Justin Fields is entering his second season at Ohio State after completing as a Heisman finalist in 2019. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire through Getty Images) More.
7. A new-look offense at Georgia.
What will Georgias offense appear like in the very first year after Jake Fromm? Fromms last and 3rd year at the school under offending organizer James Coley was far from incredible. And as Fromm went to the NFL– where he fell to the fifth round– Georgia parted methods with Coley.
Get in former Southern Miss coach and NFL offending coordinator Todd Monken as Georgias brand-new OC and previous Wake Forest QB Jamie Newman as a graduate transfer..
Georgias offense ought to be much more dynamic in 2020 with Newman and Monken. It definitely cant be less dynamic than it was in 2019.
8. Can Florida difficulty UGA in the SEC East?
Florida is worth a look if youre looking to wager on a group that isnt a preferred in the SEC.
UF is 21-5 overall and has actually won a New Years Six bowl video game in Dan Mullens first two seasons leading the program. Coming off an 11-2 record in 2019, you can argue that the Gators have the SECs best returning QB in Kyle Trask and TE Kyle Pitts, one of the more dynamic players in the nation, highlights a deep group of weapons on offense.
Georgia has won each of the last three SEC East titles, however this might be Floridas best opportunity to return to the SEC title game for the very first time since 2015. The Gators have actually not won the SEC title considering that 2008.
With the calendar committing the month of July, it suggests were fewer than 2 months from the start of the 2020 college football season– at least as presently scheduled. This years Week 0 matchups are slated for Aug. 29 with four FBS matches, but there understandably has actually been very little talk of on-the-field concerns offered the occasions of this offseason– both the COVID-19 pandemic and the social discontent in the nation..
There is still much to arrange through with respect to the season. For now, we chose it was worth diving into the biggest on-field storylines to think about getting in the 2020 project..
Lets begin with the elephant in the space. College football programs have actually dripped back to campus in recent weeks under extreme safety measure, yet some prominent programs (like Clemson and Texas) have actually seen a significant number of favorable tests among their players. We still do not know if the season will even begin on time.
Whenever the season does start– all of us know theres too much cash at stake for the season to be called off entirely– programs will be strolling tightropes along the method to attempt to keep players safe. Absolutely nothing about this season is going to be typical..
LSUs 2019 season was absolutely nothing except wonderful. The Tigers upgraded their offending system and soared to new heights behind Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Joe Burrow. By the time the dust settled, the Tigers were 15-0, nationwide champions and among the finest groups in college football history.
Ed Orgerons group will look much different in 2020, nevertheless. Burrow is gone to the NFL. So are lots of others as 13 of Burrows teammates were NFL draft choices, too. Orgerons ace in the hole, passing video game coordinator Joe Brady, is off to the NFL as well. Brady signed up with the personnel of Matt Rhule with the Carolina Panthers. The guy replacing Rhule at Baylor is Orgerons defensive organizer, Dave Aranda..
However theres still lots of talent left behind in Baton Rouge. JaMarr Chase might be the very best pass receiver in the country, offering an excellent security blanket for likely brand-new starting QB Myles Brennan. The defense was struck hard by NFL departures, however returns a star cornerback in Derek Stingley Jr. and includes intriguing graduate transfer linebacker Jabril Cox via North Dakota State..
The most prominent quarterback competitors is the race to replace Tua Tagovailoa at Alabama. Jones began the last 3 games of the year and performed quite well, but he will have to fend off Bryce Young, the leading quarterback hire in the nation.
Jones may have a leg up in the competition due to his experience and the pandemic-affected offseason, however Young is the more gifted gamer. Whoever plays quarterback will lead a stacked group eager to overcome last years frustration and recover its longstanding position above LSU atop the SEC West standings..
He led the Tigers to a dominant nationwide championship run as a true freshman, however lastly fulfilled his match in LSUs Joe Burrow in last years title video game. LSUs 42-25 victory over Clemson in New Orleans in January was the first loss of Lawrences college career. A surefire first-round choice in the 2021 NFL draft, Lawrence is surely entering his last college season.
It is time for Spencer Rattler to take the quarterback reins at Oklahoma. He has huge shoes to fill. Rattler follows in the steps of Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray and Jalen Hurts in Lincoln Rileys high-flying offense. The previous luxury recruit saw short action a year ago during blowouts, but will get to showcase his skills on a much larger scale should he be called OUs starter as expected.
Rivals nationwide recruiting expert Adam Gorney informed Yahoo Sports that Rattler advises him of “a taller Kyler Murray with the running abilities of Baker Mayfield, simply without the polish yet.”.
” Rattler is most comfortable sitting in the pocket and tossing however hes almost simply as excellent at getting out and running for lawns. For Rattlers dual-threat abilities and playmaking design, he could not have selected a much better offense,” Gorney told Yahoo Sports..
