pretty good supporting cast. The defense will take a step back with only three starters returning. The Rams of Colorado State should be very good again with a dynamic offense led by quarterback Nick Stevens, who has a great supporting cast around him. The defense should be improved with eight retuning starters. The Wolf Pack of Nevada have a new head coach in Jay Norvell and I wouldn't rule out the chance they are better than most people expect thanks to the arrival of Alabama transfer David Cornell at quarterback. The defense actually is pretty decent with a few players all-conference caliber players. The Rainbow Warriors of Hawaii had a good season a year ago and look to build on that. The offense will be very good led by quarterback Dru Brown, who has a solid supporting cast around him. The defense should be better this season with some starters returning on the defensive line and secondary. The Falcons of the Air Force will likely take a step back this season after winning ten games a season ago. Quarterback Arion Worthman was very good last season, but the loss of receiver Jalen Robinette will hurt. The defense won't be good with only one starter returning. The
Rebels of Nevada-Las Vegas may be heading in the right direction as a program under Tony Sanchez, but some issues may hold them back from reaching a bowl. Inexperience at quarterback could hurt them, although the skill position players are very good. The defense only returns two starters, so that unit as a whole may not be very good. The Aggies of Utah State are under some pressure after having a few losing seasons in a row which has head coach Matt Wells on the hot seat. Kent Myers is a decent quarterback, but the supporting cast around him isn't great. The defense won't be that bad either with some starters returning. The Bulldogs of Fresno State also have a new coach in Jeff Tedford, who has a an offensive background which will be a good thing for this team, who were not very good on that side of the ball last season. The defense wasn't terrible last season, but they didn't record many sacks and were terrible against the run last season. The Spartans of San Jose State also have a new coach in Brent Brennan, who has a ton of work to do. Quarterback Kenny Potter is gone, but whoever replaces Potter has some nice skill guys around him. The defense actually isn't terrible with a good secondary and a decent line.
Pac-12
- North
1. Washington (11-1; 8-1)
2. Washington State (9-3; 6-3)
3. Stanford (9-3; 6-3)
4. Oregon (8-4; 5-4)
5. California (3-9; 2-7)
6. Oregon State (2-10; 1-8)
- South
1. USC (11-1; 8-1)
2. Utah (7-5; 5-4)
3. UCLA (8-4; 5-4)
4. Colorado (7-5; 4-5)
5. Arizona State (6-6; 3-6)
6. Arizona (4-8; 2-7)
My pick to win this conference and to receive a berth in the college football playoff is the Trojans of Southern California. Quarterback Sam Darnold is the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy this season
and he has a great supporting cast around him headlined by running back Ronald Jones and the receiver core is good too. The defense should be very good led by linebacker Cameron Smith, lineman Rasheem Green, and cornerback Iman Marshall. The Huskies of Washington are my pick to win the North division again this season. Quarterback Jake Browning returns and most of his supporting cast is back too with the exception of John Ross. The defense loses some standout players, but linebacker Azeem Victor and defensive lineman Vita Vea return and the secondary has a ton of depth on it. The Huskies of Washington State will be a factor yet again thanks to a great offense led by quarterback Luke Falk and a great running game although there was turnover with the receiving core. The defense will be pretty good again thanks to nine starters returning. The Cardinal of Stanford will be very good yet again despite losing Christian McCaffrey. Bryce Love replaces McCaffrey in the backfield and quarterback Keller Chryst (when healthy) is solid as well as the receiving corps around Chryst. The loss of Solomon Thomas will hurt the defense, but the secondary is still strong with cornerback Quenton Meeks and safety Justin Reid. The Utes of Utah are always a factor in the conference and will be again. The offense will be led by quarterback Troy Williams paired with a
strong running game and an improved passing game. The defense should be good again with some decent returning starters in all of the defensive units. The Ducks of Oregon are looking to rebound from a disappointing 4-win season. They are certainly capable of it with a dynamic offense led by quarterback Justin Herbert, running back Royce Freeman, and receiver Charles Nelson. The defense must improve if the Ducks want to take a step forward and new coach Willie Taggart hired Jim Leavitt away from Colorado, so that should help. The Bruins of California-Los Angeles are also looking to rebound from a disappointing 4-win season. Quarterback Josh Rosen must be healthy if they want to be a factor in the conference and Rosen has most of his supporting cast returning. The defense was solid a year ago and despite losing some standouts, it should be good again with some starters returning. The Buffaloes of Colorado will likely take a step back after winning ten games a season ago, but the offense should still be good with quarterback Steven Montez leading the way with a great supporting cast. The defense is the area that will regress with a ton of starters departing as well as their defensive coordinator leaving for Oregon. The Sun Devils of Arizona State look to get back to a bowl this season and they have the pieces to have a dynamic offense. Quarterback Manny
Wilkins will probably start and has a great running game and receiving core around him. The defense should be a bit better with an improved line and linebacking core. The Wildcats of Arizona are looking to rebound from a 4-win season from a season ago and hoping for better health luck as well. The running game should be good, but matter who starts at quarterback, the passing game must improve. The defense is unlikely to see improvement due to the inexperience, but the secondary has some decent guys such as Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles. The Golden Bears of California have a new coach in Justin Wilcox. The offense will score a ton of points no matter who replaces Davis Webb at quarterback due to the strong supporting cast led by receiver Demetrius Robertson. The depth on defense needs to improve although they have some standout starters returning. The Beavers of Oregon State may be competitive with a decent offense led by quarterback Jake Luton surrounded with a great supporting cast. The defense returns only five starters, but the guys who are returning are standouts. The record might not show it, but this team will likely be better than it's record due to it's hard schedule.
Pac-12 Championship: USC over Washington
SEC
- East
1. Florida (10-2; 8-0)
2. Tennessee (9-3; 5-3)
3. Georgia (8-4; 5-3)
4. Kentucky (6-6; 3-5)
5. South Carolina (5-7; 2-6)
6. Vanderbilt (5-7; 2-6)
7. Missouri (5-7; 1-7)
- West
1. Alabama (12-0; 8-0)
2. Auburn (9-3; 6-2)
3. LSU (8-4; 4-4)
4. Texas A&M (7-5; 4-4)
5. Mississippi State (7-5; 3-5)
6. Ole Miss (5-7; 2-6)
7. Arkansas (6-6; 2-6)
The SEC isn't as good as it once was, but that can't be said about the Crimson Tide of Alabama, who are my pick to win the conference and to be a College Football Playoff finalist. Quarterback Jalen Hurts was great as a freshman a year ago and will be even better this season. Bo Scarbrough leads the running game and the receiving core is great too led by Calvin Ridley. The defense is among the best in the country with a great defensive line led by Da'Ron Payne, a great linebacking core led by Rashaan Evans, and one of the best secondaries in the country led by Minkah Fitzpatrick. The Gators of Florida are my pick to win the East division. Redshirt quarterback Feleipe Franks will start and he has a good running game and receiving corps around him. The defense did lose a ton of talented players, but there is still some standouts on this side of the ball such as cornerback Duke Dawson.
The Tigers of Auburn should be very good again and will be a factor in the conference. The offense should be really good lead by Baylor transfer quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who has a strong running game to rely on with the dynamic duo of Kamryn Pettway and Kerryon Johnson, and a talented receiving core led by Nate Craig-Myers. The defense should be very good yet again in all areas. The Volunteers of Tennessee should be very good this season thanks to a lot of talented starters returning and a favorable schedule. Josh Dobbs is gone and the Vols need to replace him at quarterback but other than that, the supporting cast should be very good around whoever starts at quarterback. The defense had some key losses, but that side of the ball has some depth that should help. The Bulldogs of Georgia should be really good, but the record might be worse than what they should be. Quarterback Jacob Eason is back and he should benefit with a strong running game led by Nick Chubb. The defense will be one of the best in the conference led by a senior led secondary and great linebacking corps. The Tigers of Louisiana State enter their first full year under Ed Orgeron. The offense has it's questions at the quarterback position and the passing game, but the running game will be strong led by Derrius Guice. Despite returning four starters on the defensive side of the ball, the
unit should still be very good. The Aggies of Texas A&M may take a step back thanks of many departures on both sides of the ball and that doesn't help head coach Kevin Sumlin and his case to keep his job. The offense has turnover everywhere from quarterback to the supporting cast although running back Trayveon Williams and receiver Christian Kirk. The defense will miss end Myles Garrett, but that side of the ball should have better health luck. The Bulldogs of Mississippi State should be a factor in the conference yet again with a really good offense led by quarterback Nick Fitzgerald although the supporting cast saw some turnover. The defense has some questions in the secondary, but the pass rush should be really good. The Wildcats of Kentucky should be better this season after making a bowl last season. The quarterback position remains a question, but the running game should be good. The defense should be ok with a good secondary and linebacking core, but the line remains an issue. The Rebels of Ole Miss are banned from the postseason and they'll be a mystery this season considering Hugh Freeze is gone. Quarterback Shea Patterson will lead the way offensively with a very good supporting cast despite losing tight end Evan Ingram. The defense is a concern with a new 4-3 approach, but there are some decent starters returning on that side of the ball.
The Razorbacks of Arkansas should be a factor in the conference and should be better than their record may indicate. The offense should be very good led by quarterback Austin Allen although the supporting cast saw some turnover. The defense should be improved moving to a 3-4 scheme and some guys on that side of the ball are poised to breakout. The Gamecocks of South Carolina had a good first season under Will Muschamp, but it might be hard to get back to a bowl with a hard schedule. Quarterback Jake Bentley was very good a season ago and his supporting cast should be very good. The defense should be improved this season thanks to some starters retuning that showed some promise a season ago. The Commodores of Vanderbilt should be a factor in this conference yet again. Quarterback Kyle Shurmur showed progress late last season and he has a solid supporting cast around him on offense. The defense is the strength of this team and that's what will keep them in games in the conference. The Tigers of Missouri should be better although the record might not show it. The offense has potential with quarterback Drew Lock with a really good supporting cast. The defense might take a step back with only three returning starters on that side of the ball.
