Two things concern me about Iowa. First, they lose 9 starters on defense. Not real good for a team that depends on their defense to win games. Second, they are Iowa and led by HC Ferentz, who has to be one of the most over-rated HC's in the Big 10. Because of this, Iowa is one of the most unpredictable teams in the Big 10. When was the last time Iowa won a Big 10 Championship outright? This is a definite no play team for me, as of now.
The Latest: Coach says WVU QB Grier ready for Heisman grind
July 17, 2018
FRISCO, Texas (AP) The Latest on Big 12 football media days (all times local):
4 p.m.
Oklahoma State Mike Gundy has plenty of questions at quarterback and receiver. He doesn't have one at running back.
Justice Hill will chase his third 1,000-yard season in three years with the Cowboys. His 1,467 yards rushing last season were the most at Oklahoma State since Kendall Hunter had 1,548 in 2010.
Gundy says Hill's ''leg strength, his power, his experience playing in games, his understanding of our offense, his pass protection, all of that got considerably better,'' as a sophomore. The coach says the third year is ''really a year if you're as talented as he is and you can relax and play.''
The Cowboys are trying to replace Mason Rudolph, who threw for a school-record 4,904 yards before getting drafted in the third round by Pittsburgh. Both 1,000-yard receivers from last year, James Washington and Marcell Ateman, also are gone.
Gundy says ''the interesting part of that question is how well our quarterbacks can play early in the year, compared to the immaturity we have at the wide receiver spot.''
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2:45 p.m.
Kansas State coach Bill Snyder brought his top two quarterbacks to Big 12 media days while several of his fellow coaches, notably Oklahoma's Lincoln Riley and Tom Herman of Texas, decided against it.
Alex Delton and Skylar Thompson were two of the five quarterbacks to make the trip to the Dallas area for the annual preseason meeting with reporters.
Snyder said he saw it as ''a great opportunity to imply some preseason pressure so you've got to practice the things you're going to experience so there is a little bit of pressure in them being here.''
Delton and Thompson are battling for the starting job for the Wildcats and could share time.
Riley didn't bring Kyler Murray, who was picked ninth overall by Oakland in the June baseball draft and reached a deal with the A's that lets him play a year of football. Riley says Murray hasn't won the job. Herman left behind Sam Ehlinger and Shane Buechele after they split time at the position for the Longhorns last season.
Snyder says he understands ''as everybody in here does that that quarterback is under a little more scrutiny than most positions.''
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1:30 p.m.
Texas coach Tom Herman isn't ready to say how many championship-caliber players he has on the roster going into his second season.
The 43-year-old Herman was a bit thrown by the question of how many potential All-Americans he thought he had as the Longhorns try to close the gap on rival and three-time defending Big 12 champion Oklahoma. The Sooners have made the four-team playoff two of the past three years.
Herman said on the second day of Big 12 media days Tuesday that ''if I'm being honest'' Texas has more impact players on defense. The Longhorns ended a three-year streak of losing seasons in Herman's debut, and the defense often carried a sluggish offense.
Herman adds that ''every coach that sits up here will tell you not enough, even the ones that are playing for and winning national championships.''
The former Houston coach said ''it's been a fantastic year since the last time we were here,'' but acknowledged that 7-6 is not a good enough record for a title-chasing program.
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11 a.m.
West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen didn't hesitate giving his blessing to a Heisman Trophy campaign for quarterback Will Grier.
The Florida transfer is the Big 12 preseason offensive player of the year, and the Mountaineers hope will become the conference's second straight Heisman-winning quarterback following Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield.
Holgorsen said on the final day of Big 12 media days Tuesday that he ''would never approve a campaign unless I felt like a player can handle it.''
Grier is the only returning QB among the top six passers in the Big 12 last season. He threw for 3,490 yards with 34 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in his first season for West Virginia after sitting out a year.
Grier's season ended in the first quarter of the 11th game against Texas because of a hand injury.
Holgorsen says spring football showed the game slowing down for Grier and that he ''knows that he's got a lot of good players around him and that he doesn't have to go out there and be Superman.''
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9 a.m.
Tom Herman returns to Big 12 football media days as a winner with Texas.
Herman and the Longhorns are among the five teams that will take part Tuesday to wrap up Big 12 media days.
When Herman was on the podium in Frisco for the first time last summer, the Longhorns were coming off three consecutive losing seasons and he hadn't yet coached a game for them.
Texas lost the first and last games of its regular season, but finished 7-6 after a 33-16 win over Missouri in the Texas Bowl.
West Virginia, with preseason Big 12 offensive player of the year quarterback Will Grier, will also be featured Tuesday, along with Baylor, Kansas State and Oklahoma State.
July 17, 2018
FRISCO, Texas (AP) The Latest on Big 12 football media days (all times local):
4 p.m.
Oklahoma State Mike Gundy has plenty of questions at quarterback and receiver. He doesn't have one at running back.
Justice Hill will chase his third 1,000-yard season in three years with the Cowboys. His 1,467 yards rushing last season were the most at Oklahoma State since Kendall Hunter had 1,548 in 2010.
Gundy says Hill's ''leg strength, his power, his experience playing in games, his understanding of our offense, his pass protection, all of that got considerably better,'' as a sophomore. The coach says the third year is ''really a year if you're as talented as he is and you can relax and play.''
The Cowboys are trying to replace Mason Rudolph, who threw for a school-record 4,904 yards before getting drafted in the third round by Pittsburgh. Both 1,000-yard receivers from last year, James Washington and Marcell Ateman, also are gone.
Gundy says ''the interesting part of that question is how well our quarterbacks can play early in the year, compared to the immaturity we have at the wide receiver spot.''
---
2:45 p.m.
Kansas State coach Bill Snyder brought his top two quarterbacks to Big 12 media days while several of his fellow coaches, notably Oklahoma's Lincoln Riley and Tom Herman of Texas, decided against it.
Alex Delton and Skylar Thompson were two of the five quarterbacks to make the trip to the Dallas area for the annual preseason meeting with reporters.
Snyder said he saw it as ''a great opportunity to imply some preseason pressure so you've got to practice the things you're going to experience so there is a little bit of pressure in them being here.''
Delton and Thompson are battling for the starting job for the Wildcats and could share time.
Riley didn't bring Kyler Murray, who was picked ninth overall by Oakland in the June baseball draft and reached a deal with the A's that lets him play a year of football. Riley says Murray hasn't won the job. Herman left behind Sam Ehlinger and Shane Buechele after they split time at the position for the Longhorns last season.
Snyder says he understands ''as everybody in here does that that quarterback is under a little more scrutiny than most positions.''
---
1:30 p.m.
Texas coach Tom Herman isn't ready to say how many championship-caliber players he has on the roster going into his second season.
The 43-year-old Herman was a bit thrown by the question of how many potential All-Americans he thought he had as the Longhorns try to close the gap on rival and three-time defending Big 12 champion Oklahoma. The Sooners have made the four-team playoff two of the past three years.
Herman said on the second day of Big 12 media days Tuesday that ''if I'm being honest'' Texas has more impact players on defense. The Longhorns ended a three-year streak of losing seasons in Herman's debut, and the defense often carried a sluggish offense.
Herman adds that ''every coach that sits up here will tell you not enough, even the ones that are playing for and winning national championships.''
The former Houston coach said ''it's been a fantastic year since the last time we were here,'' but acknowledged that 7-6 is not a good enough record for a title-chasing program.
---
11 a.m.
West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen didn't hesitate giving his blessing to a Heisman Trophy campaign for quarterback Will Grier.
The Florida transfer is the Big 12 preseason offensive player of the year, and the Mountaineers hope will become the conference's second straight Heisman-winning quarterback following Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield.
Holgorsen said on the final day of Big 12 media days Tuesday that he ''would never approve a campaign unless I felt like a player can handle it.''
Grier is the only returning QB among the top six passers in the Big 12 last season. He threw for 3,490 yards with 34 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in his first season for West Virginia after sitting out a year.
Grier's season ended in the first quarter of the 11th game against Texas because of a hand injury.
Holgorsen says spring football showed the game slowing down for Grier and that he ''knows that he's got a lot of good players around him and that he doesn't have to go out there and be Superman.''
---
9 a.m.
Tom Herman returns to Big 12 football media days as a winner with Texas.
Herman and the Longhorns are among the five teams that will take part Tuesday to wrap up Big 12 media days.
When Herman was on the podium in Frisco for the first time last summer, the Longhorns were coming off three consecutive losing seasons and he hadn't yet coached a game for them.
Texas lost the first and last games of its regular season, but finished 7-6 after a 33-16 win over Missouri in the Texas Bowl.
West Virginia, with preseason Big 12 offensive player of the year quarterback Will Grier, will also be featured Tuesday, along with Baylor, Kansas State and Oklahoma State.
So if you are West Virginia HC Dana Holgorsen what do you do? You have a team with a legitimate Heisman candidate, but also a team with one of the worst defenses, if not the worst, in the Conference. Do you attempt to play a ball control type game to keep your defense off the field, but possibly hurting your QB chances for the big prize, or do you turn him loose, forcing your defense to spend more time on the field, and throwing out any chance your teams has of winning a conference title. In 7 years as the HC, Holgorsen has never lost less than 3 games in a season at West Virginia, so it seems as if West Virginia really does not care about winning Conference Championships. Look for lots of points for and against for this team.
Handicapping Minnesota (6)
July 18, 2018
The first season for P.J. Fleck at Minnesota didn’t go as planned, as the Golden Gophers went 5-7 overall and just 2-7 in the Big Ten. The Gophers badly need a quarterback if they are to take a step forward.
The battle for the starting job this season looks to be between redshirt freshman Tanner Morgan and true freshman Zack Annexstad. Oddsmakers believe the Gophers will be improved this season, as they set the win total for Minnesota at six.
Let’s look at the schedule for Minnesota to see if they will go over or under that number.
2018 Minnesota Golden Gophers Regular Season Win Total
Over 6 (-110)
Under 6 (-120)
2018 Minnesota Golden Gophers Schedule Analysis
Aug. 30 vs New Mexico State
The Gophers begin the season on Thursday night in what is simply a must-win game. The Aggies went 7-6 last season and won their first bowl game in 57 years. These teams have split their two previous meetings.
Sept. 8 vs. Fresno State
This is no sure win for the Gophers even though it is at home. The Gophers and Bulldogs have never met, but Minnesota has played 15 games against teams from the Mountain West and they are 12-3.
Sept. 15 vs. Miami (OH)
The Gophers get a third straight home game and it should be a win against the RedHawks. Miami went just 5-7 last season and the Gophers are 3-0 all-time against Miami.
Sept. 22 at Maryland
The Big Ten opener for Minnesota is on the road against the Terrapins. The Terps are not a good team but neither is Minnesota and this game is on the road. The road team has won this meeting the last two years.
Oct. 6 vs. Iowa
The Gophers get an extra week to get ready for this game. This is a Homecoming game for Minnesota and they are 59-37-3 all-time in Homecoming games. Minnesota leads the all-time series against Iowa 62-47-2.
Oct. 13 at Ohio State
The Gophers have no chance to win this one. Minnesota is 7-44 all-time against the Buckeyes. The only question is how bad it gets for the Gophers.
Oct. 20 at Nebraska
The Gophers won last season 54-21, but Nebraska has a new head coach in Scott Frost and they should be vastly improved. The Gophers lead the all-time series with the Huskers 32-24-2.
Oct. 26 vs. Indiana
This will be a Friday night game for the Gophers and one that they need to win if they are to have any chance to become bowl eligible. Minnesota is 38-26-3 all-time against the Hoosiers.
Nov. 3 at Illinois
The Gophers are 38-29-3 all-time against Illinois and they have won the last three meetings. If the Gophers are going to get to six wins this is another must-win.
Nov. 10 vs. Purdue
The Gophers lead the all-time series 37-33-3 and they have won four of the last five meetings.
Nov. 17 vs. Northwestern
The final home game of the regular season is not an easy one for the Gophers, as they face a Northwestern team that went 10-3 last year. Minnesota is 53-35-5 all-time against the Wildcats and they have won the last two home meetings.
Nov. 24 at Wisconsin
The Gophers have no real chance to win this game, as they have not won at Wisconsin since 1994. The Badgers are considered national title contenders and they are not going to lose at home to the Gophers.
2018 Minnesota Golden Gophers Regular Season Win Total Prediction
The schedule for Minnesota is reasonable, but the problem is that the Gophers simply are not that good. The only sure win on the schedule is the game against Miami. The Gophers will probably beat New Mexico State and Indiana, but that only gets them to three wins. For the Gophers to get to six wins they would have to win games against Fresno State, Maryland and Illinois. They would then need to win another game to get to seven wins and go over their win total. The more likely scenario is that the Gophers go 4-8 or 5-7 and go under their win total in 2018.
July 18, 2018
The first season for P.J. Fleck at Minnesota didn’t go as planned, as the Golden Gophers went 5-7 overall and just 2-7 in the Big Ten. The Gophers badly need a quarterback if they are to take a step forward.
The battle for the starting job this season looks to be between redshirt freshman Tanner Morgan and true freshman Zack Annexstad. Oddsmakers believe the Gophers will be improved this season, as they set the win total for Minnesota at six.
Let’s look at the schedule for Minnesota to see if they will go over or under that number.
2018 Minnesota Golden Gophers Regular Season Win Total
Over 6 (-110)
Under 6 (-120)
2018 Minnesota Golden Gophers Schedule Analysis
Aug. 30 vs New Mexico State
The Gophers begin the season on Thursday night in what is simply a must-win game. The Aggies went 7-6 last season and won their first bowl game in 57 years. These teams have split their two previous meetings.
Sept. 8 vs. Fresno State
This is no sure win for the Gophers even though it is at home. The Gophers and Bulldogs have never met, but Minnesota has played 15 games against teams from the Mountain West and they are 12-3.
Sept. 15 vs. Miami (OH)
The Gophers get a third straight home game and it should be a win against the RedHawks. Miami went just 5-7 last season and the Gophers are 3-0 all-time against Miami.
Sept. 22 at Maryland
The Big Ten opener for Minnesota is on the road against the Terrapins. The Terps are not a good team but neither is Minnesota and this game is on the road. The road team has won this meeting the last two years.
Oct. 6 vs. Iowa
The Gophers get an extra week to get ready for this game. This is a Homecoming game for Minnesota and they are 59-37-3 all-time in Homecoming games. Minnesota leads the all-time series against Iowa 62-47-2.
Oct. 13 at Ohio State
The Gophers have no chance to win this one. Minnesota is 7-44 all-time against the Buckeyes. The only question is how bad it gets for the Gophers.
Oct. 20 at Nebraska
The Gophers won last season 54-21, but Nebraska has a new head coach in Scott Frost and they should be vastly improved. The Gophers lead the all-time series with the Huskers 32-24-2.
Oct. 26 vs. Indiana
This will be a Friday night game for the Gophers and one that they need to win if they are to have any chance to become bowl eligible. Minnesota is 38-26-3 all-time against the Hoosiers.