6. National title or bust for Ohio State.
Is 2020 a year where the Buckeyes can get back to the mountaintop? OSU may not have J.K. Dobbins in the backfield or Chase Young crashing off the edge in 2020, but it still has a roster overflowing in skill.
9. Texas, Oklahoma State challenging OU in Big 12.
The Sooners have won the conference title the last 5 seasons, however Texas and Oklahoma State are attempting to close the gap. Theres a lot of returning talent getting in 2020, consisting of a senior quarterback in Sam Ehlinger, and a new offending coordinator in Mike Yurcich.
So is Oklahoma State. The Cowboys return a Heisman Trophy candidate at running back with Chuba Hubbard, who led the nation in hurrying last fall. Spencer Sanders is back at quarterback and ought to be more polished as a redshirt sophomore– particularly with star pass receiver Tylan Wallace healthy..
In 2015 it was an off-the-radar team, Baylor, that the majority of significantly challenged OU. If its not Texas or Oklahoma State, possibly a team like Iowa State or TCU makes a Baylor-esque jump in 2020..
10. The lingering circumstance at Oklahoma State.
Whenever you watch an Oklahoma State game, you will become aware of the stand Hubbard and others took versus their coach, Mike Gundy. OSU players, led by Hubbard, called out Gundy last month when the coach was photographed using a t-shirt promoting a reactionary network that brazenly sells conspiracy theories and has been a singing challenger of the Black Lives Matter motion..
That prompted an examination into Gundy and how he oversees the football program. The school stated Gundy needed to make strides in the way he develops relationships with players, but its evaluation found “no signs or indications of bigotry.”.
When the season starts, Oklahoma State is going to be pretty highly ranked. Whether the turmoil rollovers into the season and impacts on-field efficiencies remains to be seen..
11. Can the Pac-12 break its CFP dry spell?.
With just two total appearances, the Pac-12 has actually been the least effective power conference of the College Football Playoff period. In fact, it has actually been three full seasons without a Pac-12 individual in the four-team playoff field. Will that change in 2020?.
The Ducks won the Pac-12 title a year earlier and return a stacked defense, but have to replace Justin Herbert at quarterback. Oregon also has a new offensive coordinator with Joe Moorhead getting here in Eugene.
Seasonal conference competitor Washington is entering a new period with Jimmy Lake as head coach while Arizona State has a prospective star at quarterback in Jayden Daniels. Utah, after blowing its CFP chance, needs to change much of its leading players from 2019..
12. Getting in Year 6 of the Harbaugh era at Michigan.
The question reappears every offseason: Is this the year Jim Harbaugh coaches Michigan to a Big Ten title? Through Harbaughs 5 seasons back in Ann Arbor, the Wolverines have yet to even win the Big Ten East. Harbaugh has actually definitely raised Michigans level of play from the Rich Rodriguez and Brady Hoke periods, but its reasonable to state that Michigan fans anticipated more– particularly when compared to rival Ohio State (OSU has won 8 directly in the series)..
Patterson is out of the formula now, though, and Harbaugh will work in a new starter in 2020 (likely Joe Milton or Dylan McCaffrey). The 2020 season likewise marks the 2nd season for offending planner Josh Gattis in Ann Arbor. The transition into his system was sluggish, however the offense appeared to turn a corner late last season.
Michigan is entering its sixth season with Jim Harbaugh as head coach. (AP Photo/John Raoux) More.
13. Notre Dames location in the CFP landscape.
Notre Dame gets in the 2020 season in a familiar location. If the Irish go undefeated theyre in the playoff. And theyre definitely in the discussion with an 11-1 campaign.
Notre Dames schedule consists of Wisconsin, Clemson and USC in addition to video games versus Stanford, Navy, Louisville and Pitt. It might end up being one of the toughest slates in the country if the ACC looks like the conference it remained in 2018..
If the Irish compete for the playoff in 2020, itll likely be because Ian Book has another fantastic year. Reserve requirements 39 TD passes to pass Brady Quinn for the most of any Notre Dame QB. If Book takes an action forward with his play, Notre Dame will be a playoff contender..
14. Transfer quarterbacks to understand.
The 2019 College Football Playoff field saw 3 teams led by transfer quarterbacks. Will that trend continue in 2020? With Fields returning at Ohio State, theres an excellent chance at least one transfer QB will belong to the 2020 field. Who are the candidates to be the others? Perhaps its Newman at Georgia. Newman tossed for 2,868 yards and 26 goals at Wake a year back and has the folks in Athens thrilled..
Other notable transfer quarterbacks include DEriq King (Houston) at Miami, ex-Boston College signal caller Anthony Brown at Oregon, Stanford transfer K.J. Costello with Mike Leach at Mississippi State, and Jake Bentley (from South Carolina) at Utah. Of that group, Brown is part of the group with the greatest expectations. He could find himself behind Tyler Shough (Justin Herberts 2019 backup) on the depth chart, however..