SEC Championship: Alabama over Florida
Sun Belt
1. Appalachian State (10-2; 8-0)
2. Troy (9-3; 7-1)
3. Idaho (7-5; 5-3)
4. Georgia Southern (6-6; 4-4)
5. Arkansas State (7-5; 4-4)
6. Louisiana-Lafayette (5-7; 4-4)
7. South Alabama (6-6; 3-5)
8. Coastal Carolina (4-8; 3-5)
9. Texas State (4-8; 3-5)
10. Louisiana-Monroe (2-10; 2-6)
11. New Mexico State (2-10; 1-7)
12. Georgia State (2-10; 1-7)
The Sun Belt should be interesting this season with some very good teams and there are some bad ones too. The Mountaineers of Appalachian State are the team to beat in this conference with a great offense led by quarterback Taylor Lamb and a very good supporting cast. Despite replacing three great starters on defense, but they have depth on that side of the ball. The Trojans of Troy are coming off their first 10-win season at the FBS level and coach Neal Brown’s team is in good shape to repeat that feat in 2017. The offense should be awesome again led by quarterback Brandon Silvers and an awesome supporting cast around him. The defense did lose some key guys, but six starters return. The Vandals of Idaho will be moving to the FCS next season, but they should have a good final season as an FBS member. Quarterback Matt Linehan was really good last season, although the
supporting cast had some turnover. The defense only returns five starters, so a step back on that side of the ball could be in order. The Eagles of Georgia Southern should be better in Tyson Summers's second season. The offense has had a ton of turnover with quarterback Seth Shuman leaving the team to play baseball, but the running game should still be strong. The defense won't be very good as that side of the ball returns only four starters. The Red Wolves of Arkansas State have been one of the Sun Belt's better teams the last few seasons and that should be the case again this season although the schedule is tough. Quarterback Justice Hansen should be better in his second year with a really good supporting cars surrounding them. The defense should be still very good although there are concerns in the secondary. The Rajin Cajuns of Louisiana-Lafayette should be a factor in this conference again, although the schedule isn't easy. The offense should be very good with quarterback Jordan Davis, who was promising last season and has a good supporting cast around him. The defense should be among the conferences best. The Jaguars of South Alabama should be a factor in this conference yet again, despite a tough schedule. Quarterback Dallas Davis is decent, but the supporting cast saw some turnover. The defense is very good too with a ton of standout players. The Chanticleers of
Coastal Carolina are in their first season as an FBS member. There is some uncertainty at the quarterback position, but a good running game should help. The defense was decent in the FCS last season, but it will be remain to be seen if it will translate to the FBS. The Bobcats of Texas State should be better record wise in Everett Withers's second season. There is uncertainty on both sides of the ball, but the schedule is favorable for them to steal a few wins. The Warhawks of Louisiana-Monroe is probably a year or two away from being bowl caliber. Quarterback Garrett Smith returns after getting injured midseason last year and he has a nice supporting cast around him. The defense returns eight starters, so improvement could be in play. The Aggies of New Mexico State is in it's final season as a Sun Belt member as it will go to an FBS independent. The offense should be decent with quarterback Tyler Rogers and a good supporting cast. The defense returns eight starters, so the unit should be a little bit better. The Panthers of Georgia State have a new coach in Shawn Elliott and a new stadium as well. The offense needs more balance if they want to be better as a team, but at least the defense should be decent.
College Football Playoff
- Semifinals
(4) Louisville Cardinals vs (1) Alabama Crimson Tide: This should be a fun matchup, but the dominant Tide defensive line will keep Lamar Jackson in check. Roll Tide.
Pick: Alabama
(3) USC Trojans vs (2) Ohio State Buckeyes: This should be an enticing game as well, but Sam Darnold will figure out the talented Buckeye defense and lead the Trojans to the title game.
Pick: USC
National Championship
(3) USC Trojans vs (1) Alabama Crimson Tide: A rematch of a game from last season of where the Tide rolled the Trojans and Darnold wasn't even the starter back than. Insert Darnold and that prolific offense which I think can do just enough to put them over the top and for the defense to do just enough to stop Jalen Hurts and Bo Scarbrough.
Pick: USC
AAC
- East
1. South Florida (12-0; 8-0)
2. Temple (8-4; 5-3)
3. Cincinnati (6-6; 4-4)
4. UCF (6-6; 3-5)
5. East Carolina (3-9; 2-6)
6. Connecticut (2-10; 1-7)
- West
1. Houston (10-2; 6-2)
2. Memphis (8-4; 5-3)
3. Navy (7-5; 4-4)
4. SMU (7-5; 4-4)
5. Tulsa (6-6; 4-4)
6. Tulane (4-8; 2-6)
The Bulls of South Florida come into this season as the prohibitive favorites to win this conference and are also the favorite of the Group of 5 teams to reach a New Years Six Bowl. Charlie Strong takes over for the departed Willie Taggart, who took the Oregon job. Quarterback Quinton Flowers was outstanding last season and is a sleeper for the Heisman Trophy this season. The defense has 9 returning starters so that unit should be improved. The Cougars of Houston should be very good again under first year head coach Major Applewhite. Texas A&M transfer Kyle Allen will be a solid fit in Applewhite's offense and their defense will be solid led by stud defensive lineman Ed Oliver. A favorable schedule will propel them to a division title. The Tigers of Memphis had a solid first season under Mike Norvell and should be decent again this season. The offense should be dynamic led by quarterback Riley Ferguson, but their defense won't be very good due to the loss of several guys. The Owls of Temple may take a step back due to the departure of Matt Rhule. New head coach Geoff Collins has a lot of work cut out for him with new personnel coming in, but a favorable schedule might make the Owls record better than what it should be. The Navy Midshipmen may take a step back due to some key personnel losses and a tough schedule, but Ken Niumatalolo is a great coach and tends to get a ton out of his players. The Mustangs of Southern Methodist should be one of the most improved teams in the conference in Chad Morris's third season. With a firepower offense and favorable schedule, a bowl game is a distinct possibility. The Bearcats of Cincinnati are coming off a disappointing 4-win season and look to be a factor in the conference again. The Knights of Central Florida are coming off a very good first season under Scott Frost and should be decent again this season with a high powered offense led by quarterback McKenzie Milton. Even though their schedule isn't favorable, the Knights should be better and back in a bowl game. The Golden Hurricane of Tulsa are coming off an amazing 10-win season. Expect them to take a step back this season due to key personnel losses on offense and a non favorable schedule. The Green Wave of Tulane should be better in Willie Fritz's second season under the helm, but the record may not show it. The Pirates of East Carolina should be better in Scottie Montgomery's second season with a ton of transfers coming in, but the record probably won't show it. Randy Edsall returns to his old stopping grounds in East Hartford, but the Huskies will struggle this season, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
AAC Championship Game: South Florida over Houston
ACC
- Atlantic
1. Louisville (11-1; 7-1)*
2. Florida State (10-2; 7-1)
3. Clemson (10-2; 6-2)
4. NC State (6-6; 3-5)
5. Syracuse (4-8; 2-6)
6. Boston College (5-7; 2-6)
7. Wake Forest (5-7; 2-6)
- Coastal
1. Virginia Tech (9-3; 6-2)
2. Pitt (8-4; 6-2)
3. Miami (9-3; 5-3)
4. Georgia Tech (7-5; 5-3)
5. North Carolina (6-6; 3-5)
6. Duke (4-8; 2-6)
7. Virginia (2-10; 0-8)
Something tells me that the Cardinals of Louisville, who are being overlooked by many experts due to their disappointing finish to last season will emerge from this conference and make the playoff. Lamar Jackson will be bidding for a second straight Heisman trophy although it will be hard for him to match last seasons numbers. The Seminoles of Florida State have a top five roster in the country, but due to questions on the offensive line and a difficult schedule, I believe they will be left out of the College Football Playoff. Quarterback Deondre Francois and running back Cam Akers will lead a dynamic offense and Derwin James comes back from injury to lead a decent defense. The reigning national champion Clemson Tigers may take a slight step back due to the losses of DeShaun Watson, Mike Williams, and others. The personnel is still very good so they should still be heard from in perhaps one of the two best conferences in the sport. The Hokies of Virginia Tech are my pick to win the Coastal Division due to a good defense and a favorable schedule. The Hokies have some questions offensively but head coach Justin Fuente should be able to figure out the quarterback situation and who gets carries in the ground game. The Panthers of Pittsburgh should be a factor in the conference yet again in Pat Narduzzi's third season at the helm. The offense should be solid with USC transfer Max Browne leading the way at quarterback, but the defense has many questions though. The Hurricanes of Miami should be a decent team yet again although Brad Kaaya is gone. The Canes defense returns 7 starters so that should help. The Yellow Jackets of Georgia Tech should be a factor in the conference due to it's strong running game and a solid defense. The North Carolina State Wolfpack should be improved with many starters returning on both sides of the ball. With a difficult schedule, I don't see the Wolfpack meeting top-25 expectations like some experts think. The
Tar Heels of North Carolina will take a step back due to the departure of Mitch Trubisky and running back Elijah Hood. Larry Fedora has work cut out for him, but I believe the Heels will be bowl eligible. The Eagles of Boston College had a decent finish to last season that ended in a bowl victory, but thanks to a brutal schedule, it will be difficult for the Eagles to make a bowl this season. The Orange of Syracuse should be improved in year two under Dino Babers, although a bowl game appearance isn't likely. The Orange will be very good offensively led by quarterback Eric Dungey. The Decon Demons of Wake Forest are coming off a breakthrough season. Although they have many returning starters, the schedule is tough so I see this team taking a step back record wise. The Duke Blue Devils should be improved after a disappointing season last season thanks to the return of quarterback Daniel Jones. I don't see a bowl appearance for this team due to an experienced defense and a tough schedule. The Cavaliers of Virginia should improve in Bronco Mendenhall's second season, although the record may not show it. The Cavs may be competitive with a somewhat decent offense and a defense that will improve with 8 starters returning.
ACC Championship Game: Florida State over Virginia Tech
(I have Louisville making the playoff but FSU winning the conference title-- similar to 1-loss Ohio State making the playoff and conference champion and 2-loss Penn State being left out last season in the Big-10.)
Big-10
- East
1. Ohio State (12-0; 9-0)
2. Penn State (10-2; 7-2)
3. Michigan (9-3; 6-3)
4. Michigan State (8-4; 5-4)
5. Indiana (6-6; 3-6)
6. Maryland (4-8; 2-7)
7. Rutgers (2-10; 0-9)
- West
1. Wisconsin (11-1; 8-1)
2. Northwestern (9-3; 6-3)
3. Minnesota (9-3; 6-3)
4. Nebraska (6-6; 4-5)
5. Iowa (6-6; 3-6)
6. Purdue (3-9; 2-7)
7. Illinois (2-10; 1-8)
This conference is the best in the sport this season. The Buckeyes of Ohio State are my pick to win this conference and go to the college football playoff for the third time in four seasons. I believe in new offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson to rejuvenate JT Barrett and this offense. The Huskies of Wisconsin are my pick to win the west this season due to an awesome defense and a favorable schedule. They did lose a lot on offense but they have good personnel in place to replace what they have lost. A breakout season for quarterback Alex Hornibrook is definitely in play. The Nittany Lions of Penn State are coming off an amazing season that ended in a heartbreaking defeat in the Rose Bowl. They should be very good yet again with that explosive offense led by Heisman Trophy candidates in quarterback Trace McSorley and running back Saquon Barkley. The Wolverines of Michigan should be very good again in year three under Jim Harbaugh. Quarterback Wilton Speight is back, but his supporting cast isn't strong around him. The defense should be excellent yet again led by Rashan Gary. The Wildcats of Northwestern should be improved this season thanks to a ton of returning starters on offense including quarterback Clayton Thorson and seven returning defensive starters as well. The schedule also sets up well for Pat Fitzgerald's team. The Golden Gophers of Minnesota should be improved in PJ Fleck's first season under the helm. Fleck has done a lot with his Western Michigan teams so despite personnel concerns, expect the Gophers to exceed expectations this season and a favorable schedule should help. The Spartans of Michigan State are poised for a bounce back after a dismal 3-win season. The offense has some new personnel but the offensive line and running game should be solid and the defense should be better with a ton of returning starters.