Nov. 3 at Illinois
The Gophers are 38-29-3 all-time against Illinois and they have won the last three meetings. If the Gophers are going to get to six wins this is another must-win.
Nov. 10 vs. Purdue
The Gophers lead the all-time series 37-33-3 and they have won four of the last five meetings.
Nov. 17 vs. Northwestern
The final home game of the regular season is not an easy one for the Gophers, as they face a Northwestern team that went 10-3 last year. Minnesota is 53-35-5 all-time against the Wildcats and they have won the last two home meetings.
Nov. 24 at Wisconsin
The Gophers have no real chance to win this game, as they have not won at Wisconsin since 1994. The Badgers are considered national title contenders and they are not going to lose at home to the Gophers.
2018 Minnesota Golden Gophers Regular Season Win Total Prediction
The schedule for Minnesota is reasonable, but the problem is that the Gophers simply are not that good. The only sure win on the schedule is the game against Miami. The Gophers will probably beat New Mexico State and Indiana, but that only gets them to three wins. For the Gophers to get to six wins they would have to win games against Fresno State, Maryland and Illinois. They would then need to win another game to get to seven wins and go over their win total. The more likely scenario is that the Gophers go 4-8 or 5-7 and go under their win total in 2018.
The Latest: Swofford says ACC in 'best shape ever'
July 18, 2018
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Latest on ACC Media Days (all times local):
11 a.m.
Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner John Swofford says he's excited about the future of his conference, saying at the opening of the ACC Media Days that ''we are in the best shape we have ever been as a conference with football and basketball.''
He also said the ACC's proposed early signing period change ''has been a positive addition to the recruiting calendar. The early signing period was initiated by the ACC, as was the new redshirt rule.''
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1:50 a.m.
The Atlantic Coast Conference opens its preseason media days Wednesday with a focus on the Coastal Division.
The division hasn't had a repeat champion since 2011. This time, Miami is trying to hang onto that top spot after Mark Richt's Hurricanes had their first 10-win season since 2003.
The Coastal also features two of the longest-tenured coaches in the league, with Duke's David Cutcliffe and Georgia Tech's Paul Johnson entering their 11th seasons.
Four of the seven division teams - Miami, Virginia Tech, Duke and Virginia - played in bowl games last year. North Carolina finished last in an injury-riddled three win season, which came just two seasons after the Tar Heels won 11 games and claimed the Coastal crown.
The two-day session concludes Thursday with the Atlantic Division teams.
July 18, 2018
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Latest on ACC Media Days (all times local):
11 a.m.
Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner John Swofford says he's excited about the future of his conference, saying at the opening of the ACC Media Days that ''we are in the best shape we have ever been as a conference with football and basketball.''
He also said the ACC's proposed early signing period change ''has been a positive addition to the recruiting calendar. The early signing period was initiated by the ACC, as was the new redshirt rule.''
---
1:50 a.m.
The Atlantic Coast Conference opens its preseason media days Wednesday with a focus on the Coastal Division.
The division hasn't had a repeat champion since 2011. This time, Miami is trying to hang onto that top spot after Mark Richt's Hurricanes had their first 10-win season since 2003.
The Coastal also features two of the longest-tenured coaches in the league, with Duke's David Cutcliffe and Georgia Tech's Paul Johnson entering their 11th seasons.
Four of the seven division teams - Miami, Virginia Tech, Duke and Virginia - played in bowl games last year. North Carolina finished last in an injury-riddled three win season, which came just two seasons after the Tar Heels won 11 games and claimed the Coastal crown.
The two-day session concludes Thursday with the Atlantic Division teams.
"The schedule for Minnesota is reasonable, but the problem is that the Gophers simply are not that good. The only sure win on the schedule is the game against Miami. The Gophers will probably beat New Mexico State and Indiana, but that only gets them to three wins. For the Gophers to get to six wins they would have to win games against Fresno State, Maryland and Illinois. They would then need to win another game to get to seven wins and go over their win total. The more likely scenario is that the Gophers go 4-8 or 5-7 and go under their win total in 2018."
I agree with this assessment. Losses to Iowa, @ Ohio State, @ Nebraska, Northwestern and @Wisconsin are pretty much assured. Fresno State, @ Maryland, and Purdue will not be easy. Who knows about Indiana. I can only see 3 should-be wins. Home against New Mexico State and Miami (OH), @ Illinois.
I agree with this assessment. Losses to Iowa, @ Ohio State, @ Nebraska, Northwestern and @Wisconsin are pretty much assured. Fresno State, @ Maryland, and Purdue will not be easy. Who knows about Indiana. I can only see 3 should-be wins. Home against New Mexico State and Miami (OH), @ Illinois.
Big 10 Season Outlook
July 18, 2018
Last week I began my preseason college football look with a breakdown of the ACC Conference and what to expect from those programs in 2018. Clemson is clearly going to be the class of that conference, but they will have a challenger or two in what is overall a conference that lacks depth.
That can't really be said about this week's conference I'm taking a look at as the Big 10 is always among the better conferences in college football and should have a handful of teams competing for a CFB Playoff spot.
So where is my money going here?
Big 10 Outlook
2017 was the first time since the CFB Playoff format was introduced that a Big 10 program did not find it's way into one of those four coveted spots as there was too much beating up on one another in the end. Three Big 10 schools finished the year ranked in the Top 10 (Ohio State #5, Wisconsin #7, Penn State #8) but a bad loss by eventual conference champion Ohio State (55-24 @ Iowa as -21 favorites) was too much to overcome and get into the playoff picture.
I'm not sure if it will be Ohio State in 2018, but I do expect one Big 10 team to find its way back into the Top 4 come Bowl selection time and be involved in the playoffs once again. It will likely be one of the usual suspects (Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Penn State) as a bunch of them are among the favorites to win it all. Ohio State is third in the country in terms of odds (+800) to lift the National Championship trophy, while Michigan (+1400), Penn State (+2000), Wisconsin (+2500) and Michigan State (+3300) are not far behind at 5th, 6th, 11th and 14th respectively. All in all, it's going to be another highly competitive campaign in the Big 10 and hopefully for the conference's sake, we don't see another perfect storm of Team A losing to Team B but beating Team C to keep everyone out of the playoff picture again.
Most Intriguing Big 10 Future Bet
Michigan to win the Big 10 (+600)
Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh was brought back to his alma mater at the start of the 2015 season to help bring this program back to prominence and for the most part he's done that. He had a pair of 10-win campaigns in his first two years before taking a step back with a 8-5 SU season a year ago, and hopes to get back to competing for a conference crown again this year. He brought in Ole Miss transfer QB Shea Patterson who can hopefully spark this Wolverines passing attack that has been their Achilles Heel during the Harbaugh era (Patterson passed for more yards then the entire Michigan offense last year and he played in just seven games at Ole Miss), as the defense should be it's consistent dominant self.
But for Michigan to go all the way and win this conference at +600, it's more about their schedule then anything else. They start the year with a tough test @ Notre Dame (Michigan is currently a -2.5 road favorite) and a win there could be exactly what this program needs to kick start a great season. They get to host Wisconsin and Penn State this year, visit their rivals Michigan State, and end the regular season with a trip to the horseshoe against Ohio State.
It's that regular season finale against Ohio State that could end up being for all the marbles and that's what intrigues me most about this Michigan future wager. Harbaugh was brought in to build this Wolverines program back up, but so far he's 0-3 SU against Ohio State in a rivalry game you've got to win a few times as Michigan head coach if you want to stay employed. Going winless against the Buckeyes with an entire class (Michigan's senior class which were Harbaugh's first recruits here) would likely have Harbaugh getting canned and while the pressure there is enormous (especially if a berth in the Big 10 Title game is on the line), it's those big moments that Harbaugh has lived for throughout his coaching career. Obviously a lot of things can happen between now and then for both schools, but if Michigan wins that game and heads to the Big 10 championship, they'd be favored over whomever comes out of the West and then you've got a +600 ticket in your pocket with a favorite. Intriguing to say the least.
Best Future / Best Season Win Total Under Bet
Penn State Under 9.5 Wins (-130)
Similar to Michigan taking a step back in 2017 after they lost a bunch of their best players to the NFL, 2018 looks like Penn State will fit that description to a tee. Gone are All-World RB Saquon Barkley and dynamic TE Mike Gesicki, who was often QB Trace McSorley's go-to guy in crunch time or when the Nittany Lions needed a play. McSorley is still there and should still grow as a great pocket passer, but without a known commodity in the backfield with him that opponents have to key on, he's going to be put on his ass a hell of a lot more this year and that's not ideal. So with defenses keying on McSorley now (either through the air or with his legs), moving the ball is going to be much tougher for Penn State this year and they are already up against some very good defenses in the conference.
Schedule-wise, things could actually be alot worse for Penn State, as they host Ohio State, Michigan State, and Wisconsin, with a trip to Ann Arbor to face Michigan their only tough true road game in conference play. However, even with a bye week in-between their home games against Ohio State and Michigan State, I would expect a split (at best there), a loss in Michigan, and at least one more loss in conference play. They probably top out at 9 wins this year which is just good enough for this bet to cash, although a 7 or 8 win season is just as likely as well.
Best Season Win Total Over Bet
Iowa Over 7.5 Wins (+130)
The fact that this wager is +130 clinched it for me to put it in this spot as I did consider Michigan for this position (Over 8.5 at -200) as well. But Iowa has always been a model of consistency for the most part under Kirk Ferentz, and the veteran coach actually has a very good team this year that should threaten Wisconsin's standing atop the West Division.
That level of consistency should transfer over to QB Nate Stanley this year who was amazing in their blowout win over Ohio State a year ago (as well as a few other games) but also put up some clunkers as well. As long as Stanley stays healthy for the entire slate, this team should make plenty of noise in the West division simply because their schedule is actually quite soft.
Iowa gets to completely avoid Ohio State AND Michigan this year from the cross-division games, gets a home game at the end of September against Wisconsin, and their toughest road game is probably going to be their trip to Penn State and you already know my thoughts on the Nittany Lions this year. That's about as good as a Big 10 schedule can look this year and although Iowa may not have the talent that other teams in this conference do, threatening to reach a double-digit win campaign should be a reality for this program in 2018.
Who Plays in the Big 10 Championship Game?
Michigan vs Wisconsin
Answering that question was always going to be the toughest part of this piece as it could be any one of four teams (Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State) coming out of the East to face what will likely be Wisconsin – who is still going to be the class of the West – but with Penn State likely entering a down year and Michigan State tough to trust, it really comes back to that final regular season game between Ohio State and Michigan for me.
If everything goes according to plan for both programs and they meet that final week with a division title and Big 10 Title game berth on the line, you know Ohio State will be laying significant points – sportsbooks in Vegas who release “Games of the Year” lines have that spread as Ohio State -9 there. It's probably not the smartest decision now to go against a number like that outright, but Harbaugh's winless streak vs Ohio State will be a huge topic of conversation that week, and it's hard to think he could possibly move on from the Michigan gig without a victory over the hated Buckeyes.
July 18, 2018
Last week I began my preseason college football look with a breakdown of the ACC Conference and what to expect from those programs in 2018. Clemson is clearly going to be the class of that conference, but they will have a challenger or two in what is overall a conference that lacks depth.
That can't really be said about this week's conference I'm taking a look at as the Big 10 is always among the better conferences in college football and should have a handful of teams competing for a CFB Playoff spot.
So where is my money going here?
Big 10 Outlook
2017 was the first time since the CFB Playoff format was introduced that a Big 10 program did not find it's way into one of those four coveted spots as there was too much beating up on one another in the end. Three Big 10 schools finished the year ranked in the Top 10 (Ohio State #5, Wisconsin #7, Penn State #8) but a bad loss by eventual conference champion Ohio State (55-24 @ Iowa as -21 favorites) was too much to overcome and get into the playoff picture.
I'm not sure if it will be Ohio State in 2018, but I do expect one Big 10 team to find its way back into the Top 4 come Bowl selection time and be involved in the playoffs once again. It will likely be one of the usual suspects (Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Penn State) as a bunch of them are among the favorites to win it all. Ohio State is third in the country in terms of odds (+800) to lift the National Championship trophy, while Michigan (+1400), Penn State (+2000), Wisconsin (+2500) and Michigan State (+3300) are not far behind at 5th, 6th, 11th and 14th respectively. All in all, it's going to be another highly competitive campaign in the Big 10 and hopefully for the conference's sake, we don't see another perfect storm of Team A losing to Team B but beating Team C to keep everyone out of the playoff picture again.
Most Intriguing Big 10 Future Bet
Michigan to win the Big 10 (+600)
Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh was brought back to his alma mater at the start of the 2015 season to help bring this program back to prominence and for the most part he's done that. He had a pair of 10-win campaigns in his first two years before taking a step back with a 8-5 SU season a year ago, and hopes to get back to competing for a conference crown again this year. He brought in Ole Miss transfer QB Shea Patterson who can hopefully spark this Wolverines passing attack that has been their Achilles Heel during the Harbaugh era (Patterson passed for more yards then the entire Michigan offense last year and he played in just seven games at Ole Miss), as the defense should be it's consistent dominant self.
But for Michigan to go all the way and win this conference at +600, it's more about their schedule then anything else. They start the year with a tough test @ Notre Dame (Michigan is currently a -2.5 road favorite) and a win there could be exactly what this program needs to kick start a great season. They get to host Wisconsin and Penn State this year, visit their rivals Michigan State, and end the regular season with a trip to the horseshoe against Ohio State.
It's that regular season finale against Ohio State that could end up being for all the marbles and that's what intrigues me most about this Michigan future wager. Harbaugh was brought in to build this Wolverines program back up, but so far he's 0-3 SU against Ohio State in a rivalry game you've got to win a few times as Michigan head coach if you want to stay employed. Going winless against the Buckeyes with an entire class (Michigan's senior class which were Harbaugh's first recruits here) would likely have Harbaugh getting canned and while the pressure there is enormous (especially if a berth in the Big 10 Title game is on the line), it's those big moments that Harbaugh has lived for throughout his coaching career. Obviously a lot of things can happen between now and then for both schools, but if Michigan wins that game and heads to the Big 10 championship, they'd be favored over whomever comes out of the West and then you've got a +600 ticket in your pocket with a favorite. Intriguing to say the least.
Best Future / Best Season Win Total Under Bet
Penn State Under 9.5 Wins (-130)
Similar to Michigan taking a step back in 2017 after they lost a bunch of their best players to the NFL, 2018 looks like Penn State will fit that description to a tee. Gone are All-World RB Saquon Barkley and dynamic TE Mike Gesicki, who was often QB Trace McSorley's go-to guy in crunch time or when the Nittany Lions needed a play. McSorley is still there and should still grow as a great pocket passer, but without a known commodity in the backfield with him that opponents have to key on, he's going to be put on his ass a hell of a lot more this year and that's not ideal. So with defenses keying on McSorley now (either through the air or with his legs), moving the ball is going to be much tougher for Penn State this year and they are already up against some very good defenses in the conference.
