Two weeks down, and no major upsets to speak of thus far in the college football season. Texas A&M absolutely crushed South Carolina on the road without Johnny Manziel, Jake Matthews or Mike Evans. Quarterbacks Blake Sims, Jacob Coker and the rest of the Crimson Tide relatively cruised to a season-opening win over West Virginia in the Georgia Dome.
As for the defending champion Seminoles, they barely squeaked by an Oklahoma State squad at Jerry World, in addition to only beating The Citadel at home, not obliterating them. That could be foreboding for the Noles’ chances to repeat their title. Let’s take a more in depth look at the champs’ repeat hopes, plus a few more burning issues in the world of college football.
1. Can Florida State repeat as champs?
It’s the question that’s on everyone’s mind. With a schedule that has most of their tough games (vs. Clemson, Notre Dame and Florida) at home, the Seminoles could definitely go undefeated. Furthermore, Jimbo Fisher’s squad returns almost all of their starters from last year, including wide receiver Rashad Greene, tight end Nick O’Leary, left tackle Cameron Erving, defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. and of course, Heisman winning quarterback Jameis Winston. However, there are a couple of potential roadblocks in their way. First is a Halloween matchup with Louisville on the road. Under the returned Bobby Petrino, the Cardinals had a great ACC debut in their win over Miami last Monday, and crushed Murray State at home. They are the only tough road test the Seminoles will face. Secondly is the maturity of Winston. Despite his electrifying Heisman season last fall, he is still very much a work in progress, especially off the field. His multiple transgressions with the law do not bode well for the potential first round pick. Whatever happens this season, Florida State is the prohibitive favorite.
2. Who will make the first College Football Playoff?
Well, the Noles should make it to the dance. The next choice should be Oregon. Behind quarterback and preseason Heisman hopeful Marcus Mariota, the Ducks’ offense is still its usual, high-powered machine. They probably have the best chance to defeat the defending champs, especially after dispatching Big Ten title hopeful Michigan State in Eugene. Out of the SEC, look for the Auburn Tigers to make an appearance for college football’s best conference. They returned almost all of last season’s squad, including quarterback Nick Marshall and an innovative coaching staff led by head coach Gus Malzahn. As for the fourth team, Baylor will probably have the best chance to escape the Big 12 undefeated. Despite having to travel to Austin to play the Longhorns and Norman to take on the Sooners, the Bears get the majority of their tough conference games at home. Look for quarterback Bryce Petty to light up the scoreboards this fall in coach Art Briles’ lightning-paced attack.
3. What team could crash the Playoff?
Despite a 4-8 season last year and a coach on the hot seat, the Gators could definitely make some noise this fall. Florida has their two toughest games on the road this year against the Alabama and Florida State, but the rest of the schedule is quite manageable. The inhabitants of the Swamp play SEC foes LSU, South Carolina and Missouri at home. Head coach Will Muschamp hired offensive coordinator Kurt Roper from Duke to bring out the best in returning quarterback Jeff Driskel by installing the spread. The defense returns most of its starters, including defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. and cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III, who might be the best defensive player Gainesville has seen since Joe Haden.
Jordan Llanes can be reached at jordan.llanes@theminaretonline.com