The Cornhuskers of Nebraska are coming off a good second season under Mike Riley, but expect a step back this season due to losses on both sides of the ball and a somewhat difficult schedule. The Hawkeyes of Iowa may also take a step back this season due to some key personnel losses and a tough schedule. The Hoosiers of Indiana may hang around in some games due to a decent defense, but their offense won't be as good due to the departure of former head coach Kevin Wilson. The Teraphins of Maryland were somewhat decent in DJ Durkin's first season at the helm, but expect a step back this season. A difficult schedule and uncertainty on both sides of the ball will doom them. The Boilermakers of Purdue made a very good coaching hire in Jeff Brohm, but they still aren't going to be very good any time soon. Brohm will inherit an offense that will make games interesting, but the defense is not in great shakes. The Fighting Illini of Illinois probably won't be improved this season due to a lot of personnel change. The Scarlet Knights of Rutgers, like Illinois, are rebuilding so improvement record wise isn't likely although the Knights return some defensive starters so an improvement on that end of the ball isn't out of the question.
Big-10 Championship Game: Ohio State over Wisconsin
Big-12
1. Oklahoma State (11-1; 8-1)
2. Kansas State (10-2; 7-2)
3. Oklahoma (10-2; 7-2)
4. TCU (8-4; 6-3)
5. West Virginia (9-3; 6-3)
6. Texas (7-5; 5-4)
7. Baylor (6-6; 3-6)
8. Texas Tech (3-9; 2-7)
9. Iowa State (3-9; 1-8)
10. Kansas (2-10; 0-9)
This conference is going to be better this season, although I have this conference being left out of the playoff for the third time in four seasons. My pick to win the conference championship is the Cowboys of Oklahoma State. Quarterback Mason Rudolph and James Washington will lead this prolific offense that should be one of the best offenses in the sport. Their defense had some key losses, but Mike Gundy picked up a few transfers to fill the voids. The Wildcats of Kansas State will be one of the most improved teams in the sport with a ton of starters coming back on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Jesse Ertz will lead the offense with a great offensive line and a ton of talent around him in receiver Byron Pringle and running back Alex Barnes. The defense should be one of the best in the conference despite replacing linebacker Elijah Lee and defensive end Jordan Willis. The Sooners of Oklahoma should be very good again despite the retirement of Bob Stoops. The Sooners lost a ton of offense in Joe Mixon, Dede Westbrook, and Samaje Perine, but Baker Mayfield is a one
of the best quarterbacks in the country and new head coach Lincoln Riley will find a away to make it work. The defense has a ton of returning starters so that unit should be better than last season especially with the team moving to a 4-3 scheme. The Horned Frogs of Texas Christian should improve on last years disappointing 6-win season. Led by quarterback Kenny Hill the Frogs offense should be improved thanks to all of their returnees. Their defense should be better with seven returning starters, although they will miss some of the ones they lost. The Mountaineers of West Virginia might take a slight step back record wise but they should still be a good team. Florida transfer Will Grier will be their quarterback and he was awesome during his brief stint with the Gators. They lost a ton on offense, but Grier's arrival and the return of running back Justin Crawford should help. The 'Neers lost a ton on defense as well, but defensive coordinator Tony Gibson always does a good job getting a ton out of his players. The Longhorns of Texas should be better in Tom Herman's first season at the helm. The 'Horns have a lot returning on offense including quarterback Shane Buechele, who showed a ton of promise in his true freshman season. The defense must improve under Herman and it probably will since he brought his defensive coordinator Todd Orlando
over from Houston. The Bears of Baylor should be better in Matt Rhule's first season at the helm, despite the team returning only ten starters from last seasons team. Sophomore Zach Smith is expected to be their starter at quarterback and he was promising a year ago. The backfield of Terence Williams and JaMycal Hasty is back, but the losses of receivers KD Cannon and Ishmael Zamora will hurt. The defense will be a work in progress since there's only five starters returning. The Rail Raiders of Texas Tech will take a step back after the loss of quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Nic Shimonek will replace Mahomes and the offense should be good with some other returning starters. The defense still won't be very good although they have starters returning. The Cyclones of Iowa State should be better in Matt Campell, although the record might not show it. Quarterback Jacob Park should improve in his second season too with good weapons around him. The defense should be better with transfers coming in up front and returning starters in the secondary. The Jayhawks of Kansas should be improved although their record won't show it. They have transfers coming in on offense that will be decent although their defense won't be very good.
Big-12 Championship Game: Oklahoma State over Kansas State
C-USA
- East
1. WKU (9-3; 6-2)
2. Middle Tennessee (7-5; 6-2)
3. Marshall (7-5; 5-3)
4. FAU (6-6; 5-3)
5. Old Dominion (6-6; 5-3)
6. FIU (3-9; 1-7)
7. Charlotte (3-9; 1-7)
- West
1. Louisiana Tech (9-3; 7-1)
2. UTSA (8-4; 6-2)
3. Southern Miss (7-5; 5-3)
4. North Texas (4-8; 2-6)
5. UAB (4-8; 2-6)
6. Rice (1-11; 1-7)
7. UTEP (1-11; 0-8)
This conference has some decent teams and some really bad teams. The Bulldogs of Louisiana Tech are my pick to win this conference. Despite losing quarterback Ryan Higgins and some of their wide receivers, the offense should be really good with new quarterback J'Mar Smith, although the receiving corps are revamped, the running game remains intact. The defense did lose a ton, but they still have a good defensive line led by Jaylon Ferguson. The Hilltopers of Western Kentucky are my pick to win the East division despite losing head coach Jeff Brohm to Purdue. New head coach Mike
Stanford Jr inherits a very good team with a prolific offense led by quarterback Mike White. The defense only returns three starters so that unit will be a work in progress. The Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee should be decent again thanks to a prolific offense led by quarterback Brent Stockstill and wideout Richie James. The defense is a work in progress with a ton of starters to replace, though. The Road Runners of Texas-San Antonio is a program on the rise and should be better this season with an offense that should improve and a defense that should be decent yet again this season. The Golden Eagles of Southern Miss are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season from a year ago. The offense should be very good thanks to a strong running game and a very good receiving corp, but their defense could be a work in progress with a retooling front seven although the secondary is strong. The Thundering Herd of Marshall are poised for a bounce back season after a disappointing 3-win season from a year ago. The Herd's offense should be improved with transfers coming in, but their defense wasn't good a year ago although it should be a little bit better with some decent returning starters and transfers coming in. The Owls of Florida Atlantic should be improved in Lane Kiffin's first season at the helm with some decent transfers and recruits coming in on both sides of the
ball. The Monarchs of Old Dominion may take a step back record wise after having a breakthrough season a year ago. A good running game and receiving corps might make up for the loss of quarterback David Washington. The defense should be very good despite the linebacking corps being revamped. The Mean Green of North Texas are trending in the right direction after winning five games a season ago after only winning one two seasons ago, but a ton of work is to be done for head coach Seth Littrell in his second season. The Blazers of Alabama-Birmingham return after a two-year hiatus and head coach Bill Clark has done a solid job recruiting and landing transfers so being competitive isn't out of the question. The Panthers of Florida International should be better under new head coach Butch Davis although the record may not show it. The 49ers of Charlotte should improve due to some returning starters and it's better depth thanks to it's recruiting. The Owls of Rice have seen their win total decline the last few years and this may be a make or break season for head coach David Bailiff. The Miners of Texas-El Paso lose a lot on both sides of the ball and the pressure is on head coach Sean Kugler or else he may lose his job.
C-USA Championship: Louisiana Tech over Western Kentucky
Independents
1. Notre Dame (8-4)
2. BYU (8-5)
3. Army (7-5)
4. Massachusetts (4-8)
The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame are looking to bounce back from a vastly disappointing four-win season from a season ago. New quarterback Brandon Wimbush has a ton of talent around him in
running back Josh Adams and a great set of receiving corps led by Equanimeous St. Brown. The defense should be better although they lost a lot in their secondary, but they have Shaun Crawford and Nick Watkins coming back from injury. The linebackers corps are very good led by Nyles Morgan. The Cougars of Brigham Young should be a tough out yet again. Tanner Mangum returns as starting quarterback despite a new set of receiving corps and new running backs to hand off to. The defense did lose a few starters, but that unit should not miss a beat with talent in all areas of that side of the ball. The Black Knights of Army are looking to build on last seasons great 8-win season. Quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw needs to be better as a passer, but he has good running backs to hand the ball off to. The defense lost a few starters, but should be decent after giving up less than 20 points per game a season ago. The Minutemen of Massachusetts is looking to improve on last years 2-win season, but a tough schedule awaits them. The offense should be decent with quarterback Andrew Floyd leading the way. The defense will be a work in progress with a lot of losses on that side of the ball.
MAC
- East
1. Miami-Ohio (8-4; 6-2)
2. Ohio (7-5; 5-3)
3. Bowling Green (6-6; 5-3)
4. Akron (5-7; 4-4)
5. Buffalo (3-9; 1-7)
6. Kent State (2-10; 1-7)
- West
1. Toledo (9-3; 7-1)
2. Northern Illinois (6-6; 5-3)
3. Western Michigan (6-6; 4-4)
4. Central Michigan (5-7; 4-4)
5. Eastern Michigan (5-7; 4-4)
6. Ball State (4-8; 2-6)
The Rockets of Toledo are the favorites to win this conference. Quarterback Logan Woodside is one of the best quarterbacks in the conference and the passing and running game will be prolific. The defense may take a step back after losing some key impact guys, but that unit won't be terrible. The RedHawks of Miami-Ohio vastly improved last season and now are the favorites to win the East division. Quarterback Gus Ragland has a lot of talent around him on offense with both the running game and receiving corps. The defense should improve as well due to eight starters returning. The
Bobcats of Ohio are one of the better teams in the MAC. Quarterback Quinton Maxwell leads the way offensively and has a solid running game and receiving corps. The defense should be really good again with a lot of starters retuning as well. The Falcons of Bowling Green are poised to rebound from a disappointing 4-win season from a year ago. The offense should be prolific with quarterback James Morgan leading the way with great receiving corps, but the defense will likely struggle since it only returns 5 starters. The Huskies of Northern Illinois look to rebound from a disappointing 5-win season from a season ago. The quarterback position is a question mark but the running game should be very good. The defense won't be very good outside of the secondary. The Broncos of Western Michigan will take a step back due to losing now former head coach PJ Fleck and many starters on a team that went unbeaten in the regular season a year ago. With inexperience behind center, the running game will be heavily relied on with three very good backs. The defense should still be very good with a bunch of starters returning. The Chippewas of Central Michigan might take a step back thanks to the departure of quarterback Cooper Rush although whoever replaces Rush has a nice supporting cast. The defense should be improved with six starters returning. The Zips of Akron
should improve this season with quarterback Thomas Woodson returning from injury to lead the offense although there was some turnover with Woodson's supporting cast. The defense won't be very good after losing a ton of starters. The Eagles of Eastern Michigan looks to build on last seasons surprising 7-win season. Quarterback Brogan Roback leads the way offensively and has a great receiving corps. The defense was vastly improved last year from two seasons ago and it should be even better this season. The Cardinals of Ball State have huge concerns on both sides of the ball, although their offense has a decent quarterback in Riley Neal and a decent running back in James Gilbert. Their defense could regress due to only four starters returning. The Bulls of Buffalo have a new coach in Lance Leipold, but the team needs improvement on both sides of the ball, although they have a promising quarterback in Tyree Jackson. The Golden Flashes of Kent State weren't very good offensively and some of that had to do with injuries hitting the quarterback position, but if they want to improve their results, the offense must improve. The defense is a strength of this team and it might keep them in games in conference play.