Schedule-wise, things could actually be alot worse for Penn State, as they host Ohio State, Michigan State, and Wisconsin, with a trip to Ann Arbor to face Michigan their only tough true road game in conference play. However, even with a bye week in-between their home games against Ohio State and Michigan State, I would expect a split (at best there), a loss in Michigan, and at least one more loss in conference play. They probably top out at 9 wins this year which is just good enough for this bet to cash, although a 7 or 8 win season is just as likely as well.
Best Season Win Total Over Bet
Iowa Over 7.5 Wins (+130)
The fact that this wager is +130 clinched it for me to put it in this spot as I did consider Michigan for this position (Over 8.5 at -200) as well. But Iowa has always been a model of consistency for the most part under Kirk Ferentz, and the veteran coach actually has a very good team this year that should threaten Wisconsin's standing atop the West Division.
That level of consistency should transfer over to QB Nate Stanley this year who was amazing in their blowout win over Ohio State a year ago (as well as a few other games) but also put up some clunkers as well. As long as Stanley stays healthy for the entire slate, this team should make plenty of noise in the West division simply because their schedule is actually quite soft.
Iowa gets to completely avoid Ohio State AND Michigan this year from the cross-division games, gets a home game at the end of September against Wisconsin, and their toughest road game is probably going to be their trip to Penn State and you already know my thoughts on the Nittany Lions this year. That's about as good as a Big 10 schedule can look this year and although Iowa may not have the talent that other teams in this conference do, threatening to reach a double-digit win campaign should be a reality for this program in 2018.
Who Plays in the Big 10 Championship Game?
Michigan vs Wisconsin
Answering that question was always going to be the toughest part of this piece as it could be any one of four teams (Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State) coming out of the East to face what will likely be Wisconsin – who is still going to be the class of the West – but with Penn State likely entering a down year and Michigan State tough to trust, it really comes back to that final regular season game between Ohio State and Michigan for me.
If everything goes according to plan for both programs and they meet that final week with a division title and Big 10 Title game berth on the line, you know Ohio State will be laying significant points – sportsbooks in Vegas who release “Games of the Year” lines have that spread as Ohio State -9 there. It's probably not the smartest decision now to go against a number like that outright, but Harbaugh's winless streak vs Ohio State will be a huge topic of conversation that week, and it's hard to think he could possibly move on from the Michigan gig without a victory over the hated Buckeyes.
Vanderbilt Breakdown
July 18, 2018
For the first time since he arrived at Vanderbilt in 2014, Derek Mason can claim his roster is filled “with all of my guys.” When James Franklin bolted Music City to take the head-coaching job at Penn State, Mason scored the Vandy gig after a nice run as defensive coordinator at Stanford.
He faced a daunting task following Franklin’s run of three straight trips to bowl games and a pair of 9-4 campaigns. Remember, other than a trip to the postseason under Bobby Johnson in 2008, the Commodores hadn’t been bowling since 1982 until Franklin was hired. In fact, Vandy’s bowl appearances in program history were limited to four prior to Franklin’s three-year tenure.
Mason is 18-31 overall and 6-26 in SEC play. After 3-9 and 4-8 seasons in 2014 and ’15, Vandy won four of its last six games to finish 6-6 and garner an invite to the Independence Bowl in ’16. The Commodores lost four one-possession games, but they trounced Ole Miss (38-17 as 9.5-point home underdogs) and Tennessee (45-34 as 7.5-point home ‘dogs) to finish the regular season with authority.
Although Vandy dropped a 41-17 decision to N.C. State in Shreveport, it seemed to carry over its late-season momentum into September of last season. The Commodores jumped out to a 3-0 start with their defense giving up merely 13 combined points and 595 yards. They beat 18th-ranked Kansas State by a 14-7 count to begin a four-game stretch versus ranked opponents.
The optimism of the 3-0 start was smashed when top-ranked Alabama came to Nashville and destroyed Vandy, 59-0. The blowout loss started a five-game losing streak, including four losses by 14 points or more. I don’t know that saying the season was salvaged by the regular-season finale would be accurate, but it’s always a big deal when Vanderbilt beats Tennessee.
When it does so in Knoxville by a 42-24 score with a 529-238 advantage in total offense, it certainly puts a smile on the faces of alums. Mason has thumped the Volunteers in back-to-back seasons, so it’s probably a stretch to imply he’s on a boiling hot seat going into 2018. Nevertheless, with Gus Malzahn signing a lucrative extension to stay at Auburn rather than bolt to Arkansas, there are only three SEC coaches who can’t feel great about their job security: Mason, Kentucky’s Mark Stoops and LSU’s Ed Orgeron.
Vandy finished last year 5-7 straight up and 4-8 against the spread. It was Mason’s first losing season for our purposes (ATS-wise). The Commodores return seven starters on offense and five on defense. They lost the school’s all-time leading rusher in Ralph Webb, who had 4,178 career yards on the ground.
With the exception of two games last year, senior QB Kyle Shurmur was outstanding. In fact, he had an incredible 20/3 touchdown-to-interception ratio in his team’s first nine games. However, he was intercepted seven times in home defeats vs. Kentucky and Missouri. Shurmur recovered to complete 20-of-31 passes for 283 yards and four TDs without an interception in the win over UT.
Shurmur, who has 30 career starts to his credit, was second in the SEC in TD passes (26), third in passing yards (2,823), fourth in completions (220) and sixth in QB Rating (137.62). He was intercepted only 10 times.
Shurmur loses his two favorite targets in Trent Sherfield and C.J. Duncan, but he does have his big-play man back in Kalija Lipscomb. The junior wideout was tied for fifth in the SEC in TD catches with eight. Lipscomb had 37 receptions for 610 yards, averaging 16.5 yards per catch.
Vandy also adds WR Alex Stump, a transfer from Ohio State who didn’t play last season and is expected to start. The Commodores also scored a recruiting coup with the signing of Cam Johnson, a local 4-star product out of storied Brentwood Academy who led the high school to three consecutive state titles. Finally, starting TE Jared Pinkney returns after making 22 catches for 279 yards and three TDs as a sophomore in ’17.
Mason is hoping RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn, a transfer from Illinois who sat out last year, will emerge as an adequate replacement for the four-year starter out of Gainesville, FL. (Webb). Vaughn ran for 1,024 yards in two years with the Illini and will have two years of eligibility remaining. There’s also senior Khari Blasingame, who rushed for 449 yards and 10 TDs while averaging 4.6 yards per carry as a sophomore in 2016. However, he failed to find paydirt last year and was limited to 147 rushing yards and a meager 3.3 YPC average.
Phil Steele’s preseason magazine ranks Vandy’s offensive line 11th in the SEC, but it’s a veteran group that returns all five starters. It will be imperative for this unit to keep Shurmur healthy.
Senior LB Charles Wright garnered second-team All-SEC honors last season by recording 43 tackles, nine sacks, eight QB hurries and 1.5 tackles for loss. Senior DE Dare Odeyingbo produced 36 tackles, 6.5 TFL’s, 4.5 sacks, four QB hurries and a pair of passes broken up.
Mason is hoping a pair of true freshmen can contribute immediately at the LB position. He inked a pair of 4-star players in Alston Orji and Salua Masina. Senior safety LaDarius Wiley, who had a team-best 88 tackles last year, is back to anchor the secondary.
After his defense struggled his first season by giving up 33.3 points per game, Mason took over the DC duties with big-time success in ’15 and ’16. The ’15 stop unit held foes to 21.0 PPG, while the ’16 group held foes to 24.0 PPG. However, the defense fell apart after the loss to Alabama last year and ended up surrendering 31.3 PPG.
Therefore, Mason has brought in a new DC in Jason Tarver, who has spent the past 16 years as an NFL assistant, including a stint as the Oakland Raiders’ DC from ’12-14. Andy Ludwig remains the OC and the new special-teams coach is Shawn Mennenga, who was a special-teams assistant for the Cleveland Browns the past seven years.
Vandy’s season win total is 4.5 (‘over’ -120, ‘under’ -110) at Sportsbook.ag. The offshore website has the odds for the Commodores to win the SEC at 500/1. They are one-point home underdogs in their regular-season finale against the Vols in the Westgate’s Games of the Year.
The non-conference slate includes three home games vs. Middle Tennessee, Nevada and Tennessee State, in addition to a road assignment at Notre Dame. The games versus the SEC West are at home vs. Ole Miss and at Arkansas, which is an excellent draw. Mason’s team has an extra week to prepare for a Nov. 10 home game vs. Missouri, while Kentucky gets two weeks to prep for the ‘Dores in Lexington on Oct. 20.
I’m confident in four wins for Vandy. Those games are at home vs. Middle Tennessee, Nevada, Tennesee State and Tennessee. I see six losses, but the only definitive ones are at Notre Dame, at Georgia and at Missouri. I have Mason’s squad falling at home to South Carolina and Florida and at Kentucky, but it probably won’t be a double-digit underdog in any of those spots.
That leaves two swing games that’ll dictate a postseason invite and/or Mason’s future in NashVegas. Those consist of an Oct. 27 trip to Fayetteville to face Arkansas and a home date vs. Ole Miss on Nov. 17.
**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**
-- I think Mason needs to win six games to retain his job. A 5-7 might be acceptable if it includes embarrassing UT for a third straight year and there are some gut-wrenching losses in the equation. In other words, he can’t get beat in blowout fashion four weeks in a row like he did last season.
-- Vandy finished last year minus five in the turnover department. If the ‘Dores can get to plus five this year, they’ll win at least six games.
-- Mason owns a 9-6 spread record in 15 games as a home underdog.
-- Mason is 4-8 ATS as a home favorite. The Commodores are likely to be home ‘chalk’ in at least three games and possibly four (UT being the fourth).
-- I’m going to call for a 5-7 campaign for Vandy. I do think it’ll be a competitive 5-7, however, and I’m not necessarily calling for a change of the head coach. Also, as this space has repeatedly noted for well over a decade when it comes to season win totals, I don’t make a play unless I have a 1.5-game cushion in terms of confidence. In other words, I would only bet Vandy ‘over’ 4.5 wins if I had it pegged for at least six regular-season wins. Likewise, I wouldn’t take ‘under’ 4.5 unless I was convinced it would be a 3-win season or worse.
July 18, 2018
For the first time since he arrived at Vanderbilt in 2014, Derek Mason can claim his roster is filled “with all of my guys.” When James Franklin bolted Music City to take the head-coaching job at Penn State, Mason scored the Vandy gig after a nice run as defensive coordinator at Stanford.
He faced a daunting task following Franklin’s run of three straight trips to bowl games and a pair of 9-4 campaigns. Remember, other than a trip to the postseason under Bobby Johnson in 2008, the Commodores hadn’t been bowling since 1982 until Franklin was hired. In fact, Vandy’s bowl appearances in program history were limited to four prior to Franklin’s three-year tenure.
Mason is 18-31 overall and 6-26 in SEC play. After 3-9 and 4-8 seasons in 2014 and ’15, Vandy won four of its last six games to finish 6-6 and garner an invite to the Independence Bowl in ’16. The Commodores lost four one-possession games, but they trounced Ole Miss (38-17 as 9.5-point home underdogs) and Tennessee (45-34 as 7.5-point home ‘dogs) to finish the regular season with authority.
Although Vandy dropped a 41-17 decision to N.C. State in Shreveport, it seemed to carry over its late-season momentum into September of last season. The Commodores jumped out to a 3-0 start with their defense giving up merely 13 combined points and 595 yards. They beat 18th-ranked Kansas State by a 14-7 count to begin a four-game stretch versus ranked opponents.
The optimism of the 3-0 start was smashed when top-ranked Alabama came to Nashville and destroyed Vandy, 59-0. The blowout loss started a five-game losing streak, including four losses by 14 points or more. I don’t know that saying the season was salvaged by the regular-season finale would be accurate, but it’s always a big deal when Vanderbilt beats Tennessee.
When it does so in Knoxville by a 42-24 score with a 529-238 advantage in total offense, it certainly puts a smile on the faces of alums. Mason has thumped the Volunteers in back-to-back seasons, so it’s probably a stretch to imply he’s on a boiling hot seat going into 2018. Nevertheless, with Gus Malzahn signing a lucrative extension to stay at Auburn rather than bolt to Arkansas, there are only three SEC coaches who can’t feel great about their job security: Mason, Kentucky’s Mark Stoops and LSU’s Ed Orgeron.
Vandy finished last year 5-7 straight up and 4-8 against the spread. It was Mason’s first losing season for our purposes (ATS-wise). The Commodores return seven starters on offense and five on defense. They lost the school’s all-time leading rusher in Ralph Webb, who had 4,178 career yards on the ground.
With the exception of two games last year, senior QB Kyle Shurmur was outstanding. In fact, he had an incredible 20/3 touchdown-to-interception ratio in his team’s first nine games. However, he was intercepted seven times in home defeats vs. Kentucky and Missouri. Shurmur recovered to complete 20-of-31 passes for 283 yards and four TDs without an interception in the win over UT.
Shurmur, who has 30 career starts to his credit, was second in the SEC in TD passes (26), third in passing yards (2,823), fourth in completions (220) and sixth in QB Rating (137.62). He was intercepted only 10 times.
Shurmur loses his two favorite targets in Trent Sherfield and C.J. Duncan, but he does have his big-play man back in Kalija Lipscomb. The junior wideout was tied for fifth in the SEC in TD catches with eight. Lipscomb had 37 receptions for 610 yards, averaging 16.5 yards per catch.
Vandy also adds WR Alex Stump, a transfer from Ohio State who didn’t play last season and is expected to start. The Commodores also scored a recruiting coup with the signing of Cam Johnson, a local 4-star product out of storied Brentwood Academy who led the high school to three consecutive state titles. Finally, starting TE Jared Pinkney returns after making 22 catches for 279 yards and three TDs as a sophomore in ’17.
Mason is hoping RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn, a transfer from Illinois who sat out last year, will emerge as an adequate replacement for the four-year starter out of Gainesville, FL. (Webb). Vaughn ran for 1,024 yards in two years with the Illini and will have two years of eligibility remaining. There’s also senior Khari Blasingame, who rushed for 449 yards and 10 TDs while averaging 4.6 yards per carry as a sophomore in 2016. However, he failed to find paydirt last year and was limited to 147 rushing yards and a meager 3.3 YPC average.
Phil Steele’s preseason magazine ranks Vandy’s offensive line 11th in the SEC, but it’s a veteran group that returns all five starters. It will be imperative for this unit to keep Shurmur healthy.
Senior LB Charles Wright garnered second-team All-SEC honors last season by recording 43 tackles, nine sacks, eight QB hurries and 1.5 tackles for loss. Senior DE Dare Odeyingbo produced 36 tackles, 6.5 TFL’s, 4.5 sacks, four QB hurries and a pair of passes broken up.
Mason is hoping a pair of true freshmen can contribute immediately at the LB position. He inked a pair of 4-star players in Alston Orji and Salua Masina. Senior safety LaDarius Wiley, who had a team-best 88 tackles last year, is back to anchor the secondary.
After his defense struggled his first season by giving up 33.3 points per game, Mason took over the DC duties with big-time success in ’15 and ’16. The ’15 stop unit held foes to 21.0 PPG, while the ’16 group held foes to 24.0 PPG. However, the defense fell apart after the loss to Alabama last year and ended up surrendering 31.3 PPG.
Therefore, Mason has brought in a new DC in Jason Tarver, who has spent the past 16 years as an NFL assistant, including a stint as the Oakland Raiders’ DC from ’12-14. Andy Ludwig remains the OC and the new special-teams coach is Shawn Mennenga, who was a special-teams assistant for the Cleveland Browns the past seven years.
Vandy’s season win total is 4.5 (‘over’ -120, ‘under’ -110) at Sportsbook.ag. The offshore website has the odds for the Commodores to win the SEC at 500/1. They are one-point home underdogs in their regular-season finale against the Vols in the Westgate’s Games of the Year.
The non-conference slate includes three home games vs. Middle Tennessee, Nevada and Tennessee State, in addition to a road assignment at Notre Dame. The games versus the SEC West are at home vs. Ole Miss and at Arkansas, which is an excellent draw. Mason’s team has an extra week to prepare for a Nov. 10 home game vs. Missouri, while Kentucky gets two weeks to prep for the ‘Dores in Lexington on Oct. 20.
I’m confident in four wins for Vandy. Those games are at home vs. Middle Tennessee, Nevada, Tennesee State and Tennessee. I see six losses, but the only definitive ones are at Notre Dame, at Georgia and at Missouri. I have Mason’s squad falling at home to South Carolina and Florida and at Kentucky, but it probably won’t be a double-digit underdog in any of those spots.
That leaves two swing games that’ll dictate a postseason invite and/or Mason’s future in NashVegas. Those consist of an Oct. 27 trip to Fayetteville to face Arkansas and a home date vs. Ole Miss on Nov. 17.
**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**
-- I think Mason needs to win six games to retain his job. A 5-7 might be acceptable if it includes embarrassing UT for a third straight year and there are some gut-wrenching losses in the equation. In other words, he can’t get beat in blowout fashion four weeks in a row like he did last season.
-- Vandy finished last year minus five in the turnover department. If the ‘Dores can get to plus five this year, they’ll win at least six games.
-- Mason owns a 9-6 spread record in 15 games as a home underdog.
-- Mason is 4-8 ATS as a home favorite. The Commodores are likely to be home ‘chalk’ in at least three games and possibly four (UT being the fourth).
-- I’m going to call for a 5-7 campaign for Vandy. I do think it’ll be a competitive 5-7, however, and I’m not necessarily calling for a change of the head coach. Also, as this space has repeatedly noted for well over a decade when it comes to season win totals, I don’t make a play unless I have a 1.5-game cushion in terms of confidence. In other words, I would only bet Vandy ‘over’ 4.5 wins if I had it pegged for at least six regular-season wins. Likewise, I wouldn’t take ‘under’ 4.5 unless I was convinced it would be a 3-win season or worse.
Handicapping Nebraska (5.5)
July 19, 2018
There is finally some optimism at Nebraska, as Scott Frost takes over as head coach for the 2018 season. The Cornhuskers have been a major disappointment in recent seasons, as they have not won a Big Ten division title since 2012.
It may take some time for Frost to get his system in place and to get the players he wants, but the future looks bright for Big Red. The question is how fast everything comes together for Frost.
Let’s look at Nebraska’s win total for 2018 and their schedule to see if they will go over or under their win total of 5.5.
2018 Nebraska Cornhuskers Regular Season Win Total Odds
Over 5.5 (-105)
Under 5.5 (-125)
2018 Nebraska Cornhuskers Schedule Analysis
Sept. 1 vs. Akron
The Scott Frost era should start off with a win, as the Zips don’t look to be capable of winning on the road against a Big Ten team.
Sept. 8 vs. Colorado
This is another favorable matchup for the Cornhuskers, as Colorado has done nothing but lose in the Pac-12 in recent seasons. There is a good chance the Cornhuskers will start the season 2-0.
Sept. 15 vs. Troy
At first glance this should be a win for the Cornhuskers, but this is a dangerous game, as the Trojans are 21-5 the last two seasons under Neal Brown. Keep in mind Troy went into Baton Rouge and beat LSU last year.
Sept. 22 at Michigan
The fun ends for Nebraska this week, as Frost gets his first road game. It is hard to see Nebraska winning this one on the road, especially if the Wolverines have Shea Patterson at quarterback.
Sept. 29 vs. Purdue
The Cornhuskers simply have to win this one if they want to go bowling this season. The Boilermakers are respectable under Jeff Brohm, but they are not an elite team.
Oct. 6 at Wisconsin
It is hard to believe that Frost will have his team ready to win a game like this one in his first year. The Badgers have owned the Cornhuskers, winning six of the last seven meetings. Nebraska has lost in Madison by an average score of 43-19.
Oct. 13 at Northwestern
The Wildcats are a good team under Pat Fitzgerald and the Cornhuskers will be road dogs. The Cornhuskers best hope is that Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson doesn’t play.
Oct. 20 vs. Minnesota
This is a must-win game for Frost and the Cornhuskers. The last time these two met it was a 33-point win for the Gophers. That is simply unacceptable in Nebraska, as the Cornhuskers should never be losing to Minnesota.
Nov. 3 at Ohio State
There is no real chance for the Cornhuskers to win this one in Columbus. It has been so bad for Nebraska against Ohio State recently that the Buckeyes have won by an average score of 60-18.
Nov. 10 vs. Illinois
There are some winnable games for Nebraska this season and this is another of them. This is a game the Huskers should win to give them hopes of playing in a bowl.
Nov. 17 vs. Michigan State
The Cornhuskers always seem to play the Spartans tough and this game is at home and Nebraska has a shot. They played a 39-38 thriller the last time they met with Big Red getting the win.
Nov. 23 at Iowa
A bowl game might come down to winning at Iowa for Nebraska. The Cornhuskers want revenge for last year’s 56-14 humiliation. The Hawkeyes will be home favorites, but Nebraska is not without a chance to win this one.
Nebraska Cornhuskers 2018 Regular Season Win Total Prediction
The schedule for Nebraska this season looks to be favorable, as there are a number of games they should win, some they will lose and a couple of toss-ups. If Nebraska does what they are supposed to do then they will go 6-6 and make a bowl game in the first season under Frost.
Nebraska can’t afford to slip up and lose any of their six winnable home games or else they will need to steal a game against Michigan State or Iowa to get to six wins.
July 19, 2018
There is finally some optimism at Nebraska, as Scott Frost takes over as head coach for the 2018 season. The Cornhuskers have been a major disappointment in recent seasons, as they have not won a Big Ten division title since 2012.
It may take some time for Frost to get his system in place and to get the players he wants, but the future looks bright for Big Red. The question is how fast everything comes together for Frost.
Let’s look at Nebraska’s win total for 2018 and their schedule to see if they will go over or under their win total of 5.5.
2018 Nebraska Cornhuskers Regular Season Win Total Odds
Over 5.5 (-105)
Under 5.5 (-125)
2018 Nebraska Cornhuskers Schedule Analysis
Sept. 1 vs. Akron
The Scott Frost era should start off with a win, as the Zips don’t look to be capable of winning on the road against a Big Ten team.
Sept. 8 vs. Colorado
This is another favorable matchup for the Cornhuskers, as Colorado has done nothing but lose in the Pac-12 in recent seasons. There is a good chance the Cornhuskers will start the season 2-0.
Sept. 15 vs. Troy
At first glance this should be a win for the Cornhuskers, but this is a dangerous game, as the Trojans are 21-5 the last two seasons under Neal Brown. Keep in mind Troy went into Baton Rouge and beat LSU last year.
Sept. 22 at Michigan
The fun ends for Nebraska this week, as Frost gets his first road game. It is hard to see Nebraska winning this one on the road, especially if the Wolverines have Shea Patterson at quarterback.
Sept. 29 vs. Purdue
The Cornhuskers simply have to win this one if they want to go bowling this season. The Boilermakers are respectable under Jeff Brohm, but they are not an elite team.
Oct. 6 at Wisconsin
It is hard to believe that Frost will have his team ready to win a game like this one in his first year. The Badgers have owned the Cornhuskers, winning six of the last seven meetings. Nebraska has lost in Madison by an average score of 43-19.
Oct. 13 at Northwestern
The Wildcats are a good team under Pat Fitzgerald and the Cornhuskers will be road dogs. The Cornhuskers best hope is that Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson doesn’t play.
Oct. 20 vs. Minnesota
This is a must-win game for Frost and the Cornhuskers. The last time these two met it was a 33-point win for the Gophers. That is simply unacceptable in Nebraska, as the Cornhuskers should never be losing to Minnesota.
Nov. 3 at Ohio State
There is no real chance for the Cornhuskers to win this one in Columbus. It has been so bad for Nebraska against Ohio State recently that the Buckeyes have won by an average score of 60-18.
Nov. 10 vs. Illinois
There are some winnable games for Nebraska this season and this is another of them. This is a game the Huskers should win to give them hopes of playing in a bowl.
Nov. 17 vs. Michigan State
The Cornhuskers always seem to play the Spartans tough and this game is at home and Nebraska has a shot. They played a 39-38 thriller the last time they met with Big Red getting the win.
Nov. 23 at Iowa
A bowl game might come down to winning at Iowa for Nebraska. The Cornhuskers want revenge for last year’s 56-14 humiliation. The Hawkeyes will be home favorites, but Nebraska is not without a chance to win this one.
Nebraska Cornhuskers 2018 Regular Season Win Total Prediction
The schedule for Nebraska this season looks to be favorable, as there are a number of games they should win, some they will lose and a couple of toss-ups. If Nebraska does what they are supposed to do then they will go 6-6 and make a bowl game in the first season under Frost.
Nebraska can’t afford to slip up and lose any of their six winnable home games or else they will need to steal a game against Michigan State or Iowa to get to six wins.
Malzahn to preview Auburn's outlook
July 19, 2018
ATLANTA (AP) Gus Malzahn's Auburn Tigers are coming off an interesting 2017 season, enjoying the highs of wins over eventual SEC champion Georgia and national champion Alabama before losing to the Bulldogs in the SEC championship game.
Auburn also lost to Central Florida in the Peach Bowl to finish their season.
Malzahn returns 14 starters, including quarterback Jarrett Stidham, and will discuss the Tigers' outlook on the final day of the SEC Media Days on Thursday.
Auburn finished 10-4 overall and 7-1 in the SEC last season and will return to Atlanta on Sept. 2 to open their season against Washington.
Also scheduled to speak on Thursday will be Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason and South Carolina coach Will Muschamp.
July 19, 2018
ATLANTA (AP) Gus Malzahn's Auburn Tigers are coming off an interesting 2017 season, enjoying the highs of wins over eventual SEC champion Georgia and national champion Alabama before losing to the Bulldogs in the SEC championship game.
Auburn also lost to Central Florida in the Peach Bowl to finish their season.
Malzahn returns 14 starters, including quarterback Jarrett Stidham, and will discuss the Tigers' outlook on the final day of the SEC Media Days on Thursday.
Auburn finished 10-4 overall and 7-1 in the SEC last season and will return to Atlanta on Sept. 2 to open their season against Washington.
Also scheduled to speak on Thursday will be Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason and South Carolina coach Will Muschamp.
The Latest: Malzahn says Auburn is hungry to take next step
July 19, 2018
ATLANTA (AP) The Latest on SEC Media Days (all times local):
11 a.m.
Derek Mason is enjoying his new life as Vanderbilt's coach.
''Head coach only,'' he said for clarification.
Though Mason actually is entering his fifth season with the Commodores, he is dropping the additional duties of defensive coordinator. Mason hired good friend Jason Tarver, a former NFL assistant with the Raiders and 49ers, to lead the defense after serving as his own coordinator the last three years.
Mason says shedding the extra title allows him to focus on ''being head coach and CEO.''
Vanderbilt finished only 5-7 overall and 1-7 in the SEC last season. Even so, offered an optimistic outlook for his team. He says ''I believe it is our time.''
Mason says Kyle Shurmur is ''one of the most dynamic and underrated quarterbacks'' in the league and a reason the Commodores should improve this season.
---
9:52 a.m.
Gus Malzahn says his Auburn Tigers are motivated to take the next step after coming so close to their championship goals last season.
Auburn took regular-season wins over Alabama and Georgia when each team was ranked No. 1 last season. The Tigers won the Southeastern Conference's Western Division before losing to Georgia in the SEC championship game - costing them a shot to compete in the College Football Playoff.
Malzahn says at SEC Media Days his Tigers will be ''a hungry team trying to take that next step.''
Auburn will return to Atlanta to open its season against Washington on Sept. 1. Malzahn says the game will be ''a good measuring stick for where this team is.''
The Tigers are expected to have a strong offense led by quarterback Jarrett Stidham and running back Kam Martin.
---
2:27 a.m.
Gus Malzahn's Auburn Tigers are coming off an interesting 2017 season, enjoying the highs of wins over eventual SEC champion Georgia and national champion Alabama before losing to the Bulldogs in the SEC championship game.
Auburn also lost to Central Florida in the Peach Bowl to finish their season.
Malzahn returns 14 starters, including quarterback Jarrett Stidham, and will discuss the Tigers' outlook on the final day of the SEC Media Days on Thursday.
Auburn finished 10-4 overall and 7-1 in the SEC last season and will return to Atlanta on Sept. 2 to open their season against Washington.
Also scheduled to speak on Thursday will be Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason and South Carolina coach Will Muschamp.
July 19, 2018
ATLANTA (AP) The Latest on SEC Media Days (all times local):
11 a.m.
Derek Mason is enjoying his new life as Vanderbilt's coach.
''Head coach only,'' he said for clarification.
Though Mason actually is entering his fifth season with the Commodores, he is dropping the additional duties of defensive coordinator. Mason hired good friend Jason Tarver, a former NFL assistant with the Raiders and 49ers, to lead the defense after serving as his own coordinator the last three years.
Mason says shedding the extra title allows him to focus on ''being head coach and CEO.''
Vanderbilt finished only 5-7 overall and 1-7 in the SEC last season. Even so, offered an optimistic outlook for his team. He says ''I believe it is our time.''
Mason says Kyle Shurmur is ''one of the most dynamic and underrated quarterbacks'' in the league and a reason the Commodores should improve this season.
---
9:52 a.m.
Gus Malzahn says his Auburn Tigers are motivated to take the next step after coming so close to their championship goals last season.
Auburn took regular-season wins over Alabama and Georgia when each team was ranked No. 1 last season. The Tigers won the Southeastern Conference's Western Division before losing to Georgia in the SEC championship game - costing them a shot to compete in the College Football Playoff.
Malzahn says at SEC Media Days his Tigers will be ''a hungry team trying to take that next step.''
Auburn will return to Atlanta to open its season against Washington on Sept. 1. Malzahn says the game will be ''a good measuring stick for where this team is.''
The Tigers are expected to have a strong offense led by quarterback Jarrett Stidham and running back Kam Martin.
---
2:27 a.m.