MWC
- Mountain
1. Boise State (9-3; 6-2)
2. Wyoming (7-5; 5-3)
3. New Mexico (7-5; 5-3)
4. Colorado State (7-5; 5-3)
5. Air Force (6-6; 4-4)
6. Utah State (3-9; 2-6)
- West
1. San Diego State (8-4; 6-2)
2. Nevada (6-6; 4-4)
3. Hawaii (6-6; 4-4)
4. UNLV (4-8; 3-5)
5. Fresno State (3-9; 2-6)
6. San Jose State (3-10; 2-6)
This conference has a mix of some very good teams, some sneaky good teams, and some bad teams. The Broncos of Boise State are my pick to win this conference, despite a ton of turnover on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Brett Rypien returns to lead the offense with a decent supporting cast around him. The defense has had a lot of turnover, but the starters that are returning are standouts. The Aztecs of San Diego State are my pick to win the West division. Quarterback Christian Chapman is poised to breakout after a promising first season and his supporting cast is pretty good despite losing Donnel Pumphrey. Despite losing a few awesome guys on the defensive side of the ball, the defense should still be very good. The Cowboys of Wyoming are looking to build on last years 8-win season. Quarterback Josh Allen is the best in the conference and could very well be a first round pick in next years NFL draft although most of the supporting cast around him is new. The defense will be improved thanks to a ton of starters returning. The Lobos of New Mexico have gotten better and
better every year under Bob Davie, but I think it would be hard to match or exceed the 9-win total from a year ago. This offense will score a ton of points led by quarterback Lamar Jordan, who has a pretty good supporting cast. The defense will take a step back with only three starters returning. The Rams of Colorado State should be very good again with a dynamic offense led by quarterback Nick Stevens, who has a great supporting cast around him. The defense should be improved with eight retuning starters. The Wolf Pack of Nevada have a new head coach in Jay Norvell and I wouldn't rule out the chance they are better than most people expect thanks to the arrival of Alabama transfer David Cornell at quarterback. The defense actually is pretty decent with a few players all-conference caliber players. The Rainbow Warriors of Hawaii had a good season a year ago and look to build on that. The offense will be very good led by quarterback Dru Brown, who has a solid supporting cast around him. The defense should be better this season with some starters returning on the defensive line and secondary. The Falcons of the Air Force will likely take a step back this season after winning ten games a season ago. Quarterback Arion Worthman was very good last season, but the loss of receiver Jalen Robinette will hurt. The defense won't be good with only one starter returning. The
Rebels of Nevada-Las Vegas may be heading in the right direction as a program under Tony Sanchez, but some issues may hold them back from reaching a bowl. Inexperience at quarterback could hurt them, although the skill position players are very good. The defense only returns two starters, so that unit as a whole may not be very good. The Aggies of Utah State are under some pressure after having a few losing seasons in a row which has head coach Matt Wells on the hot seat. Kent Myers is a decent quarterback, but the supporting cast around him isn't great. The defense won't be that bad either with some starters returning. The Bulldogs of Fresno State also have a new coach in Jeff Tedford, who has a an offensive background which will be a good thing for this team, who were not very good on that side of the ball last season. The defense wasn't terrible last season, but they didn't record many sacks and were terrible against the run last season. The Spartans of San Jose State also have a new coach in Brent Brennan, who has a ton of work to do. Quarterback Kenny Potter is gone, but whoever replaces Potter has some nice skill guys around him. The defense actually isn't terrible with a good secondary and a decent line.
Pac-12
- North
1. Washington (11-1; 8-1)
2. Washington State (9-3; 6-3)
3. Stanford (9-3; 6-3)
4. Oregon (8-4; 5-4)
5. California (3-9; 2-7)
6. Oregon State (2-10; 1-8)
- South
1. USC (11-1; 8-1)
2. Utah (7-5; 5-4)
3. UCLA (8-4; 5-4)
4. Colorado (7-5; 4-5)
5. Arizona State (6-6; 3-6)
6. Arizona (4-8; 2-7)
My pick to win this conference and to receive a berth in the college football playoff is the Trojans of Southern California. Quarterback Sam Darnold is the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy this season
and he has a great supporting cast around him headlined by running back Ronald Jones and the receiver core is good too. The defense should be very good led by linebacker Cameron Smith, lineman Rasheem Green, and cornerback Iman Marshall. The Huskies of Washington are my pick to win the North division again this season. Quarterback Jake Browning returns and most of his supporting cast is back too with the exception of John Ross. The defense loses some standout players, but linebacker Azeem Victor and defensive lineman Vita Vea return and the secondary has a ton of depth on it. The Huskies of Washington State will be a factor yet again thanks to a great offense led by quarterback Luke Falk and a great running game although there was turnover with the receiving core. The defense will be pretty good again thanks to nine starters returning. The Cardinal of Stanford will be very good yet again despite losing Christian McCaffrey. Bryce Love replaces McCaffrey in the backfield and quarterback Keller Chryst (when healthy) is solid as well as the receiving corps around Chryst. The loss of Solomon Thomas will hurt the defense, but the secondary is still strong with cornerback Quenton Meeks and safety Justin Reid. The Utes of Utah are always a factor in the conference and will be again. The offense will be led by quarterback Troy Williams paired with a
strong running game and an improved passing game. The defense should be good again with some decent returning starters in all of the defensive units. The Ducks of Oregon are looking to rebound from a disappointing 4-win season. They are certainly capable of it with a dynamic offense led by quarterback Justin Herbert, running back Royce Freeman, and receiver Charles Nelson. The defense must improve if the Ducks want to take a step forward and new coach Willie Taggart hired Jim Leavitt away from Colorado, so that should help. The Bruins of California-Los Angeles are also looking to rebound from a disappointing 4-win season. Quarterback Josh Rosen must be healthy if they want to be a factor in the conference and Rosen has most of his supporting cast returning. The defense was solid a year ago and despite losing some standouts, it should be good again with some starters returning. The Buffaloes of Colorado will likely take a step back after winning ten games a season ago, but the offense should still be good with quarterback Steven Montez leading the way with a great supporting cast. The defense is the area that will regress with a ton of starters departing as well as their defensive coordinator leaving for Oregon. The Sun Devils of Arizona State look to get back to a bowl this season and they have the pieces to have a dynamic offense. Quarterback Manny
Wilkins will probably start and has a great running game and receiving core around him. The defense should be a bit better with an improved line and linebacking core. The Wildcats of Arizona are looking to rebound from a 4-win season from a season ago and hoping for better health luck as well. The running game should be good, but matter who starts at quarterback, the passing game must improve. The defense is unlikely to see improvement due to the inexperience, but the secondary has some decent guys such as Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles. The Golden Bears of California have a new coach in Justin Wilcox. The offense will score a ton of points no matter who replaces Davis Webb at quarterback due to the strong supporting cast led by receiver Demetrius Robertson. The depth on defense needs to improve although they have some standout starters returning. The Beavers of Oregon State may be competitive with a decent offense led by quarterback Jake Luton surrounded with a great supporting cast. The defense returns only five starters, but the guys who are returning are standouts. The record might not show it, but this team will likely be better than it's record due to it's hard schedule.
Pac-12 Championship: USC over Washington
SEC
- East
1. Florida (10-2; 8-0)
2. Tennessee (9-3; 5-3)
3. Georgia (8-4; 5-3)
4. Kentucky (6-6; 3-5)
5. South Carolina (5-7; 2-6)
6. Vanderbilt (5-7; 2-6)
7. Missouri (5-7; 1-7)
- West
1. Alabama (12-0; 8-0)
2. Auburn (9-3; 6-2)
3. LSU (8-4; 4-4)
4. Texas A&M (7-5; 4-4)
5. Mississippi State (7-5; 3-5)
6. Ole Miss (5-7; 2-6)
7. Arkansas (6-6; 2-6)
The SEC isn't as good as it once was, but that can't be said about the Crimson Tide of Alabama, who are my pick to win the conference and to be a College Football Playoff finalist. Quarterback Jalen Hurts was great as a freshman a year ago and will be even better this season. Bo Scarbrough leads the running game and the receiving core is great too led by Calvin Ridley. The defense is among the best in the country with a great defensive line led by Da'Ron Payne, a great linebacking core led by Rashaan Evans, and one of the best secondaries in the country led by Minkah Fitzpatrick. The Gators of Florida are my pick to win the East division. Redshirt quarterback Feleipe Franks will start and he has a good running game and receiving corps around him. The defense did lose a ton of talented players, but there is still some standouts on this side of the ball such as cornerback Duke Dawson.
The Tigers of Auburn should be very good again and will be a factor in the conference. The offense should be really good lead by Baylor transfer quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who has a strong running game to rely on with the dynamic duo of Kamryn Pettway and Kerryon Johnson, and a talented receiving core led by Nate Craig-Myers. The defense should be very good yet again in all areas. The Volunteers of Tennessee should be very good this season thanks to a lot of talented starters returning and a favorable schedule. Josh Dobbs is gone and the Vols need to replace him at quarterback but other than that, the supporting cast should be very good around whoever starts at quarterback. The defense had some key losses, but that side of the ball has some depth that should help. The Bulldogs of Georgia should be really good, but the record might be worse than what they should be. Quarterback Jacob Eason is back and he should benefit with a strong running game led by Nick Chubb. The defense will be one of the best in the conference led by a senior led secondary and great linebacking corps. The Tigers of Louisiana State enter their first full year under Ed Orgeron. The offense has it's questions at the quarterback position and the passing game, but the running game will be strong led by Derrius Guice. Despite returning four starters on the defensive side of the ball, the
unit should still be very good. The Aggies of Texas A&M may take a step back thanks of many departures on both sides of the ball and that doesn't help head coach Kevin Sumlin and his case to keep his job. The offense has turnover everywhere from quarterback to the supporting cast although running back Trayveon Williams and receiver Christian Kirk. The defense will miss end Myles Garrett, but that side of the ball should have better health luck. The Bulldogs of Mississippi State should be a factor in the conference yet again with a really good offense led by quarterback Nick Fitzgerald although the supporting cast saw some turnover. The defense has some questions in the secondary, but the pass rush should be really good. The Wildcats of Kentucky should be better this season after making a bowl last season. The quarterback position remains a question, but the running game should be good. The defense should be ok with a good secondary and linebacking core, but the line remains an issue. The Rebels of Ole Miss are banned from the postseason and they'll be a mystery this season considering Hugh Freeze is gone. Quarterback Shea Patterson will lead the way offensively with a very good supporting cast despite losing tight end Evan Ingram. The defense is a concern with a new 4-3 approach, but there are some decent starters returning on that side of the ball.