Gus Malzahn's Auburn Tigers are coming off an interesting 2017 season, enjoying the highs of wins over eventual SEC champion Georgia and national champion Alabama before losing to the Bulldogs in the SEC championship game.
Auburn also lost to Central Florida in the Peach Bowl to finish their season.
Malzahn returns 14 starters, including quarterback Jarrett Stidham, and will discuss the Tigers' outlook on the final day of the SEC Media Days on Thursday.
Auburn finished 10-4 overall and 7-1 in the SEC last season and will return to Atlanta on Sept. 2 to open their season against Washington.
Also scheduled to speak on Thursday will be Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason and South Carolina coach Will Muschamp.
Clemson takes center stage on Day 2
July 19, 2018
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Clemson Tigers will take center stage Thursday as the Atlantic Coast Conference turns its attention the Atlantic Division at the preseason media days.
The Tigers are 40-4 over the past three seasons, winning three straight conference titles under coach Dabo Swinney.
The biggest question mark for the Tigers is who'll handle the quarterback duties this year - incumbent Kelly Bryant or Trevor Lawrence, widely considered the No. 1 overall recruit in 2018.
North Carolina State, which finished 6-2 in the conference last season, is expected to provide the biggest competition for the Tigers.
Wake Forest, Boston College and Louisville all finished 4-4 in conference play last year, while Florida State was 3-5. Syracuse was 2-6, although the Orange did upset Clemson 27-24 at the Carrier Dome.
July 19, 2018
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Clemson Tigers will take center stage Thursday as the Atlantic Coast Conference turns its attention the Atlantic Division at the preseason media days.
The Tigers are 40-4 over the past three seasons, winning three straight conference titles under coach Dabo Swinney.
The biggest question mark for the Tigers is who'll handle the quarterback duties this year - incumbent Kelly Bryant or Trevor Lawrence, widely considered the No. 1 overall recruit in 2018.
North Carolina State, which finished 6-2 in the conference last season, is expected to provide the biggest competition for the Tigers.
Wake Forest, Boston College and Louisville all finished 4-4 in conference play last year, while Florida State was 3-5. Syracuse was 2-6, although the Orange did upset Clemson 27-24 at the Carrier Dome.
UNC reports secondary football violations
July 18, 2018
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) North Carolina has reported secondary violations to the NCAA within the football program involving multiple players.
In a statement Wednesday night, UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham says the NCAA has deemed the violations to be secondary in severity and that the school has ''taken appropriate disciplinary action.'' The statement didn't specify the nature of that action or the violations.
Team spokesman Bobby Hundley said the violations involve multiple players, but wouldn't specify a number. When asked about possible suspensions, Hundley said ''specifics have not been finalized'' and didn't elaborate further.
WRAL TV in Raleigh first reported that the school has self-reported the violations to the NCAA, citing anonymous sources.
''We have high expectations of all of our students, coaches and staff, and we expect everyone to abide by and embrace team and NCAA rules,'' Cunningham said in the statement. ''We are disappointed when we fall short, and we always strive to get better.''
That statement came after coach Larry Fedora, defensive tackle Aaron Crawford and receiver Anthony Ratliff-Williams appeared at the Atlantic Coast Conference's preseason media days in Charlotte earlier in the afternoon. Fedora didn't reference the violations, though he caused a stir when he said he doesn't believe it's been proven that football causes the degenerative brain disease CTE and offered a passionate defense of a sport he believes is ''under attack.''
While this case involves secondary violations regarded as less severe, it comes less than a year after UNC finally emerged from a long stretch of serious NCAA issues after spending a large chunk of Cunningham's tenure dealing with top-level NCAA charges.
First there was an investigation into the football program in 2010 for improper benefits and academic misconduct. That case - which led to Cunningham's arrival from Tulsa in November 2011 - ended when the NCAA issued sanctions in March 2012 that included a one-year postseason ban and scholarship reductions.
But that case led to the discovery of an even bigger concern: years of irregular courses in the formerly named African and Afro-American Studies department featuring significant athlete enrollments across numerous sports. That prompted questions from UNC's accreditation agency as well as a reopened NCAA investigation, which ultimately led to the NCAA charging UNC with five top-level violations that included lack of institutional control.
But after years of starts, stops and delays, that case reached a no-penalty conclusion in October when an NCAA infractions committee panel couldn't conclude there were violations because the school had argued the courses were legitimate and available to non-athletes, too
July 18, 2018
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) North Carolina has reported secondary violations to the NCAA within the football program involving multiple players.
In a statement Wednesday night, UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham says the NCAA has deemed the violations to be secondary in severity and that the school has ''taken appropriate disciplinary action.'' The statement didn't specify the nature of that action or the violations.
Team spokesman Bobby Hundley said the violations involve multiple players, but wouldn't specify a number. When asked about possible suspensions, Hundley said ''specifics have not been finalized'' and didn't elaborate further.
WRAL TV in Raleigh first reported that the school has self-reported the violations to the NCAA, citing anonymous sources.
''We have high expectations of all of our students, coaches and staff, and we expect everyone to abide by and embrace team and NCAA rules,'' Cunningham said in the statement. ''We are disappointed when we fall short, and we always strive to get better.''
That statement came after coach Larry Fedora, defensive tackle Aaron Crawford and receiver Anthony Ratliff-Williams appeared at the Atlantic Coast Conference's preseason media days in Charlotte earlier in the afternoon. Fedora didn't reference the violations, though he caused a stir when he said he doesn't believe it's been proven that football causes the degenerative brain disease CTE and offered a passionate defense of a sport he believes is ''under attack.''
While this case involves secondary violations regarded as less severe, it comes less than a year after UNC finally emerged from a long stretch of serious NCAA issues after spending a large chunk of Cunningham's tenure dealing with top-level NCAA charges.
First there was an investigation into the football program in 2010 for improper benefits and academic misconduct. That case - which led to Cunningham's arrival from Tulsa in November 2011 - ended when the NCAA issued sanctions in March 2012 that included a one-year postseason ban and scholarship reductions.
But that case led to the discovery of an even bigger concern: years of irregular courses in the formerly named African and Afro-American Studies department featuring significant athlete enrollments across numerous sports. That prompted questions from UNC's accreditation agency as well as a reopened NCAA investigation, which ultimately led to the NCAA charging UNC with five top-level violations that included lack of institutional control.
But after years of starts, stops and delays, that case reached a no-penalty conclusion in October when an NCAA infractions committee panel couldn't conclude there were violations because the school had argued the courses were legitimate and available to non-athletes, too
The Latest: Deacons look to young QBs while Hinton suspended
July 19, 2018
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Latest on the Atlantic Coast Conference's preseason media days (all times local):
1:15 p.m.
North Carolina State quarterback Ryan Finley says he passed up a chance to turn professional because he wanted one more season of college football.
Finley calls the college football experience ''special'' and adds that he ''wasn't ready to let that go.''
The former Boise State transfer says his close relationship with his teammates was a big reason for his return. He says it helps he has ''the best trio of wide receivers in the nation'' in Kelvin Harmon, Jakobi Meyers, and Stephen Louis on his side.
Finley is the most experienced quarterback in the ACC Atlantic Division with 26 career starts.
Now that he's back, Finley says his goal is to win a conference championship. He believes NC State has a good chance to build on its 52-31 bowl victory over Arizona State.
---
11:50 a.m.
Syracuse had one of the fastest-paced offenses in the country last season, averaging a play every 21 seconds. Quarterback Eric Dungey says the Orange want to be even faster.
Dungey was speaking at the ACC Kickoff preseason media days. He says coach Dino Babers continues to tell the team ''it's not fast enough; we're trying to go even faster.''
Now a senior and more comfortable than ever in the offense, Dungey thinks the offense has the potential to improve its pace and production with him under center, saying ''everything has slowed down so much for me.''
Syracuse finished 4-8 last season, although it stunned national power Clemson and was competitive in most games.
The Orange returns its most experienced offensive line they've had since Babers has been there. But the biggest challenge will be replacing standout wide receiver Steve Ishmael. He was second among FBS wide receivers with 105 receptions and third in yards receiving with 1,347 yards.
---
11:20 a.m.
League commissioner John Swofford says ''we have to respect the science'' when it comes to the connection between football and the degenerative brain disease CTE.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Swofford says ''football's not alone'' in concerns over concussions in sports. But he says ''football by its very nature is going to be looked at first.''
Swofford says it's important to be willing to consider adjustments to improve player safety, whether it deals with rules, practice or equipment. He says: ''If we're not looking at it that way, I think we've got our heads in the sand.''
Swofford was asked about CTE after North Carolina coach Larry Fedora caused a stir Wednesday by saying he doesn't believe football causes CTE and believes the sport is ''under attack.''
---
10:30 a.m.
Florida State running back Cam Akers is thrilled about playing in new coach Willie Taggart's up-tempo, no-huddle spread offense this season.
As a freshman last season, Akers averaged 5.3 yards a carry and ran for more than 1,000 yards rushing to go with seven touchdowns. He says the new offense allows him to run in more space with more seams, which should translate into more opportunities to break big plays.
Defensive end Brian Burns describes Akers as a ''monster'' in the weight room and on the field and expects him to have a huge season.
Florida State announced in December that Taggart, who served as offensive coordinator at Oregon, would replace Jimbo Fisher as coach. Burns says Taggart has brought a ''no excuses'' attitude to the team and has been holding players accountable for their actions.
The Seminoles were last in the league in offense last season and Taggart is looking forward to ''changing that narrative'' and winning multiple championships.
----
9:50 a.m.
Wake Forest coach Dave Clawson says he hasn't decided whether sophomore Jamie Newman or true freshman Sam Hartman will start the season at quarterback while redshirt junior Kendall Hinton is serving a three-game suspension for violating team rules.
Newman has attempted four passes in college, while Hartman will be in uniform for the first time.
The Demon Deacons are looking to replace John Wolford, who graduated following a breakout senior season in which he helped Wake Forest win eight games and capture its second straight bowl win in as many years.
Clawson has called Hinton a ''very dynamic, elusive athlete'' and believes he can help the team once he returns to the field following his suspension.
---
2:25 a.m.
The Clemson Tigers will take center stage Thursday as the Atlantic Coast Conference turns its attention the Atlantic Division at the preseason media days.
The Tigers are 40-4 over the past three seasons, winning three straight conference titles under coach Dabo Swinney.
The biggest question mark for the Tigers is who'll handle the quarterback duties this year - incumbent Kelly Bryant or Trevor Lawrence, widely considered the No. 1 overall recruit in 2018.
North Carolina State, which finished 6-2 in the conference last season, is expected to provide the biggest competition for the Tigers.
Wake Forest, Boston College and Louisville all finished 4-4 in conference play last year, while Florida State was 3-5. Syracuse was 2-6, although the Orange did upset Clemson 27-24 at the Carrier Dome.
July 19, 2018
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Latest on the Atlantic Coast Conference's preseason media days (all times local):
1:15 p.m.
North Carolina State quarterback Ryan Finley says he passed up a chance to turn professional because he wanted one more season of college football.
Finley calls the college football experience ''special'' and adds that he ''wasn't ready to let that go.''
The former Boise State transfer says his close relationship with his teammates was a big reason for his return. He says it helps he has ''the best trio of wide receivers in the nation'' in Kelvin Harmon, Jakobi Meyers, and Stephen Louis on his side.
Finley is the most experienced quarterback in the ACC Atlantic Division with 26 career starts.
Now that he's back, Finley says his goal is to win a conference championship. He believes NC State has a good chance to build on its 52-31 bowl victory over Arizona State.
---
11:50 a.m.
Syracuse had one of the fastest-paced offenses in the country last season, averaging a play every 21 seconds. Quarterback Eric Dungey says the Orange want to be even faster.
Dungey was speaking at the ACC Kickoff preseason media days. He says coach Dino Babers continues to tell the team ''it's not fast enough; we're trying to go even faster.''
Now a senior and more comfortable than ever in the offense, Dungey thinks the offense has the potential to improve its pace and production with him under center, saying ''everything has slowed down so much for me.''
Syracuse finished 4-8 last season, although it stunned national power Clemson and was competitive in most games.
The Orange returns its most experienced offensive line they've had since Babers has been there. But the biggest challenge will be replacing standout wide receiver Steve Ishmael. He was second among FBS wide receivers with 105 receptions and third in yards receiving with 1,347 yards.
---
11:20 a.m.
League commissioner John Swofford says ''we have to respect the science'' when it comes to the connection between football and the degenerative brain disease CTE.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Swofford says ''football's not alone'' in concerns over concussions in sports. But he says ''football by its very nature is going to be looked at first.''
Swofford says it's important to be willing to consider adjustments to improve player safety, whether it deals with rules, practice or equipment. He says: ''If we're not looking at it that way, I think we've got our heads in the sand.''
Swofford was asked about CTE after North Carolina coach Larry Fedora caused a stir Wednesday by saying he doesn't believe football causes CTE and believes the sport is ''under attack.''
---
10:30 a.m.
Florida State running back Cam Akers is thrilled about playing in new coach Willie Taggart's up-tempo, no-huddle spread offense this season.
As a freshman last season, Akers averaged 5.3 yards a carry and ran for more than 1,000 yards rushing to go with seven touchdowns. He says the new offense allows him to run in more space with more seams, which should translate into more opportunities to break big plays.
Defensive end Brian Burns describes Akers as a ''monster'' in the weight room and on the field and expects him to have a huge season.
Florida State announced in December that Taggart, who served as offensive coordinator at Oregon, would replace Jimbo Fisher as coach. Burns says Taggart has brought a ''no excuses'' attitude to the team and has been holding players accountable for their actions.
The Seminoles were last in the league in offense last season and Taggart is looking forward to ''changing that narrative'' and winning multiple championships.
----
9:50 a.m.
Wake Forest coach Dave Clawson says he hasn't decided whether sophomore Jamie Newman or true freshman Sam Hartman will start the season at quarterback while redshirt junior Kendall Hinton is serving a three-game suspension for violating team rules.
Newman has attempted four passes in college, while Hartman will be in uniform for the first time.
The Demon Deacons are looking to replace John Wolford, who graduated following a breakout senior season in which he helped Wake Forest win eight games and capture its second straight bowl win in as many years.
Clawson has called Hinton a ''very dynamic, elusive athlete'' and believes he can help the team once he returns to the field following his suspension.
---
2:25 a.m.
The Clemson Tigers will take center stage Thursday as the Atlantic Coast Conference turns its attention the Atlantic Division at the preseason media days.
The Tigers are 40-4 over the past three seasons, winning three straight conference titles under coach Dabo Swinney.
The biggest question mark for the Tigers is who'll handle the quarterback duties this year - incumbent Kelly Bryant or Trevor Lawrence, widely considered the No. 1 overall recruit in 2018.
North Carolina State, which finished 6-2 in the conference last season, is expected to provide the biggest competition for the Tigers.
Wake Forest, Boston College and Louisville all finished 4-4 in conference play last year, while Florida State was 3-5. Syracuse was 2-6, although the Orange did upset Clemson 27-24 at the Carrier Dome.