The Razorbacks of Arkansas should be a factor in the conference and should be better than their record may indicate. The offense should be very good led by quarterback Austin Allen although the supporting cast saw some turnover. The defense should be improved moving to a 3-4 scheme and some guys on that side of the ball are poised to breakout. The Gamecocks of South Carolina had a good first season under Will Muschamp, but it might be hard to get back to a bowl with a hard schedule. Quarterback Jake Bentley was very good a season ago and his supporting cast should be very good. The defense should be improved this season thanks to some starters retuning that showed some promise a season ago. The Commodores of Vanderbilt should be a factor in this conference yet again. Quarterback Kyle Shurmur showed progress late last season and he has a solid supporting cast around him on offense. The defense is the strength of this team and that's what will keep them in games in the conference. The Tigers of Missouri should be better although the record might not show it. The offense has potential with quarterback Drew Lock with a really good supporting cast. The defense might take a step back with only three returning starters on that side of the ball.
SEC Championship: Alabama over Florida
Sun Belt
1. Appalachian State (10-2; 8-0)
2. Troy (9-3; 7-1)
3. Idaho (7-5; 5-3)
4. Georgia Southern (6-6; 4-4)
5. Arkansas State (7-5; 4-4)
6. Louisiana-Lafayette (5-7; 4-4)
7. South Alabama (6-6; 3-5)
8. Coastal Carolina (4-8; 3-5)
9. Texas State (4-8; 3-5)
10. Louisiana-Monroe (2-10; 2-6)
11. New Mexico State (2-10; 1-7)
12. Georgia State (2-10; 1-7)
The Sun Belt should be interesting this season with some very good teams and there are some bad ones too. The Mountaineers of Appalachian State are the team to beat in this conference with a great offense led by quarterback Taylor Lamb and a very good supporting cast. Despite replacing three great starters on defense, but they have depth on that side of the ball. The Trojans of Troy are coming off their first 10-win season at the FBS level and coach Neal Brown’s team is in good shape to repeat that feat in 2017. The offense should be awesome again led by quarterback Brandon Silvers and an awesome supporting cast around him. The defense did lose some key guys, but six starters return. The Vandals of Idaho will be moving to the FCS next season, but they should have a good final season as an FBS member. Quarterback Matt Linehan was really good last season, although the
supporting cast had some turnover. The defense only returns five starters, so a step back on that side of the ball could be in order. The Eagles of Georgia Southern should be better in Tyson Summers's second season. The offense has had a ton of turnover with quarterback Seth Shuman leaving the team to play baseball, but the running game should still be strong. The defense won't be very good as that side of the ball returns only four starters. The Red Wolves of Arkansas State have been one of the Sun Belt's better teams the last few seasons and that should be the case again this season although the schedule is tough. Quarterback Justice Hansen should be better in his second year with a really good supporting cars surrounding them. The defense should be still very good although there are concerns in the secondary. The Rajin Cajuns of Louisiana-Lafayette should be a factor in this conference again, although the schedule isn't easy. The offense should be very good with quarterback Jordan Davis, who was promising last season and has a good supporting cast around him. The defense should be among the conferences best. The Jaguars of South Alabama should be a factor in this conference yet again, despite a tough schedule. Quarterback Dallas Davis is decent, but the supporting cast saw some turnover. The defense is very good too with a ton of standout players. The Chanticleers of
Coastal Carolina are in their first season as an FBS member. There is some uncertainty at the quarterback position, but a good running game should help. The defense was decent in the FCS last season, but it will be remain to be seen if it will translate to the FBS. The Bobcats of Texas State should be better record wise in Everett Withers's second season. There is uncertainty on both sides of the ball, but the schedule is favorable for them to steal a few wins. The Warhawks of Louisiana-Monroe is probably a year or two away from being bowl caliber. Quarterback Garrett Smith returns after getting injured midseason last year and he has a nice supporting cast around him. The defense returns eight starters, so improvement could be in play. The Aggies of New Mexico State is in it's final season as a Sun Belt member as it will go to an FBS independent. The offense should be decent with quarterback Tyler Rogers and a good supporting cast. The defense returns eight starters, so the unit should be a little bit better. The Panthers of Georgia State have a new coach in Shawn Elliott and a new stadium as well. The offense needs more balance if they want to be better as a team, but at least the defense should be decent.
College Football Playoff
- Semifinals
(4) Louisville Cardinals vs (1) Alabama Crimson Tide: This should be a fun matchup, but the dominant Tide defensive line will keep Lamar Jackson in check. Roll Tide.
Pick: Alabama
(3) USC Trojans vs (2) Ohio State Buckeyes: This should be an enticing game as well, but Sam Darnold will figure out the talented Buckeye defense and lead the Trojans to the title game.
Pick: USC
National Championship
(3) USC Trojans vs (1) Alabama Crimson Tide: A rematch of a game from last season of where the Tide rolled the Trojans and Darnold wasn't even the starter back than. Insert Darnold and that prolific offense which I think can do just enough to put them over the top and for the defense to do just enough to stop Jalen Hurts and Bo Scarbrough.
Pick: USC
Friday, August 25, 2017
2017 College Football Weeks 0 & 1: Picks
Here are my picks for weeks 0 and 1 of the 2017 College Football season.
Saturday, August 26th
Oregon State at Colorado State; 2:30, CBSSN
Pick: Colorado State
Portland State at BYU; 3:00, ESPN
Pick: BYU
Hawaii at Massachusetts; 6:00, CBSSN
Pick: Massachusetts
(19) South Florida at San Jose State; 7:30, CBSSN
Pick: South Florida
(14) Stanford vs Rice (Sydney); 10:00, ESPN
Pick: Stanford
Thursday, August 31st
FIU at UCF; 6:00, CBSSN
Pick: UCF
Presbyterian College at Wake Forest; 6:30, ACCN
Pick: Wake Forest
Austin Peay at Cincinnati; 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: Cincinnati
Buffalo at Minnesota; 7:00, BTN
Pick: Minnesota
Tennessee State at Georgia State; 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: Georgia State
Elon at Toledo; 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: Toledo
Rhode Island at Central Michigan; 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: Central Michigan
Tulsa at (10) Oklahoma State; 7:30, FS1
Pick: Oklahoma State
Holy Cross at Connecticut; 7:30, ESPN3
Pick: Connecticut
North Dakota at Utah; 7:30, Pac-12N
Pick: Utah
(2) Ohio State at Indiana; 8:00, ESPN: This game will be closer than some experts think. ESPN's College GameDay will actually be on site for this one.
Pick: Ohio State
8/31- Florida A&M vs Arkansas (Little Rock); 8:00, SECN
Pick: Arkansas
Louisiana-Monroe at Memphis; 8:00, CBSSN
Pick: Memphis
Sacramento State at Idaho; 9:00, ESPN3
Pick: Idaho
New Mexico State at Arizona State; 10:30, Pac-12N
Pick: Arizona State
Friday, September 1st
Fordham at Army; 6:00, CBSSN
Pick: Army
Charlotte at Eastern Michigan; 6:30, ESPN3
Pick: Eastern Michigan
Central Connecticut at Syracuse; 7:00, SECN
Pick: Syracuse
(8) Washington at Rutgers; 8:00, FS1
Pick: Washington
Navy at FAU; 8:00, ESPNU: Don't be surprised if this is closer than the experts think.
Pick: Navy
Colorado State (1-0; 0-0) vs Colorado (Denver); 8:00, Pac-12N: The Rams played very well against Oregon State last week, but I say the Buffaloes take this one.
Pick: Colorado
Utah State at (9) Wisconsin; 9:00, ESPN
Pick: Wisconsin
Boston College at Northern Illinois; 9:30, CBSSN
Pick: Boston College
Saturday, September 2nd
Kent State at (5) Clemson; 12:00, ESPN
Pick: Clemson
Akron at (6) Penn State; 12:00, ABC
Pick: Penn State
Maryland at (23) Texas; 12:00, FS1
Pick: Texas
Ball State at Illinois; 12:00, BTN
Pick: Illinois
Wyoming at Iowa; 12:00, BTN: Don't rule out the Cowboys keeping this close.
Pick: Iowa
Bowling Green at Michigan State; 12:00, ESPNU
Pick: Michigan State
Missouri State at Missouri; 12:00, SECN
Pick: Missouri
California at North Carolina; 12:20, ACCN: This game to me is a big mystery. I say the Tar Heels pull out a close one.
Pick: North Carolina
Bethune-Cookman at (18) Miami; 12:30, ACCN
Pick: Miami
Youngstown State at Pittsburgh; 1:00, ACCN
Pick: Pittsburgh
Portland State (0-1; 0-0) at Oregon State (0-1; 0-0); 2:00, Pac-12N: The Vikings kept it close against BYU, so don't rule out another close game here although picking an upset is tempting.
Pick: Oregon State
VMI at Air Force; 2:00, ESPN3
Pick: Air Force
North Carolina State vs South Carolina (Charlotte); 3:00, ESPN: Expectations are high for the Wolf Pack this season and I expect them to win comfortably here.
Pick: North Carolina State
UTEP at (7) Oklahoma; 3:30, FOX
Pick: Oklahoma
(11) Michigan vs (17) Florida (Arlington); 3:30, ABC: This should be a fun game to watch. There are a ton of suspensions for the Gators and despite that, I say they keep it close but fall just short against Jim Harbaugh's team in a low scoring game.
Pick: Michigan
Temple at Notre Dame; 3:30, NBC
Pick: Notre Dame
Nevada at Northwestern; 3:30, BTN
Pick: Northwestern
William & Mary at Virginia; 3:30, ACCN
Pick: Virginia
Alabama A&M at UAB; 3:30
Pick: UAB
Troy at Boise State; 3:45, ESPNU: Many people think that the Trojans have a real shot at an upset here, but I say that they fall short on the blue turf.
Pick: Boise State
Stony Brook at (19) South Florida (1-0; 0-0); 4:00, ESPN3
Pick: South Florida
Eastern Washington at Texas Tech; 4:00
Pick: Texas Tech
Kentucky at Southern Miss; 4:00, CBSSN
Pick: Kentucky
Charleston Southern at Mississippi State; 4:00
Pick: Mississippi State
Western Michigan at (4) USC; 5:15, Pac-12N
Pick: USC
NC Central at Duke; 6:00, ACCN
Pick: Duke
James Madison at East Carolina; 6:00, ESPN3
Pick: East Carolina
Albany at Old Dominion; 6:00
Pick: Old Dominion
Appalachian State at (15) Georgia; 6:15, ESPN
Pick: Georgia
Miami (OH) at Marshall; 6:30
Pick: Marshall
Lamar at North Texas; 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: North Texas
Houston at UTSA; 7:00: The Road Runners have a shot to pull this one off, but I think the Cougars can make big stops down the stretch to pull this out.
Pick: Houston
Eastern Kentucky at WKU; 7:00
Pick: WKU
Northwestern State at Louisiana Tech; 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: Louisiana Tech
Stephen F. Austin at SMU; 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: SMU
Massachusetts (0-1) at Coastal Carolina; 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: Massachusetts
Liberty at Baylor; 7:00, FS2
Pick: Baylor
Southeast Missouri State at Kansas; 7:00
Pick: Kansas
Hampton at Ohio; 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: Ohio
Southeastern Louisiana at Louisiana-Lafayette; 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: Louisiana-Lafayette
Houston Baptist at Texas State; 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: Texas State
Central Arkansas at (20) Kansas State; 7:10
Pick: Kansas State
Georgia Southern at (12) Auburn; 7:30, SECN
Pick: Auburn
9/2- (16) Louisville vs Purdue (Indianapolis); 7:30, FOX: Expect a ton of points in this game and for Lamar Jackson to be the best player on the field to lead the way for the Cardinals.
Pick: Louisville
South Alabama at Ole Miss; 7:30, ESPNU
Pick: Ole Miss
Cal Poly at San Jose State (0-1; 0-0); 7:30
Pick: San Jose State
9/2- (3) Florida State vs (1) Alabama (Atlanta); 8:00, ABC: This is certainly the best game of the weekend on paper and it could be the game of the year. The Seminoles will hang around but I say Bo Scarbrough and Jalen Hurts lead the way for the Tide.
Pick: Alabama
Abilene Christian at New Mexico; 8:00
Pick: New Mexico
Arkansas State at Nebraska; 8:00, BTN
Pick: Nebraska
Jackson State at TCU; 8:00
Pick: TCU
Northern Iowa at Iowa State; 8:00
Pick: Iowa State
Vanderbilt at Middle Tennessee; 8:00, CBSSN
Pick: Vanderbilt
Grambling at Tulane; 8:00, ESPN3
Pick: Tulane
Southern Utah at Oregon; 8:15, Pac-12N
Pick: Oregon
UC Davis at South Diego State; 8:30
Pick: San Diego State
Howard at UNLV; 9:00
Pick: UNLV
BYU (1-0) vs (13) LSU (New Orleans); 9:30, ESPN: The Cougars are better than what they showed in their win over Portland State, but the Tigers are just the better team here and they'll pull away here.
Pick: LSU
Incarnate Word at Fresno State; 10:00
Pick: Fresno State
Montana State at (24) Washington State; 10:30, Pac-12N: I don't see the Cougars losing to a FCS school for a third straight season.
Pick: Washington State
Northern Arizona at Arizona; 11:00
Pick: Arizona
Western Carolina at Hawaii; 11:59
Pick: Hawaii
Sunday, September 3rd
(21) Virginia Tech vs (22) West Virginia (Landover); 7:30, ABC: This is going to be a great game between these two former Big East schools. Expect a close game, but I like Will Grier and the 'Neers to pull of this one although I can see this game going either way.
Pick: West Virginia
Texas A&M at UCLA; 7:30, FOX: Here we have a "loser leaves town" match of two coaches on the hot seat and the loser of this game could get canned this season at some point. I say Jim Mora survives thanks to Josh Rosen.
Pick: UCLA
Monday, September 4th
(25) Tennessee vs Georgia Tech (Atlanta); 8:00, ESPN: This game should be very interesting in terms of whether the Vols are worth their ranking and if the Yellow Jackets can show whether they can compete with the best of their conference or not. I say the Vols take this one.
Pick: Tennessee
Saturday, August 26th
Oregon State at Colorado State; 2:30, CBSSN
Pick: Colorado State
Portland State at BYU; 3:00, ESPN
Pick: BYU
Hawaii at Massachusetts; 6:00, CBSSN
Pick: Massachusetts
(19) South Florida at San Jose State; 7:30, CBSSN
Pick: South Florida
(14) Stanford vs Rice (Sydney); 10:00, ESPN
Pick: Stanford
Thursday, August 31st
FIU at UCF; 6:00, CBSSN
Pick: UCF
Presbyterian College at Wake Forest; 6:30, ACCN
Pick: Wake Forest
Austin Peay at Cincinnati; 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: Cincinnati
Buffalo at Minnesota; 7:00, BTN
Pick: Minnesota
Tennessee State at Georgia State; 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: Georgia State
Elon at Toledo; 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: Toledo
Rhode Island at Central Michigan; 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: Central Michigan
Tulsa at (10) Oklahoma State; 7:30, FS1
Pick: Oklahoma State
Holy Cross at Connecticut; 7:30, ESPN3
Pick: Connecticut
North Dakota at Utah; 7:30, Pac-12N
Pick: Utah
(2) Ohio State at Indiana; 8:00, ESPN: This game will be closer than some experts think. ESPN's College GameDay will actually be on site for this one.
Pick: Ohio State
8/31- Florida A&M vs Arkansas (Little Rock); 8:00, SECN
Pick: Arkansas
Louisiana-Monroe at Memphis; 8:00, CBSSN
Pick: Memphis
Sacramento State at Idaho; 9:00, ESPN3
Pick: Idaho
New Mexico State at Arizona State; 10:30, Pac-12N
Pick: Arizona State
Friday, September 1st
Fordham at Army; 6:00, CBSSN
Pick: Army
Charlotte at Eastern Michigan; 6:30, ESPN3
Pick: Eastern Michigan
Central Connecticut at Syracuse; 7:00, SECN
Pick: Syracuse
(8) Washington at Rutgers; 8:00, FS1
Pick: Washington
Navy at FAU; 8:00, ESPNU: Don't be surprised if this is closer than the experts think.
Pick: Navy
Colorado State (1-0; 0-0) vs Colorado (Denver); 8:00, Pac-12N: The Rams played very well against Oregon State last week, but I say the Buffaloes take this one.
Pick: Colorado
Utah State at (9) Wisconsin; 9:00, ESPN
Pick: Wisconsin
Boston College at Northern Illinois; 9:30, CBSSN
Pick: Boston College
Saturday, September 2nd
Kent State at (5) Clemson; 12:00, ESPN
Pick: Clemson
Akron at (6) Penn State; 12:00, ABC
Pick: Penn State
Maryland at (23) Texas; 12:00, FS1
Pick: Texas
Ball State at Illinois; 12:00, BTN
Pick: Illinois
Wyoming at Iowa; 12:00, BTN: Don't rule out the Cowboys keeping this close.
Pick: Iowa
Bowling Green at Michigan State; 12:00, ESPNU
Pick: Michigan State
Missouri State at Missouri; 12:00, SECN
Pick: Missouri
California at North Carolina; 12:20, ACCN: This game to me is a big mystery. I say the Tar Heels pull out a close one.
Pick: North Carolina
Bethune-Cookman at (18) Miami; 12:30, ACCN
Pick: Miami
Youngstown State at Pittsburgh; 1:00, ACCN
Pick: Pittsburgh
Portland State (0-1; 0-0) at Oregon State (0-1; 0-0); 2:00, Pac-12N: The Vikings kept it close against BYU, so don't rule out another close game here although picking an upset is tempting.
Pick: Oregon State
VMI at Air Force; 2:00, ESPN3
Pick: Air Force
North Carolina State vs South Carolina (Charlotte); 3:00, ESPN: Expectations are high for the Wolf Pack this season and I expect them to win comfortably here.
Pick: North Carolina State
UTEP at (7) Oklahoma; 3:30, FOX
Pick: Oklahoma
(11) Michigan vs (17) Florida (Arlington); 3:30, ABC: This should be a fun game to watch. There are a ton of suspensions for the Gators and despite that, I say they keep it close but fall just short against Jim Harbaugh's team in a low scoring game.
Pick: Michigan
Temple at Notre Dame; 3:30, NBC
Pick: Notre Dame
Nevada at Northwestern; 3:30, BTN
Pick: Northwestern
William & Mary at Virginia; 3:30, ACCN
Pick: Virginia
Alabama A&M at UAB; 3:30
Pick: UAB
Troy at Boise State; 3:45, ESPNU: Many people think that the Trojans have a real shot at an upset here, but I say that they fall short on the blue turf.
Pick: Boise State
Stony Brook at (19) South Florida (1-0; 0-0); 4:00, ESPN3
Pick: South Florida
Eastern Washington at Texas Tech; 4:00
Pick: Texas Tech
Kentucky at Southern Miss; 4:00, CBSSN
Pick: Kentucky
Charleston Southern at Mississippi State; 4:00
Pick: Mississippi State
Western Michigan at (4) USC; 5:15, Pac-12N
Pick: USC
NC Central at Duke; 6:00, ACCN
Pick: Duke
James Madison at East Carolina; 6:00, ESPN3
Pick: East Carolina
Albany at Old Dominion; 6:00
Pick: Old Dominion
Appalachian State at (15) Georgia; 6:15, ESPN
Pick: Georgia
Miami (OH) at Marshall; 6:30
Pick: Marshall
Lamar at North Texas; 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: North Texas
Houston at UTSA; 7:00: The Road Runners have a shot to pull this one off, but I think the Cougars can make big stops down the stretch to pull this out.
Pick: Houston
Eastern Kentucky at WKU; 7:00
Pick: WKU
Northwestern State at Louisiana Tech; 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: Louisiana Tech
Stephen F. Austin at SMU; 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: SMU
Massachusetts (0-1) at Coastal Carolina; 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: Massachusetts
Liberty at Baylor; 7:00, FS2
Pick: Baylor
Southeast Missouri State at Kansas; 7:00
Pick: Kansas
Hampton at Ohio; 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: Ohio
Southeastern Louisiana at Louisiana-Lafayette; 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: Louisiana-Lafayette
Houston Baptist at Texas State; 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: Texas State
Central Arkansas at (20) Kansas State; 7:10
Pick: Kansas State
Georgia Southern at (12) Auburn; 7:30, SECN
Pick: Auburn
9/2- (16) Louisville vs Purdue (Indianapolis); 7:30, FOX: Expect a ton of points in this game and for Lamar Jackson to be the best player on the field to lead the way for the Cardinals.
Pick: Louisville
South Alabama at Ole Miss; 7:30, ESPNU
Pick: Ole Miss
Cal Poly at San Jose State (0-1; 0-0); 7:30
Pick: San Jose State
9/2- (3) Florida State vs (1) Alabama (Atlanta); 8:00, ABC: This is certainly the best game of the weekend on paper and it could be the game of the year. The Seminoles will hang around but I say Bo Scarbrough and Jalen Hurts lead the way for the Tide.
Pick: Alabama
Abilene Christian at New Mexico; 8:00
Pick: New Mexico
Arkansas State at Nebraska; 8:00, BTN
Pick: Nebraska
Jackson State at TCU; 8:00
Pick: TCU
Northern Iowa at Iowa State; 8:00
Pick: Iowa State
Vanderbilt at Middle Tennessee; 8:00, CBSSN
Pick: Vanderbilt
Grambling at Tulane; 8:00, ESPN3
Pick: Tulane
Southern Utah at Oregon; 8:15, Pac-12N
Pick: Oregon
UC Davis at South Diego State; 8:30
Pick: San Diego State
Howard at UNLV; 9:00
Pick: UNLV
BYU (1-0) vs (13) LSU (New Orleans); 9:30, ESPN: The Cougars are better than what they showed in their win over Portland State, but the Tigers are just the better team here and they'll pull away here.
Pick: LSU
Incarnate Word at Fresno State; 10:00
Pick: Fresno State
Montana State at (24) Washington State; 10:30, Pac-12N: I don't see the Cougars losing to a FCS school for a third straight season.