Saban unsure Hurts will stay at Bama
July 18, 2018
Alabama coach Nick Saban said he isn't sure whether Jalen Hurts, the Crimson Tide's starting quarterback last season, will be on roster for the opener against Louisville on Sept. 1.
Saban benched Hurts in favor of freshman Tua Tagovailoa at halftime of the national championship game and Tagovailoa threw three touchdown passes to rally the Tide from a 13-0 deficit to a 26-23 victory over Georgia in overtime.
"I have no idea," Saban said when asked about Hurts' future. "I expect him to be there."
Neither Hurts nor Tagovailoa was declared the starter for this season after spring practice, and Saban said the matter will be resolved in fall camp.
Saban has hinted that Hurts and Tagovailoa might share playing time.
There has been speculation that Hurts would transfer if he is not the starter.
Hurts, who enrolled early at Alabama as a freshman, is set to graduate in December and would be able to transfer to another school without having to sit out a year to regain eligibility.
--Ohio State wide receivers coach Zach Smith appeared in Delaware (Ohio) Municipal Court on a trespassing charge, and the case was continued for a final pretrial hearing, Smith's attorney Bradley Koffel told The Columbus Dispatch.
Smith was arrested on May 12 and charged with one count of criminal trespassing and pleaded not guilty at a previous hearing on June 5, according to court records.
The arrest record obtained by media outlets states that police were dispatched to the home of Courtney Carano Smith, Zach Smith's ex-wife, in Powell, Ohio, around 8 p.m. on May 12.
The report indicates that there was no forced entry and no suspected use of alcohol or drugs.
Smith reportedly admitted to driving his car into the driveway of his ex-wife's apartment after being told in 2017 that returning to his wife's residence could result in a charge of criminal trespass.
Koffel said Smith was simply dropping off his son after spending the day with him.
The 34-year-old Smith, who also is the Buckeyes' recruiting coordinator, is the grandson of former Ohio State head coach Earle Bruce.
--Head coach Larry Fedora of North Carolina is under fire for doubting a link between football and chronic traumatic encephalopathy at Wednesday's ACC Kickoff event.
Fedora said he believes some people are using the data in hopes of destroying the game.
"I'm not sure that anything is proven that football, itself, causes (CTE)," Fedora told reporters. "My understanding is that repeated blows to the head cause it, so I'm assuming that every sport we have, football included, could be a problem with that as long as you've got any kind of contact.
"That doesn't diminish the fact that the game is still safer than it's ever been because we continue to tweak the game to try to make it safer for our players."
Fedora later backtracked slightly, adding that football is not alone in dealing with head injuries, and claiming the game is currently safer than ever before.
When pressed about whether or not he agrees that there is a correlation between football participation and CTE, Fedora said he believes some studies and not others.
Fedora said some people, without naming them, routinely use data on CTE to suggest the risk of playing football is too high.
Numerous organizations, including the NFL, have acknowledged there is a connection between concussions sustained while playing football and the development of CTE, which can result in brain abnormalities and depression.
Fedora said he is not familiar with the NFL's evaluation of a link between football and CTE, but said players should understand the risks and make their own decisions.
July 18, 2018
Alabama coach Nick Saban said he isn't sure whether Jalen Hurts, the Crimson Tide's starting quarterback last season, will be on roster for the opener against Louisville on Sept. 1.
Saban benched Hurts in favor of freshman Tua Tagovailoa at halftime of the national championship game and Tagovailoa threw three touchdown passes to rally the Tide from a 13-0 deficit to a 26-23 victory over Georgia in overtime.
"I have no idea," Saban said when asked about Hurts' future. "I expect him to be there."
Neither Hurts nor Tagovailoa was declared the starter for this season after spring practice, and Saban said the matter will be resolved in fall camp.
Saban has hinted that Hurts and Tagovailoa might share playing time.
There has been speculation that Hurts would transfer if he is not the starter.
Hurts, who enrolled early at Alabama as a freshman, is set to graduate in December and would be able to transfer to another school without having to sit out a year to regain eligibility.
--Ohio State wide receivers coach Zach Smith appeared in Delaware (Ohio) Municipal Court on a trespassing charge, and the case was continued for a final pretrial hearing, Smith's attorney Bradley Koffel told The Columbus Dispatch.
Smith was arrested on May 12 and charged with one count of criminal trespassing and pleaded not guilty at a previous hearing on June 5, according to court records.
The arrest record obtained by media outlets states that police were dispatched to the home of Courtney Carano Smith, Zach Smith's ex-wife, in Powell, Ohio, around 8 p.m. on May 12.
The report indicates that there was no forced entry and no suspected use of alcohol or drugs.
Smith reportedly admitted to driving his car into the driveway of his ex-wife's apartment after being told in 2017 that returning to his wife's residence could result in a charge of criminal trespass.
Koffel said Smith was simply dropping off his son after spending the day with him.
The 34-year-old Smith, who also is the Buckeyes' recruiting coordinator, is the grandson of former Ohio State head coach Earle Bruce.
--Head coach Larry Fedora of North Carolina is under fire for doubting a link between football and chronic traumatic encephalopathy at Wednesday's ACC Kickoff event.
Fedora said he believes some people are using the data in hopes of destroying the game.
"I'm not sure that anything is proven that football, itself, causes (CTE)," Fedora told reporters. "My understanding is that repeated blows to the head cause it, so I'm assuming that every sport we have, football included, could be a problem with that as long as you've got any kind of contact.
"That doesn't diminish the fact that the game is still safer than it's ever been because we continue to tweak the game to try to make it safer for our players."
Fedora later backtracked slightly, adding that football is not alone in dealing with head injuries, and claiming the game is currently safer than ever before.
When pressed about whether or not he agrees that there is a correlation between football participation and CTE, Fedora said he believes some studies and not others.
Fedora said some people, without naming them, routinely use data on CTE to suggest the risk of playing football is too high.
Numerous organizations, including the NFL, have acknowledged there is a connection between concussions sustained while playing football and the development of CTE, which can result in brain abnormalities and depression.
Fedora said he is not familiar with the NFL's evaluation of a link between football and CTE, but said players should understand the risks and make their own decisions.
2018 Mountain West Preview
July 23, 2018
2018 Mountain West Conference Football Betting Preview
Can You Spell Defense?
Forget the ‘The Wall” that our self-proclaimed genius president is insistent on building. All we need instead is a blueprint of the top defenses residing in the Mountain West Conference these days.
The strength of the Mountain West Conference last year was its defense. That’s’ confirmed by the fact that no less than three teams finished the season ranked in the Top 25 in overall defense: #11 San Diego State (314.5), #22 Boise State (332.6) and #23 Wyoming (335.2).
20 For 20
As the Mountain West Conference begins its 20th football season this year it’s worth noting that have more than held their own in games outside the conference. And a stellar 52-38-1 ATS mark as dogs of 20-plus points since its inception, including 12-7 ATS in season opening games likely sets the table for Utah State, and the loop, this season.
Bowling For Dollars
Speaking of non-conference clashes, the MWC has more than held its own in bowl games, going 49-41 SU all-time.
More important, they stand 12-3 ATS all-time as bowl dogs of 6 or more points, with Boise State taking down Oregon, 39-28, as 7-point pups in last year’s Las Vegas Bowl.
Note: The numbers following each team name represents the amount of returning starters on offense and defense, along with the number of returning linemen, with an asterisk (*) designating a returning quarterback.
AIR FORCE (Offense - *5/1 Defense - 6/2, 52 Lettermen)
TEAM THEME: MISSION PROBABLE
Rest assured, Air Force HC Troy Calhoun did not like staying home for the holidays last year. When the Falcons concluded a dismal 5-7 effort last season, after going 10-3 in 2016, it marked only the second time in 11 seasons that Calhoun’s flyboys failed to earn their bowl stripes. And for what it’s worth, AFA stormed back the next year after failing to land a bowl bid to go 10-3 the following campaign. This is what “mission teams” do, especially of the military variety. Calhoun has averaged 7.5 wins per season with the Academy and with starting QB Arion Worthman back, expect the same to hold true this year. Worthman, 10-6 as a starter, rushed for 935 yards last season and holds the keys to the cockpit.
STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Falcons are 2-14 ATS in games after facing Army and Navy since 2010.
PLAY ON: vs. Navy (10/6)
BOISE STATE (Offense - *6/3, Defense - 10/4, 48 Lettermen)
TEAM THEME: STRIVE FOR FIVE
As we pointed out last year, you have to go back to 1998 to find the last time a Boise State football team failed to win 8 games in a season. In fact, the most consistent Group of Five team in the nation has knocked of six of their last nine Power Five foes. Last season, though, was its first MWC title in three years and they won it behind an offense that slipped 67 YPG. SR QB Brett Rypien will have an array of wide receivers back (sans Cedrik Wilson) and the defense (which improved 57 YPG in 2017) is ridiculously talented and experienced. Tricky road tests at Troy and Oklahoma State in September should put them in better position to successfully defend their crown.
STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Broncos are 67-2 SU in games vs. .500 or less foes with Bryan Harsin on the sidelines (as OC 2006-2010 and since 2014).
PLAY AGAINST: vs. New Mexico (11/17)
COLORADO STATE (Offense - 4/1, Defense - 6/1, 42 Lettermen)
TEAM THEME: RAMPING IT BACK UP
Riding a 5-year bowl skein, including 3-for-3 under head coach Mike Bobo, the Rams must replace the 2nd most overall total starters (15) in the nation, including 7 from a potent offense that featured all MWC QB Nick Stevens as well as three all-conference offensive linemen. That’s because seniors accounted for a whopping 69.6% of all starts last season – tops in the nation. Together they’ve led an explosion in all three seasons under Bobo that has seen CSU’s offense rank in the Top 10 nationally in total yards, yards per game, yards per point, first downs, rushing yards, total points and points per game. Yeah, that was impressive. Losing four of their final 5 games, though, was not. This will be a pivotal year for the Rams with hopes lying heavily on new QB K.J. Carta-Samuels, a Washington Huskies transfer who spurned UCLA to come to Fort Collins.
STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Rams are 0-22 SU all-time versus ranked opponents.
PLAY ON: vs. Wyoming (10/17)
FRESNO STATE (Offense - *8/3, Defense - 7/0, 44 Lettermen)
TEAM THEME: WHAT GOES UP...
After falling from 11 wins to 11 losses in three years, Fresno State brought former Cal head coach Jeff Tedford in to receive the fallen program last season. What he accomplished was nothing short of astonishing when the Bulldogs won 10 games and captured MWC championship. Unfortunately, the bar now rises to a new level. And with it appears a bulls-eye on their back now bigger than Target. The good news is QB Marcus McMaryion, and most of his cast, are back on offense including WR KeeSean Johnson (the loop’s top wideout). Losses on the DL are devastating, though, with the top three linemen gone (accounted for 32 tackles for a loss and 16 sacks). Hopefully a stacked cast of LB’s and DB’s can fill the void. Still, a huge step backward appears inevitable.
STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Bulldogs suffered four losses last season by a TD or less.
PLAY ON: vs. UNLV (11/3)
HAWAII (Offense - 4/1 Defense - 5/1, 46 Lettermen)
TEAM THEME: FROM THE RIDICULOUS TO THE LUDICROUS
After winning 7 games behind a ridiculous “around the world” schedule in 2016, it appeared the Warriors were ready for a breakthrough season last year behind an experienced team. Instead they were devastated by injuries. Only two linemen started all 12 games. Their best WR tore his ACL. A banged up secondary allowed 70% completions and 39 PPG the first half of the season. After a 2-0 start they went 1-9 out. Making matters worse, this season head coach Nick Rolovich must replace his starting QB, RB, three of his four top WRs, his top 3 DL, his top 3 safeties and both return men. Not to mention his DC. Talk about turnovers. This year’s practice facility has been renamed the Sara Lee Factory.
STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Hawaii is 2-7 SU in Eastern Time zones since 1959, with losses by a combined margin of 286-30.
PLAY ON: vs. Wyoming (10/6)
NEVADA (Offense - *7/3 Defense - 9/2, 45 Lettermen)
TEAM THEME: TWO STEPPIN’
At first glance it appears Jay Norvell’s first Wolf Pack team took two steps back last season. Upon closer examination those two steps were more little stutter steps given the fact they started 0-5 but finished 3-4. Three of the nine losses were by a field goal or less and they took solace in denying state rival UNLV a bowl bid the final game of the campaign. With OC Hal Mumme Jr. and QB coach Timmy Chang the offense figures to open up more in 2018. Returning QB Ty Gangi completed 64% of his PASSes with a 151.6 PASSer rating the last 7 games of the season. And he’s got five of his top 6 wide receivers back. Step two resumes this year.
STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Last season was the first time in the last 20 years that Nevada allowed 500 rushing yards in a game (Air Force).
PLAY ON: vs. Air Force (9/29)
NEW MEXICO (Offense - 7/2, Defense - 9/4, 47 Lettermen)
TEAM THEME: A CHANGE IS ON THE WAY
It’s a shame that sexual allegations are hovering over the New Mexico football program. Bob Davie has done a masterful job of putting this team back on the map. Nonetheless, he was suspended for 30 days this spring but managed to retain his job. It’s difficult letting someone go that has brought respectability back to a program. FYI: The Lobos have been outscored 2.7 PPG under Davie. They had been outscored 26.0 PPG the three seasons prior to his arrival. After falling to 3 wins in 2017, Davie hit the JUCO circuit hard to compliment a delicately young roster. He’ll need to replace his staring QB, three of his top four RBs, the top two DL and the top 2 safeties. Stay tuned.
STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Lobos are 1-12 SU and 3-10 ATS in Game Eleven of the season since 2005.
PLAY ON: vs. Utah State (10/27)
SAN DIEGO STATE (Offense - *7/5, Defense - 7/2, 36 Lettermen)
TEAM THEME: DON’T KNOCK THE ROCK
Rocky Long’s secret to success is no secret at all. He loves to pound the ball down your throat and backs it up with a tough as nails defense. It’s resulted in 7 bowl trips in seven seasons (after the Aztecs had been bowlers just three times in 23 previous years). And on the heels of three consecutive double-digit winning seasons, Long is set to reap the reward of a youth movement last year. Consider: Freshmen and sophomores combined to make 46 offensive line starts. Underclassmen also made 39% of the tackles from last year’s 11th overall ranked defense. Sure, they lose 2,000-yard rusher Rashad Penny, but next-man-up Juwan Washington will likely be the program’s 3rd consecutive 2K running back. Because that’s what Rocky does.
STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Under Long SDSU is 20-15 SU and 12-16 ATS in the season’s first 5 games, and 41-10 SU and 32-15-2 ATS from Game 6 out.
PLAY ON: vs. Boise State (10/6)
SAN JOSE STATE (Offense - *8/2, Defense - 6/3, 44 Lettermen)
TEAM THEME: MORE GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS
First the good news: the Spartans have signed a Top-6 recruiting class each year since 2014. The bad news: they have gone 15-35 since, and a lot of those recruits have bailed. Fortunately a continued youth movement is ongoing and with it things can only get better for second-year head coach Brent Brennan. They can’t get much worse. Not when Brennan’s troops were ranked dead last in the nation in Fumbles Lost, Turnover Margin, and Time of Possession – as well as second-to-last in Red Zone Offense and Rush Defense. The starting QB, RBs and five WRs are all 3-star prospects, and last year’s freshmen found plenty of playing time last season. They figure to make strides this year. The question is will it be enough?
STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The SU ‘In The Stats’ winner in Spartans games is 44-6 SU the last four seasons.
PLAY AGAINST: at Wyoming (11/3) - *KEY
UNLV (Offense - *7/3, Defense - 7/2, 52 Lettermen)
TEAM THEME: 1-2-3
Safe to say head coach Tony Sanchez has the Rebels on the right path. His recruiting skills are surfacing and as a result, UNLV has improved one game per season in each of Sanchez’s three years with the school. He is on course to take his troops bowling for only the fifth time in the last four decades – if the ‘one step at a time’ pattern holds true this should be the year. And for naysayers, remember, John Robinson was only 28-42 here. QB Armani Rogers and mighty mite RBs Charles Williams and Lexington Thomas will operate behind a huge offensive line all with starting experience. If the defense can chip in behind new DC Tom Skipper, the Rebels could be partying in 2018.
STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Rebels have enjoyed just one winning season the last 17 years.
PASS
UTAH STATE (Offense - *9/5, Defense - 9/3, 52 Lettermen)
TEAM THEME: BEHIND THE 8-BALL
Since taking over the program in 2013, head coach David Wells has led the Aggies to four bowl games in his five year tenure. Two of those, however, were 6-win losing campaigns and with it the natives are growing restless. During that span, though, they have knocked off three Top 25 ranked opponents, one more than USU had overall prior to Wells’ arrival. In addition, the Aggies have rushed the ball for 2,000 yards nine straight seasons. (Prior to the streak they went 33 years without rushing for 2,000 yards.) And for what it’s worth, the 18 returning starters ties the 2007 squad for the most in school history. Rest assured, they will all be chomping at the bit in 2018.
STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Aggies own a 25-15 SU record in conference games under Wells. They were 24-42 SU the previous nine seasons.
PLAY ON: at Wyoming (10/20)
WYOMING (Offense - 9/4, Defense - 8/4, 50 Lettermen)
TEAM THEME: 52.6
How ironic is this? In 2016 the Cowboys won 8 games behind a squad that started the most underclassmen in the nation: 56.2%. Looking to capitalize on that youthful experience last year, Wyoming won 8 games behind a celebrated QB (Josh Allen) who completed 56.3% of his PASSes in 2017, and finished with a 56.2% career PASS completion rate. Looks as if Allen was a 56.2% QB if ever there was one. Fortunately, a defense that was among the most improved in the FBS last season (17 PPG and 118 YPG), one that masked an offense which backslid 13 PPG and 148 YPG, returns practically intact led by the best defensive player in the loop in S Andrew Wingard. Craig Bohl’s force-feeding of youngsters three seasons ago should pay dividends this season, even without 52.6 behind center.
STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Wyoming led all FBS teams in Turnover Margin and Turnovers Gained last season.
PASS
July 23, 2018
2018 Mountain West Conference Football Betting Preview
Can You Spell Defense?
Forget the ‘The Wall” that our self-proclaimed genius president is insistent on building. All we need instead is a blueprint of the top defenses residing in the Mountain West Conference these days.
The strength of the Mountain West Conference last year was its defense. That’s’ confirmed by the fact that no less than three teams finished the season ranked in the Top 25 in overall defense: #11 San Diego State (314.5), #22 Boise State (332.6) and #23 Wyoming (335.2).
20 For 20
As the Mountain West Conference begins its 20th football season this year it’s worth noting that have more than held their own in games outside the conference. And a stellar 52-38-1 ATS mark as dogs of 20-plus points since its inception, including 12-7 ATS in season opening games likely sets the table for Utah State, and the loop, this season.
Bowling For Dollars
Speaking of non-conference clashes, the MWC has more than held its own in bowl games, going 49-41 SU all-time.
More important, they stand 12-3 ATS all-time as bowl dogs of 6 or more points, with Boise State taking down Oregon, 39-28, as 7-point pups in last year’s Las Vegas Bowl.
Note: The numbers following each team name represents the amount of returning starters on offense and defense, along with the number of returning linemen, with an asterisk (*) designating a returning quarterback.
AIR FORCE (Offense - *5/1 Defense - 6/2, 52 Lettermen)
TEAM THEME: MISSION PROBABLE
Rest assured, Air Force HC Troy Calhoun did not like staying home for the holidays last year. When the Falcons concluded a dismal 5-7 effort last season, after going 10-3 in 2016, it marked only the second time in 11 seasons that Calhoun’s flyboys failed to earn their bowl stripes. And for what it’s worth, AFA stormed back the next year after failing to land a bowl bid to go 10-3 the following campaign. This is what “mission teams” do, especially of the military variety. Calhoun has averaged 7.5 wins per season with the Academy and with starting QB Arion Worthman back, expect the same to hold true this year. Worthman, 10-6 as a starter, rushed for 935 yards last season and holds the keys to the cockpit.
STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Falcons are 2-14 ATS in games after facing Army and Navy since 2010.
PLAY ON: vs. Navy (10/6)
BOISE STATE (Offense - *6/3, Defense - 10/4, 48 Lettermen)
TEAM THEME: STRIVE FOR FIVE
As we pointed out last year, you have to go back to 1998 to find the last time a Boise State football team failed to win 8 games in a season. In fact, the most consistent Group of Five team in the nation has knocked of six of their last nine Power Five foes. Last season, though, was its first MWC title in three years and they won it behind an offense that slipped 67 YPG. SR QB Brett Rypien will have an array of wide receivers back (sans Cedrik Wilson) and the defense (which improved 57 YPG in 2017) is ridiculously talented and experienced. Tricky road tests at Troy and Oklahoma State in September should put them in better position to successfully defend their crown.
STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Broncos are 67-2 SU in games vs. .500 or less foes with Bryan Harsin on the sidelines (as OC 2006-2010 and since 2014).
PLAY AGAINST: vs. New Mexico (11/17)
COLORADO STATE (Offense - 4/1, Defense - 6/1, 42 Lettermen)
TEAM THEME: RAMPING IT BACK UP
Riding a 5-year bowl skein, including 3-for-3 under head coach Mike Bobo, the Rams must replace the 2nd most overall total starters (15) in the nation, including 7 from a potent offense that featured all MWC QB Nick Stevens as well as three all-conference offensive linemen. That’s because seniors accounted for a whopping 69.6% of all starts last season – tops in the nation. Together they’ve led an explosion in all three seasons under Bobo that has seen CSU’s offense rank in the Top 10 nationally in total yards, yards per game, yards per point, first downs, rushing yards, total points and points per game. Yeah, that was impressive. Losing four of their final 5 games, though, was not. This will be a pivotal year for the Rams with hopes lying heavily on new QB K.J. Carta-Samuels, a Washington Huskies transfer who spurned UCLA to come to Fort Collins.
STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Rams are 0-22 SU all-time versus ranked opponents.
PLAY ON: vs. Wyoming (10/17)
FRESNO STATE (Offense - *8/3, Defense - 7/0, 44 Lettermen)
TEAM THEME: WHAT GOES UP...
After falling from 11 wins to 11 losses in three years, Fresno State brought former Cal head coach Jeff Tedford in to receive the fallen program last season. What he accomplished was nothing short of astonishing when the Bulldogs won 10 games and captured MWC championship. Unfortunately, the bar now rises to a new level. And with it appears a bulls-eye on their back now bigger than Target. The good news is QB Marcus McMaryion, and most of his cast, are back on offense including WR KeeSean Johnson (the loop’s top wideout). Losses on the DL are devastating, though, with the top three linemen gone (accounted for 32 tackles for a loss and 16 sacks). Hopefully a stacked cast of LB’s and DB’s can fill the void. Still, a huge step backward appears inevitable.
STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Bulldogs suffered four losses last season by a TD or less.
PLAY ON: vs. UNLV (11/3)
HAWAII (Offense - 4/1 Defense - 5/1, 46 Lettermen)
TEAM THEME: FROM THE RIDICULOUS TO THE LUDICROUS
After winning 7 games behind a ridiculous “around the world” schedule in 2016, it appeared the Warriors were ready for a breakthrough season last year behind an experienced team. Instead they were devastated by injuries. Only two linemen started all 12 games. Their best WR tore his ACL. A banged up secondary allowed 70% completions and 39 PPG the first half of the season. After a 2-0 start they went 1-9 out. Making matters worse, this season head coach Nick Rolovich must replace his starting QB, RB, three of his four top WRs, his top 3 DL, his top 3 safeties and both return men. Not to mention his DC. Talk about turnovers. This year’s practice facility has been renamed the Sara Lee Factory.
STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Hawaii is 2-7 SU in Eastern Time zones since 1959, with losses by a combined margin of 286-30.
PLAY ON: vs. Wyoming (10/6)
NEVADA (Offense - *7/3 Defense - 9/2, 45 Lettermen)
TEAM THEME: TWO STEPPIN’
At first glance it appears Jay Norvell’s first Wolf Pack team took two steps back last season. Upon closer examination those two steps were more little stutter steps given the fact they started 0-5 but finished 3-4. Three of the nine losses were by a field goal or less and they took solace in denying state rival UNLV a bowl bid the final game of the campaign. With OC Hal Mumme Jr. and QB coach Timmy Chang the offense figures to open up more in 2018. Returning QB Ty Gangi completed 64% of his PASSes with a 151.6 PASSer rating the last 7 games of the season. And he’s got five of his top 6 wide receivers back. Step two resumes this year.
STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Last season was the first time in the last 20 years that Nevada allowed 500 rushing yards in a game (Air Force).
PLAY ON: vs. Air Force (9/29)
NEW MEXICO (Offense - 7/2, Defense - 9/4, 47 Lettermen)
TEAM THEME: A CHANGE IS ON THE WAY
It’s a shame that sexual allegations are hovering over the New Mexico football program. Bob Davie has done a masterful job of putting this team back on the map. Nonetheless, he was suspended for 30 days this spring but managed to retain his job. It’s difficult letting someone go that has brought respectability back to a program. FYI: The Lobos have been outscored 2.7 PPG under Davie. They had been outscored 26.0 PPG the three seasons prior to his arrival. After falling to 3 wins in 2017, Davie hit the JUCO circuit hard to compliment a delicately young roster. He’ll need to replace his staring QB, three of his top four RBs, the top two DL and the top 2 safeties. Stay tuned.
STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Lobos are 1-12 SU and 3-10 ATS in Game Eleven of the season since 2005.
PLAY ON: vs. Utah State (10/27)
SAN DIEGO STATE (Offense - *7/5, Defense - 7/2, 36 Lettermen)
TEAM THEME: DON’T KNOCK THE ROCK
Rocky Long’s secret to success is no secret at all. He loves to pound the ball down your throat and backs it up with a tough as nails defense. It’s resulted in 7 bowl trips in seven seasons (after the Aztecs had been bowlers just three times in 23 previous years). And on the heels of three consecutive double-digit winning seasons, Long is set to reap the reward of a youth movement last year. Consider: Freshmen and sophomores combined to make 46 offensive line starts. Underclassmen also made 39% of the tackles from last year’s 11th overall ranked defense. Sure, they lose 2,000-yard rusher Rashad Penny, but next-man-up Juwan Washington will likely be the program’s 3rd consecutive 2K running back. Because that’s what Rocky does.
STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Under Long SDSU is 20-15 SU and 12-16 ATS in the season’s first 5 games, and 41-10 SU and 32-15-2 ATS from Game 6 out.
PLAY ON: vs. Boise State (10/6)
SAN JOSE STATE (Offense - *8/2, Defense - 6/3, 44 Lettermen)
TEAM THEME: MORE GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS
First the good news: the Spartans have signed a Top-6 recruiting class each year since 2014. The bad news: they have gone 15-35 since, and a lot of those recruits have bailed. Fortunately a continued youth movement is ongoing and with it things can only get better for second-year head coach Brent Brennan. They can’t get much worse. Not when Brennan’s troops were ranked dead last in the nation in Fumbles Lost, Turnover Margin, and Time of Possession – as well as second-to-last in Red Zone Offense and Rush Defense. The starting QB, RBs and five WRs are all 3-star prospects, and last year’s freshmen found plenty of playing time last season. They figure to make strides this year. The question is will it be enough?
STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The SU ‘In The Stats’ winner in Spartans games is 44-6 SU the last four seasons.
PLAY AGAINST: at Wyoming (11/3) - *KEY
UNLV (Offense - *7/3, Defense - 7/2, 52 Lettermen)
TEAM THEME: 1-2-3
Safe to say head coach Tony Sanchez has the Rebels on the right path. His recruiting skills are surfacing and as a result, UNLV has improved one game per season in each of Sanchez’s three years with the school. He is on course to take his troops bowling for only the fifth time in the last four decades – if the ‘one step at a time’ pattern holds true this should be the year. And for naysayers, remember, John Robinson was only 28-42 here. QB Armani Rogers and mighty mite RBs Charles Williams and Lexington Thomas will operate behind a huge offensive line all with starting experience. If the defense can chip in behind new DC Tom Skipper, the Rebels could be partying in 2018.
STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Rebels have enjoyed just one winning season the last 17 years.
PASS
UTAH STATE (Offense - *9/5, Defense - 9/3, 52 Lettermen)
TEAM THEME: BEHIND THE 8-BALL
Since taking over the program in 2013, head coach David Wells has led the Aggies to four bowl games in his five year tenure. Two of those, however, were 6-win losing campaigns and with it the natives are growing restless. During that span, though, they have knocked off three Top 25 ranked opponents, one more than USU had overall prior to Wells’ arrival. In addition, the Aggies have rushed the ball for 2,000 yards nine straight seasons. (Prior to the streak they went 33 years without rushing for 2,000 yards.) And for what it’s worth, the 18 returning starters ties the 2007 squad for the most in school history. Rest assured, they will all be chomping at the bit in 2018.
STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Aggies own a 25-15 SU record in conference games under Wells. They were 24-42 SU the previous nine seasons.
PLAY ON: at Wyoming (10/20)
WYOMING (Offense - 9/4, Defense - 8/4, 50 Lettermen)
TEAM THEME: 52.6
How ironic is this? In 2016 the Cowboys won 8 games behind a squad that started the most underclassmen in the nation: 56.2%. Looking to capitalize on that youthful experience last year, Wyoming won 8 games behind a celebrated QB (Josh Allen) who completed 56.3% of his PASSes in 2017, and finished with a 56.2% career PASS completion rate. Looks as if Allen was a 56.2% QB if ever there was one. Fortunately, a defense that was among the most improved in the FBS last season (17 PPG and 118 YPG), one that masked an offense which backslid 13 PPG and 148 YPG, returns practically intact led by the best defensive player in the loop in S Andrew Wingard. Craig Bohl’s force-feeding of youngsters three seasons ago should pay dividends this season, even without 52.6 behind center.
STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Wyoming led all FBS teams in Turnover Margin and Turnovers Gained last season.
PASS
Handicapping Indiana (5.5)
July 23, 2018
The Indiana Hoosiers didn’t have many things go right a year ago in Tom Allen’s first season as head coach. They had a lot of injuries and they couldn’t find a way to win many close games, as they lost four games by eight points or less.
The schedule is easier for the Hoosiers in 2018, but they still have to find a way to score more points, as they averaged just 23.2 points in Big Ten games last season.
Let’s look at the win total for the Hoosiers and their schedule for this season to see if they will go over or under their number.
2018 Indiana Hoosiers Season Win Total
Over 5.5 (-105)
Under 5.5 (-125)
Sept. 1 at FIU
The season opener is not a sure win for Indiana as the Golden Panthers went 8-5 last season under Butch Davis. FIU does have to replace a lot of starters and the Hoosiers are 2-0 all-time against FIU, so perhaps Indiana can win a close one on the road.
Sept. 8 Virginia
The Hoosiers beat the Cavaliers 34-17 last season, but this is still not an easy game, as the Cavaliers won six games last season and made a bowl game. The Hoosiers are 2-1 all-time against the Cavaliers.
Sept. 15 Ball State
This should be a good home win for the Hoosiers, as the Cardinals won just two games last season
Sept. 22 Michigan State
This is the battle for the Old Brass Spittoon and the games have been close of late, with the Hoosiers winning 24-21 in overtime two years ago, while the Spartans won 17-9 at home last season.
Sept. 29 at Rutgers
The Hoosiers have won the last two in this series including 41-0 last season at home. This is still a road game for the Hoosiers and Rutgers has made progress lately, so this is not a sure win for Indiana.
Oct. 6 at Ohio State
The Hoosiers have no real chance in this one. They have not won at the Shoe since 1987 and they are not likely to win this season.
Oct. 13 Iowa
This is a game that the Hoosiers will need to win if they are to have any chance to win six games and go to a bowl. The Hawkeyes are usually not a great road team, so this is a winnable game for Indiana.
Oct. 20 Penn State
The Hoosiers simply have almost no chance against Penn State. They are 1-20 all-time in games against the Nittany Lions. It is hard to see Indiana winning this one at home, as Penn State is a contender to win the Big Ten this season.
Oct. 26 at Minnesota
This will be Indiana’s first Friday night game and it is a game that the Hoosiers could be competitive in. The Gophers lead the all-time series 38-26-3. The Hoosiers have not beaten Minnesota since 2007.
Nov. 10 Maryland
The Hoosiers will get an extra week to prepare for this one. This is another must-win game for Indiana and last year they couldn’t win this one, as they lost by a score of 42-39.
Nov. 17 at Michigan
Forget about this one for Indiana, as they have not won at the Big House since 1967. They are 9-57 all-time against the Wolverines.
Nov. 24 Purdue
The Hoosiers are not a given to win this one, as Purdue is much improved with Jeff Brohm as head coach. The good news for Indiana is that Purdue has not won in Bloomington since 2011.
2018 Indiana Hoosiers Regular Season Win Total Prediction
When you look at the Indiana schedule the best case scenario is that the team goes 6-6. For the Hoosiers to win six games they would have to win their first three games and then win another three games that look like toss-up contests. It is more likely that Indiana goes 2-1 in their first three games and then drops at least half of their toss-up games. A record of 5-7 is the most probable outcome for the Hoosiers in 2018 and it easy to see this game going 4-8.
Going under the win total of 5.5 for the Hoosiers in 2018 is the way to go.
July 23, 2018
The Indiana Hoosiers didn’t have many things go right a year ago in Tom Allen’s first season as head coach. They had a lot of injuries and they couldn’t find a way to win many close games, as they lost four games by eight points or less.
The schedule is easier for the Hoosiers in 2018, but they still have to find a way to score more points, as they averaged just 23.2 points in Big Ten games last season.
Let’s look at the win total for the Hoosiers and their schedule for this season to see if they will go over or under their number.
2018 Indiana Hoosiers Season Win Total
Over 5.5 (-105)
Under 5.5 (-125)
Sept. 1 at FIU
The season opener is not a sure win for Indiana as the Golden Panthers went 8-5 last season under Butch Davis. FIU does have to replace a lot of starters and the Hoosiers are 2-0 all-time against FIU, so perhaps Indiana can win a close one on the road.
Sept. 8 Virginia
The Hoosiers beat the Cavaliers 34-17 last season, but this is still not an easy game, as the Cavaliers won six games last season and made a bowl game. The Hoosiers are 2-1 all-time against the Cavaliers.
Sept. 15 Ball State
This should be a good home win for the Hoosiers, as the Cardinals won just two games last season
Sept. 22 Michigan State
This is the battle for the Old Brass Spittoon and the games have been close of late, with the Hoosiers winning 24-21 in overtime two years ago, while the Spartans won 17-9 at home last season.
Sept. 29 at Rutgers
The Hoosiers have won the last two in this series including 41-0 last season at home. This is still a road game for the Hoosiers and Rutgers has made progress lately, so this is not a sure win for Indiana.
Oct. 6 at Ohio State
The Hoosiers have no real chance in this one. They have not won at the Shoe since 1987 and they are not likely to win this season.
Oct. 13 Iowa
This is a game that the Hoosiers will need to win if they are to have any chance to win six games and go to a bowl. The Hawkeyes are usually not a great road team, so this is a winnable game for Indiana.
Oct. 20 Penn State
The Hoosiers simply have almost no chance against Penn State. They are 1-20 all-time in games against the Nittany Lions. It is hard to see Indiana winning this one at home, as Penn State is a contender to win the Big Ten this season.
Oct. 26 at Minnesota
This will be Indiana’s first Friday night game and it is a game that the Hoosiers could be competitive in. The Gophers lead the all-time series 38-26-3. The Hoosiers have not beaten Minnesota since 2007.
Nov. 10 Maryland
The Hoosiers will get an extra week to prepare for this one. This is another must-win game for Indiana and last year they couldn’t win this one, as they lost by a score of 42-39.
Nov. 17 at Michigan
Forget about this one for Indiana, as they have not won at the Big House since 1967. They are 9-57 all-time against the Wolverines.
Nov. 24 Purdue
The Hoosiers are not a given to win this one, as Purdue is much improved with Jeff Brohm as head coach. The good news for Indiana is that Purdue has not won in Bloomington since 2011.
2018 Indiana Hoosiers Regular Season Win Total Prediction
When you look at the Indiana schedule the best case scenario is that the team goes 6-6. For the Hoosiers to win six games they would have to win their first three games and then win another three games that look like toss-up contests. It is more likely that Indiana goes 2-1 in their first three games and then drops at least half of their toss-up games. A record of 5-7 is the most probable outcome for the Hoosiers in 2018 and it easy to see this game going 4-8.
Going under the win total of 5.5 for the Hoosiers in 2018 is the way to go.
Ohio State, Wisconsin lead Big 10 honors
July 23, 2018
CHICAGO (AP) Scott Frost talks to Tom Osborne almost every week. He welcomes his college coach into his office at Nebraska, or they go turkey hunting or fishing.
Hard at work at rebuilding his storied alma mater, Frost is keeping his friends as close as possible.
The 43-year-old Frost is home again after a successful run with Central Florida, returning to Lincoln in December after coaching the Knights to a 13-0 record last season. The long-term objective is moving Nebraska back into the upper echelon of college football, and the plan is a familiar one.
''Coach Osborne had the formula that Nebraska figured out,'' Frost said. ''Some of the things he did to make the program arguably the best in the country can still work today. Nebraska has just gone away from them. We're going to adopt a lot of things again and do it in a modern way and do it in a way that recruits and kids are going to want to be a part of.''
Frost grew up about 90 minutes west of Nebraska's campus and led the 1997 Cornhuskers to a share of the national championship in Osborne's final year as coach. It was part of a wildly successful decade for the Cornhuskers, who went 108-16-1 in the 1990s.
But the program hasn't enjoyed that level of success in quite some time. Mike Riley went 19-19 in three seasons before he was fired in November.
Enter Frost, who once again was unable to resist the siren song of his home state. Frost began his playing career at Stanford before coming home.
''Being a football coach is rewarding because of the time you get to spend with young men and the things you get to try to pour into them,'' he said. ''It's even more special to do it around people you care about and the place you're from and at your alma mater.''
It's a high-stakes move for Frost, Nebraska and the Big Ten, which could use a healthy Cornhuskers program to help balance the conference's West Division with its powerhouse schools in the East. So naturally Frost's arrival on the scene was a frequent topic of conversation at the Big Ten football media day on Monday.
''I think the fact that Scott played at Nebraska and has had an amazing series of successes as a young coach really breathes a lot of enthusiasm into the fan base,'' Commissioner Jim Delany said.
It sounds as if his players feel the same way.
''He's a championship quarterback. You want to show him that you can play,'' star receiver Stanley Morgan Jr. said. ''You want to show him that I'm that guy, like I can compete with you. Actually sometimes I want to show him that I could have played with him, I could have been your receiver.''
It's a familiar script for the Big Ten after Jim Harbaugh took over at Michigan in December 2014. Harbaugh also played quarterback in college and returned to his alma mater with much fanfare and excitement.
He coached against Frost in 2016, directing the Wolverines to a 51-14 victory over UCF in Ann Arbor.
''He brought a really motivated, excellent football team up there,'' Harbaugh said. ''Expect that he'll do the same thing in his current position.''
Harbaugh himself is beginning an intriguing year after Michigan went 8-5 last season, dropping its last three games.
Asked about the Wolverines' six-game losing streak against rival Ohio State and the pressure on him to stop that slide, Harbaugh responded: ''We feel like just improvement. We need to improve. And that will lead to success. It will lead to championships. It's that simple.''
Frost, who signed a $35 million, seven-year contract, has no such problems at the moment. The Cornhuskers went 4-8 in Riley's last season, and Frost definitely has some time before the honeymoon wears off at Nebraska.
But he is planning for one quick turnaround.
''I know if we're getting better day by day we're going to be really dangerous and hard to beat in the very near future,'' he said. ''We'll see how this first year goes, but people better get us now because we're going to keep getting better.''
July 23, 2018
CHICAGO (AP) Scott Frost talks to Tom Osborne almost every week. He welcomes his college coach into his office at Nebraska, or they go turkey hunting or fishing.
Hard at work at rebuilding his storied alma mater, Frost is keeping his friends as close as possible.
The 43-year-old Frost is home again after a successful run with Central Florida, returning to Lincoln in December after coaching the Knights to a 13-0 record last season. The long-term objective is moving Nebraska back into the upper echelon of college football, and the plan is a familiar one.
''Coach Osborne had the formula that Nebraska figured out,'' Frost said. ''Some of the things he did to make the program arguably the best in the country can still work today. Nebraska has just gone away from them. We're going to adopt a lot of things again and do it in a modern way and do it in a way that recruits and kids are going to want to be a part of.''
Frost grew up about 90 minutes west of Nebraska's campus and led the 1997 Cornhuskers to a share of the national championship in Osborne's final year as coach. It was part of a wildly successful decade for the Cornhuskers, who went 108-16-1 in the 1990s.
But the program hasn't enjoyed that level of success in quite some time. Mike Riley went 19-19 in three seasons before he was fired in November.
Enter Frost, who once again was unable to resist the siren song of his home state. Frost began his playing career at Stanford before coming home.
''Being a football coach is rewarding because of the time you get to spend with young men and the things you get to try to pour into them,'' he said. ''It's even more special to do it around people you care about and the place you're from and at your alma mater.''
It's a high-stakes move for Frost, Nebraska and the Big Ten, which could use a healthy Cornhuskers program to help balance the conference's West Division with its powerhouse schools in the East. So naturally Frost's arrival on the scene was a frequent topic of conversation at the Big Ten football media day on Monday.
''I think the fact that Scott played at Nebraska and has had an amazing series of successes as a young coach really breathes a lot of enthusiasm into the fan base,'' Commissioner Jim Delany said.
It sounds as if his players feel the same way.
''He's a championship quarterback. You want to show him that you can play,'' star receiver Stanley Morgan Jr. said. ''You want to show him that I'm that guy, like I can compete with you. Actually sometimes I want to show him that I could have played with him, I could have been your receiver.''
It's a familiar script for the Big Ten after Jim Harbaugh took over at Michigan in December 2014. Harbaugh also played quarterback in college and returned to his alma mater with much fanfare and excitement.
He coached against Frost in 2016, directing the Wolverines to a 51-14 victory over UCF in Ann Arbor.
''He brought a really motivated, excellent football team up there,'' Harbaugh said. ''Expect that he'll do the same thing in his current position.''
Harbaugh himself is beginning an intriguing year after Michigan went 8-5 last season, dropping its last three games.
Asked about the Wolverines' six-game losing streak against rival Ohio State and the pressure on him to stop that slide, Harbaugh responded: ''We feel like just improvement. We need to improve. And that will lead to success. It will lead to championships. It's that simple.''
Frost, who signed a $35 million, seven-year contract, has no such problems at the moment. The Cornhuskers went 4-8 in Riley's last season, and Frost definitely has some time before the honeymoon wears off at Nebraska.
But he is planning for one quick turnaround.
''I know if we're getting better day by day we're going to be really dangerous and hard to beat in the very near future,'' he said. ''We'll see how this first year goes, but people better get us now because we're going to keep getting better.''
Nebraska is going to have to completely rebuild their offense, returning 4 linemen and a WR. No skilled players in the backfield return. The defense will be good up front but lacking in the secondary. The Huskers will be dogs in all 5 of their away games and their home game against Michigan State. 6-6 looks rather obvious for this team, but an upset or two either way can happen.
UW picked by media to win Pac-12
July 25, 2018
LOS ANGELES (AP) Washington is the overwhelming favorite to win the Pac-12 in the annual preseason poll of media members.
The Huskies and Southern California were picked to win their respective league divisions in the poll released Wednesday before Pac-12 media day in Hollywood.
Washington received 37 of 43 votes as the media's choice to win the Pac-12 for the second time in three years. Two seasons after their run to the College Football Playoff, the Huskies are led again by veteran quarterback Jake Browning and running back Myles Gaskin.
Stanford was picked second behind Washington in the Pac-12 North, followed by Oregon.
Defending league champion USC edged Utah as the Pac-12 South favorite. Arizona was picked third.
July 25, 2018
LOS ANGELES (AP) Washington is the overwhelming favorite to win the Pac-12 in the annual preseason poll of media members.
The Huskies and Southern California were picked to win their respective league divisions in the poll released Wednesday before Pac-12 media day in Hollywood.
Washington received 37 of 43 votes as the media's choice to win the Pac-12 for the second time in three years. Two seasons after their run to the College Football Playoff, the Huskies are led again by veteran quarterback Jake Browning and running back Myles Gaskin.
Stanford was picked second behind Washington in the Pac-12 North, followed by Oregon.
Defending league champion USC edged Utah as the Pac-12 South favorite. Arizona was picked third.