Pick: Washington State
Northern Arizona at Arizona; 11:00
Pick: Arizona
Western Carolina at Hawaii; 11:59
Pick: Hawaii
Sunday, September 3rd
(21) Virginia Tech vs (22) West Virginia (Landover); 7:30, ABC: This is going to be a great game between these two former Big East schools. Expect a close game, but I like Will Grier and the 'Neers to pull of this one although I can see this game going either way.
Pick: West Virginia
Texas A&M at UCLA; 7:30, FOX: Here we have a "loser leaves town" match of two coaches on the hot seat and the loser of this game could get canned this season at some point. I say Jim Mora survives thanks to Josh Rosen.
Pick: UCLA
Monday, September 4th
(25) Tennessee vs Georgia Tech (Atlanta); 8:00, ESPN: This game should be very interesting in terms of whether the Vols are worth their ranking and if the Yellow Jackets can show whether they can compete with the best of their conference or not. I say the Vols take this one.
Pick: Tennessee
2017 College Football Weeks 0 & 1: National TV Schedule
Here is the National TV Schedule for weeks 0 and 1 of the 2017 College Football season (with announcers).
8/26- Oregon State at Colorado State; 2:30, CBSSN: Carter Blackburn, Aaron Taylor, Rick Neuheisel, Jenny Dell
8/26- Portland State at BYU; 3:00, ESPN: Mark Neely, Trevor Matich, Kris Budden
8/26- Hawaii at Massachusetts; 6:00, Eleven: Eric Frede & Andy Gresh
8/26- (19) South Florida at San Jose State; 7:30, CBSSN: Ben Holden, Randy Cross, John Schriffen
8/26- (14) Stanford vs Rice (Sydney); 10:00, ESPN: Roy Philpott, Tom Ramsey, Quint Kessenich
8/31- FIU at UCF; 6:00, CBSSN: Sean Grande, Aaron Murray, Tina Cervasio
8/31- Presbyterian College at Wake Forest; 6:30, ACCN: Shawn Kenney & Al Groh
8/31- Austin Peay at Cincinnati; 7:00, ESPN3: Jim Barbar & John Gregory
8/31- Buffalo at Minnesota; 7:00, BTN: Brandon Gaudin, Glen Mason, Kyndra de St. Aubin
8/31- Tennessee State at Georgia State; 7:00, ESPN3: Matt Stewart & Wayne Gandy
8/31- Elon at Toledo; 7:00, ESPN3: Keith Morehouse & Watson Brown
8/31- Rhode Island at Central Michigan; 7:00, ESPN3: Michael Reghi & Marcus Ray
8/31- Tulsa at (10) Oklahoma State; 7:30, FS1: Joe Davis, Brady Quinn, Bruce Feldman
8/31- Holy Cross at Connecticut; 7:30, ESPN3: Eamon McAnaney, Andy Gresh, Taylor Rooks
8/31- North Dakota at Utah; 7:30, Pac-12N: Guy Haberman, Yogi Roth, Jill Savage
8/31- (2) Ohio State at Indiana; 8:00, ESPN: Dave Flemming, Kirk Herbstreit, Laura Rutledge
8/31- Florida A&M vs Arkansas (Little Rock); 8:00, SECN: Tom Hart, Jordan Rodgers, Cole Cubelic
8/31- Louisiana-Monroe at Memphis; 8:00, CBSSN: John Sadak, Randy Cross, Cassie McKinney
8/31- Sacramento State at Idaho; 9:00, ESPN3: Sam Adams, Mike Peterson, Lindsay Joy
8/31- New Mexico State at Arizona State; 10:30, Pac-12N: Roxy Bernstein, Anthony Herron, Lewis Johnson
9/1- Fordham at Army; 6:00, CBSSN: Ben Holden, Jay Feely, John Schriffen
9/1- Charlotte at Eastern Michigan; 6:30, ESPN3: Dan Gutowsky & Mark Herrmann
9/1- Central Connecticut at Syracuse; 7:00, SECN: Doug Sherman & Tyoka Jackson
9/1- (8) Washington at Rutgers; 8:00, FS1: Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, Jenny Taft
9/1- Navy at FAU; 8:00, ESPNU: Dave Lamont, Kelly Stouffer, Tiffany Greene
9/1- Colorado State vs Colorado (Denver); 8:00, Pac-12N: Ted Robinson, Chad Brown,Cindy Brunson
9/1- Utah State at (9) Wisconsin; 9:00, ESPN: Adam Amin, Dusty Dvoracek, Molly McGrath
9/1- Boston College at Northern Illinois; 9:30, CBSSN: Jason Horowitz, David Diehl, Erik Coleman
9/2- Kent State at (5) Clemson; 12:00, ESPN: Beth Mowins, Anthony Becht, Rocky Boiman
9/2- Akron at (6) Penn State; 12:00, ABC: Mark Jones, Rod Gilmore, Quint Kessenich
9/2- Maryland at (23) Texas; 12:00, FS1: Justin Kutcher, Petros Papadakis, Mark Helfrich, Jen Hale
9/2- Ball State at Illinois; 12:00, BTN: Chris Denari & J Leman
9/2- Wyoming at Iowa; 12:00, BTN: Kevin Kugler, Matt Millen, Lisa Byington
9/2- Bowling Green at Michigan State; 12:00, ESPNU: Clay Matvick & Kirk Morrison
9/2- Missouri State at Missouri; 12:00, SECN: David Neal, Matt Stinchcomb, Dawn Davenport
9/2- California at North Carolina; 12:20, ACCN: Tom Werme, Dave Archer, D.J. Shockley
9/2- Bethune-Cookman at (18) Miami; 12:30, ACCN: Wes Durham, James Bates, TBD
9/2- Youngstown State at Pittsburgh; 1:00, ACCN: Robert Lee & Dustin Fox
9/2- Portland State at Oregon State; 2:00, Pac-12N: Jim Watson, Jeremy Bloom, Camryn Irwin
9/2- VMI at Air Force; 2:00, ESPN3: Trey Bender & George Wrighster
9/2- NC State vs South Carolina (Charlotte); 3:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Greg McElroy, Tom Luginbill
9/2- UTEP at (7) Oklahoma; 3:30, FOX: Joe Davis, Brady Quinn, Bruce Feldman
9/2- (11) Michigan vs (17) Florida (Arlington); 3:30, ABC: Joe Tessitore, Todd Blackledge, Holly Rowe
9/2- Temple at Notre Dame; 3:30, NBC: Mike Tirico, Doug Flutie, Kathryn Tappen
9/2- Nevada at Northwestern; 3:30, BTN: Brandon Gaudin, Chuck Long, Michelle McMahon
9/2- William & Mary at Virginia; 3:30, ACCN: Dave Weekley & Matt Chatham
9/2- Alabama A&M at UAB; 3:30, Stadium: Ron Thulin, Max Starks, Laura Britt
9/2- Troy at Boise State; 3:45, ESPNU: Mike Couzens & John Congemi
9/2- Stony Brook at (19) South Florida; 4:00, ESPN3: Drew Fellios & Forrest Conoly
9/2- Eastern Washington at Texas Tech; 4:00, FSN: Brendan Burke, David Anderson, Christian Steckel
9/2- Kentucky at Southern Miss; 4:00, CBSSN: Dave Ryan, Corey Chavous, Melanie Collins
9/2- Charleston Southern at Mississippi State; 4:00, SECN: Taylor Zarzour, Andre Ware, Olivia Harlan
9/2- Western Michigan at (4) USC; 5:15, Pac-12N: Roxy Bernstein, Anthony Herron, Lewis Johnson
9/2- NC Central at Duke; 6:00, ACCN: Shawn Kenney & Al Groh
9/2- James Madison at East Carolina; 6:00, ESPN3: Greg Mescall & Rene Ingoglia
9/2- Albany at Old Dominion; 6:00, ESPN3: Ted Alexander, Andy Mashaw, Doug Ripley
9/2- Appalachian State at (15) Georgia; 6:15, ESPN: Mike Patrick, Tommy Tuberville, Paul Carcaterra
9/2- Miami (OH) at Marshall; 6:30, Facebook: Chris Hassel, TBD, Shae Peppler
9/2- Lamar at North Texas; 7:00, ESPN3: Doug Anderson & LaDarrin McLane
9/2- Eastern Kentucky at WKU; 7:00, FloSports: Joe Brunk & Billy Rutledge
9/2- Northwestern State at Louisiana Tech; 7:00, ESPN3: Lyn Rollins, Stan Humphries, Tatum Everett
9/2- Stephen F. Austin at SMU; 7:00, ESPN3: Dave Raymond & Jay Taylor
9/2- Massachusetts at Coastal Carolina; 7:00, ESPN3: Brock Bowling & Stan Lewter
9/2- Liberty at Baylor; 7:00, FS2: Eric Collins, Danny Kanell, A.J. Hawk
9/2- Southeast Missouri State at Kansas; 7:00, Jayhawk TV: Dave Stewart, Danan Hughes, Rachel Kilmer
9/2- Hampton at Ohio; 7:00, ESPN3: Jim Barbar & Jerod Cherry
9/2- Southeastern Louisiana at Louisiana-Lafayette; 7:00, ESPN3: David Saltzman & Bobby Carpenter
9/2- Houston Baptist at Texas State; 7:00, ESPN3: Tyler Denning & Stanford Routt
9/2- Central Arkansas at (20) Kansas State; 7:30, ESPN3: Brian Smolle & Travis Tannahill
9/2- Georgia Southern at (12) Auburn; 7:30, SECN: Tom Hart, Jordan Rodgers, Cole Cubelic
9/2- (16) Louisville vs Purdue (Indianapolis); 7:30, FOX: Tim Brando, Spencer Tillman, Holly Sonders
9/2- South Alabama at Ole Miss; 7:30, ESPNU: Anish Shroff, Ahmad Brooks, Roddy Jones
9/2- Cal Poly at San Jose State; 7:30
9/2- (3) Florida State vs (1) Alabama (Atlanta); 8:00, ABC: Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Maria Taylor
9/2- Abilene Christian at New Mexico; 8:00
9/2- Arkansas State at Nebraska; 8:00, BTN: Joe Beninati, Glen Mason, Elise Menaker
9/2- Jackson State at TCU; 8:00, FSN: Mark Followill, Brian Baldinger, Lesley McCaslin
9/2- Northern Iowa at Iowa State; 8:00, Cyclones.tv: Brent Blum & Sage Rosenfels
9/2- Vanderbilt at Middle Tennessee; 8:00, CBSSN: Carter Blackburn, Aaron Taylor, Jenny Dell
9/2- Grambling at Tulane; 8:00, ESPN3: Joel Meyers & Hutson Mason
9/2- Southern Utah at Oregon; 8:15, Pac-12N: J.B. Long, Yogi Roth, Jill Savage
9/2- UC Davis at San Diego State; 8:30, Facebook: Dan Hellie & Daniel Jeremiah
9/2- Howard at UNLV; 9:00, MW Digital: Tony Cordasco, Joe Arrigo
9/2- BYU vs LSU (New Orleans); 9:30, ESPN: Bob Wischusen, Brock Huard, Allison Williams
9/2- Incarnate Word at Fresno State; 10:00
9/2- Montana State at (24) Washington State; 10:30, FS1: Brian Custer & Ben Lebe
9/2- Northern Arizona at Arizona; 11:00, Pac-12N: Kate Scott, Glenn Parker
9/2- Western Carolina at Hawaii; 11:59, Spec. PPV: Robert Kekaula, Rich Miano, Scott Robbs
9/3- (22) West Virginia vs (21) Virginia Tech (Landover); 7:30, ABC: Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Todd McShay
9/3- Texas A&M at UCLA; 7:30, FOX: Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, Jenny Taft
9/4- (25) Tennessee vs Georgia Tech (Atlanta); 8:00, ESPN: Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Maria Taylor
8/26- Oregon State at Colorado State; 2:30, CBSSN: Carter Blackburn, Aaron Taylor, Rick Neuheisel, Jenny Dell
8/26- Portland State at BYU; 3:00, ESPN: Mark Neely, Trevor Matich, Kris Budden
8/26- Hawaii at Massachusetts; 6:00, Eleven: Eric Frede & Andy Gresh
8/26- (19) South Florida at San Jose State; 7:30, CBSSN: Ben Holden, Randy Cross, John Schriffen
8/26- (14) Stanford vs Rice (Sydney); 10:00, ESPN: Roy Philpott, Tom Ramsey, Quint Kessenich
8/31- FIU at UCF; 6:00, CBSSN: Sean Grande, Aaron Murray, Tina Cervasio
8/31- Presbyterian College at Wake Forest; 6:30, ACCN: Shawn Kenney & Al Groh
8/31- Austin Peay at Cincinnati; 7:00, ESPN3: Jim Barbar & John Gregory
8/31- Buffalo at Minnesota; 7:00, BTN: Brandon Gaudin, Glen Mason, Kyndra de St. Aubin
8/31- Tennessee State at Georgia State; 7:00, ESPN3: Matt Stewart & Wayne Gandy
8/31- Elon at Toledo; 7:00, ESPN3: Keith Morehouse & Watson Brown
8/31- Rhode Island at Central Michigan; 7:00, ESPN3: Michael Reghi & Marcus Ray
8/31- Tulsa at (10) Oklahoma State; 7:30, FS1: Joe Davis, Brady Quinn, Bruce Feldman
8/31- Holy Cross at Connecticut; 7:30, ESPN3: Eamon McAnaney, Andy Gresh, Taylor Rooks
8/31- North Dakota at Utah; 7:30, Pac-12N: Guy Haberman, Yogi Roth, Jill Savage
8/31- (2) Ohio State at Indiana; 8:00, ESPN: Dave Flemming, Kirk Herbstreit, Laura Rutledge
8/31- Florida A&M vs Arkansas (Little Rock); 8:00, SECN: Tom Hart, Jordan Rodgers, Cole Cubelic
8/31- Louisiana-Monroe at Memphis; 8:00, CBSSN: John Sadak, Randy Cross, Cassie McKinney
8/31- Sacramento State at Idaho; 9:00, ESPN3: Sam Adams, Mike Peterson, Lindsay Joy
8/31- New Mexico State at Arizona State; 10:30, Pac-12N: Roxy Bernstein, Anthony Herron, Lewis Johnson
9/1- Fordham at Army; 6:00, CBSSN: Ben Holden, Jay Feely, John Schriffen
9/1- Charlotte at Eastern Michigan; 6:30, ESPN3: Dan Gutowsky & Mark Herrmann
9/1- Central Connecticut at Syracuse; 7:00, SECN: Doug Sherman & Tyoka Jackson
9/1- (8) Washington at Rutgers; 8:00, FS1: Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, Jenny Taft
9/1- Navy at FAU; 8:00, ESPNU: Dave Lamont, Kelly Stouffer, Tiffany Greene
9/1- Colorado State vs Colorado (Denver); 8:00, Pac-12N: Ted Robinson, Chad Brown,Cindy Brunson
9/1- Utah State at (9) Wisconsin; 9:00, ESPN: Adam Amin, Dusty Dvoracek, Molly McGrath
9/1- Boston College at Northern Illinois; 9:30, CBSSN: Jason Horowitz, David Diehl, Erik Coleman
9/2- Kent State at (5) Clemson; 12:00, ESPN: Beth Mowins, Anthony Becht, Rocky Boiman
9/2- Akron at (6) Penn State; 12:00, ABC: Mark Jones, Rod Gilmore, Quint Kessenich
9/2- Maryland at (23) Texas; 12:00, FS1: Justin Kutcher, Petros Papadakis, Mark Helfrich, Jen Hale
9/2- Ball State at Illinois; 12:00, BTN: Chris Denari & J Leman
9/2- Wyoming at Iowa; 12:00, BTN: Kevin Kugler, Matt Millen, Lisa Byington
9/2- Bowling Green at Michigan State; 12:00, ESPNU: Clay Matvick & Kirk Morrison
9/2- Missouri State at Missouri; 12:00, SECN: David Neal, Matt Stinchcomb, Dawn Davenport
9/2- California at North Carolina; 12:20, ACCN: Tom Werme, Dave Archer, D.J. Shockley
9/2- Bethune-Cookman at (18) Miami; 12:30, ACCN: Wes Durham, James Bates, TBD
9/2- Youngstown State at Pittsburgh; 1:00, ACCN: Robert Lee & Dustin Fox
9/2- Portland State at Oregon State; 2:00, Pac-12N: Jim Watson, Jeremy Bloom, Camryn Irwin
9/2- VMI at Air Force; 2:00, ESPN3: Trey Bender & George Wrighster
9/2- NC State vs South Carolina (Charlotte); 3:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Greg McElroy, Tom Luginbill
9/2- UTEP at (7) Oklahoma; 3:30, FOX: Joe Davis, Brady Quinn, Bruce Feldman
9/2- (11) Michigan vs (17) Florida (Arlington); 3:30, ABC: Joe Tessitore, Todd Blackledge, Holly Rowe
9/2- Temple at Notre Dame; 3:30, NBC: Mike Tirico, Doug Flutie, Kathryn Tappen
9/2- Nevada at Northwestern; 3:30, BTN: Brandon Gaudin, Chuck Long, Michelle McMahon
9/2- William & Mary at Virginia; 3:30, ACCN: Dave Weekley & Matt Chatham
9/2- Alabama A&M at UAB; 3:30, Stadium: Ron Thulin, Max Starks, Laura Britt
9/2- Troy at Boise State; 3:45, ESPNU: Mike Couzens & John Congemi
9/2- Stony Brook at (19) South Florida; 4:00, ESPN3: Drew Fellios & Forrest Conoly
9/2- Eastern Washington at Texas Tech; 4:00, FSN: Brendan Burke, David Anderson, Christian Steckel
9/2- Kentucky at Southern Miss; 4:00, CBSSN: Dave Ryan, Corey Chavous, Melanie Collins
9/2- Charleston Southern at Mississippi State; 4:00, SECN: Taylor Zarzour, Andre Ware, Olivia Harlan
9/2- Western Michigan at (4) USC; 5:15, Pac-12N: Roxy Bernstein, Anthony Herron, Lewis Johnson
9/2- NC Central at Duke; 6:00, ACCN: Shawn Kenney & Al Groh
9/2- James Madison at East Carolina; 6:00, ESPN3: Greg Mescall & Rene Ingoglia
9/2- Albany at Old Dominion; 6:00, ESPN3: Ted Alexander, Andy Mashaw, Doug Ripley
9/2- Appalachian State at (15) Georgia; 6:15, ESPN: Mike Patrick, Tommy Tuberville, Paul Carcaterra
9/2- Miami (OH) at Marshall; 6:30, Facebook: Chris Hassel, TBD, Shae Peppler
9/2- Lamar at North Texas; 7:00, ESPN3: Doug Anderson & LaDarrin McLane
9/2- Eastern Kentucky at WKU; 7:00, FloSports: Joe Brunk & Billy Rutledge
9/2- Northwestern State at Louisiana Tech; 7:00, ESPN3: Lyn Rollins, Stan Humphries, Tatum Everett
9/2- Stephen F. Austin at SMU; 7:00, ESPN3: Dave Raymond & Jay Taylor
9/2- Massachusetts at Coastal Carolina; 7:00, ESPN3: Brock Bowling & Stan Lewter
9/2- Liberty at Baylor; 7:00, FS2: Eric Collins, Danny Kanell, A.J. Hawk
9/2- Southeast Missouri State at Kansas; 7:00, Jayhawk TV: Dave Stewart, Danan Hughes, Rachel Kilmer
9/2- Hampton at Ohio; 7:00, ESPN3: Jim Barbar & Jerod Cherry
9/2- Southeastern Louisiana at Louisiana-Lafayette; 7:00, ESPN3: David Saltzman & Bobby Carpenter
9/2- Houston Baptist at Texas State; 7:00, ESPN3: Tyler Denning & Stanford Routt
9/2- Central Arkansas at (20) Kansas State; 7:30, ESPN3: Brian Smolle & Travis Tannahill
9/2- Georgia Southern at (12) Auburn; 7:30, SECN: Tom Hart, Jordan Rodgers, Cole Cubelic
9/2- (16) Louisville vs Purdue (Indianapolis); 7:30, FOX: Tim Brando, Spencer Tillman, Holly Sonders
9/2- South Alabama at Ole Miss; 7:30, ESPNU: Anish Shroff, Ahmad Brooks, Roddy Jones
9/2- Cal Poly at San Jose State; 7:30
9/2- (3) Florida State vs (1) Alabama (Atlanta); 8:00, ABC: Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Maria Taylor
9/2- Abilene Christian at New Mexico; 8:00
9/2- Arkansas State at Nebraska; 8:00, BTN: Joe Beninati, Glen Mason, Elise Menaker
9/2- Jackson State at TCU; 8:00, FSN: Mark Followill, Brian Baldinger, Lesley McCaslin
9/2- Northern Iowa at Iowa State; 8:00, Cyclones.tv: Brent Blum & Sage Rosenfels
9/2- Vanderbilt at Middle Tennessee; 8:00, CBSSN: Carter Blackburn, Aaron Taylor, Jenny Dell
9/2- Grambling at Tulane; 8:00, ESPN3: Joel Meyers & Hutson Mason
9/2- Southern Utah at Oregon; 8:15, Pac-12N: J.B. Long, Yogi Roth, Jill Savage
9/2- UC Davis at San Diego State; 8:30, Facebook: Dan Hellie & Daniel Jeremiah
9/2- Howard at UNLV; 9:00, MW Digital: Tony Cordasco, Joe Arrigo
9/2- BYU vs LSU (New Orleans); 9:30, ESPN: Bob Wischusen, Brock Huard, Allison Williams
9/2- Incarnate Word at Fresno State; 10:00
9/2- Montana State at (24) Washington State; 10:30, FS1: Brian Custer & Ben Lebe
9/2- Northern Arizona at Arizona; 11:00, Pac-12N: Kate Scott, Glenn Parker
9/2- Western Carolina at Hawaii; 11:59, Spec. PPV: Robert Kekaula, Rich Miano, Scott Robbs
9/3- (22) West Virginia vs (21) Virginia Tech (Landover); 7:30, ABC: Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Todd McShay
9/3- Texas A&M at UCLA; 7:30, FOX: Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, Jenny Taft
9/4- (25) Tennessee vs Georgia Tech (Atlanta); 8:00, ESPN: Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Maria Taylor
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)