15. Important season for Florida State, Miami.
Will the gap between Clemson and the rest of the ACC ever diminish? You d think it would be Florida State or Miami if any programs are ever going to close the gap. The recruiting base alone provides those schools an edge over much of the ACC, but both have actually had to scratch and claw just to reach bowl games the past two seasons..
Maybe things will begin to alter in 2020. Miami is entering its second season under Manny Diaz. Diaz is confident a group of transfers headlined by quarterback DEriq King will be able to give the group an immediate shock of talent.
16. New coaches in Mississippi.
Both SEC schools in Mississippi made splashy hires over the offseason when they didnt necessarily require to make relocations. However both were plainly dissatisfied with the status quo.
Ole Miss switched out Matt Luke for Lane Kiffin while Mississippi State traded Joe Moorhead for Mike Leach. Both Kiffin and Leach are creative offensive minds and are being relied on to raise their programs into the leading 3 of the finest department in college football..
It may take a little time. Alabama isnt going anywhere as long as Nick Saban is coach and LSU is the protecting nationwide champ. Leach will require to recruit players to fit his offense while Kiffin inherits an Ole Miss defense that quit six backyards a play.
The Sooners have won the conference title the last five seasons, but Texas and Oklahoma State are attempting to close the gap. The 2020 season also marks the 2nd season for offending planner Josh Gattis in Ann Arbor. Notre Dame goes into the 2020 season in a familiar location. That choice to replace Petersen from within might pay dividends at the start of the 2020 season.
Minnesotas gamers might still be discovering the complexities of new offending coordinator Mike Sanfords offense (Kirk Ciarrocca left for Penn State) in the early weeks of the season, but the Gophers could be favored in every video game outside of that journey to Wisconsin.
Mack Brown is leading a revival at North Carolina. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) More.
23. Reason for hope at Nebraska?
The Scott Frost age at Nebraska has actually been a frustration up until now. Those who believed Frost, coming house to Lincoln after his “nationwide title” perform at UCF, could rapidly turn around his university have quickly recognized there is much more work to be done..
The Huskers are 9-15 general with just a 6-12 mark in Big Ten play in Frosts two seasons. Expectations were high getting in 2019, however the Huskers went 5-7, losing five of their final six games to miss a championship game for the third straight season– something that hasnt happened considering that 1959-61..
Where does Nebraska fit in the Big Ten West? Wisconsin has actually been an action above its divisional enemies for years. Iowa has actually been at least in contention for the department title most years. Minnesota is coming off a triumphant 2019 season. The 2020 season should be pivotal for the advancement of Frosts program..
24. Virginia Tech replacing legendary Bud Foster.
The long time Hokies assistant– defensive coordinator considering that 1995– decided to retire after the 2019 project. Those are undoubtedly big shoes to fill for a program that had a whirlwind 2019 season.
Things looked truly bad early on for the Hokies, and there were even concerns about Justin Fuentes task status after a disheartening 45-10 house loss to Duke. A switch to Hendon Hooker at quarterback helped the Hokies turn things around in the second half. They won six of their next seven games, including a near-upset of Notre Dame, and lost out on a department title by losing to competing Virginia in the season finale..
The 2020 Hokies will be checked out by Penn State in Week 2 in what will be a strong base test for the program..
25. Houstons redshirted players.
After a 1-3 start to 2019, Houston attempted something radical. Will it pay off?
The Cougars and brand-new coach Dana Holgorsen took complete advantage of a new NCAA rule that enabled gamers to redshirt after playing 4 or less video games. Houston efficiently tanked on the way to a 4-8 season.
Kings not back with Houston, having actually moved to Miami. That relocation didnt work out too well. However Car and Corbin are back in 2020 to associate QB Clayton Tune, a player who got valuable experience after King remained the remainder of the season..
If Houston significantly enhances in 2020 with piece de resistances from Corbin and Car, itll be a choice admired by Cougar fans. And possibly duplicated by other programs going forward.
More from Yahoo Sports:.
Lane Kiffin, after three years at Florida Atlantic, is the brand-new head coach at Ole Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) More.
17. New coaches dealing with big drawback.
Every brand-new coach going into the 2020 season will be successfully coaching his group for the very first time on the field in preseason camp. With spring practices cancelled throughout the country due to the fact that of the coronavirus, teams are yet to have their first main on-field preparations for the 2020 season.
Could that imply bigger curves for guys like Mike Norvell at Florida State, Mel Tucker at Michigan State, Eli Drinkwitz at Missouri and Jeff Scott at South Florida? All 4 of those coaches are acquiring brand name brand-new programs. While Washingtons Jimmy Lake is taking over the Huskies for the very first time, he has familiarity as Chris Petersens long time defensive coordinator. That choice to replace Petersen from within might pay dividends at the beginning of the 2020 season.
Of all the coaches taking control of Power Five programs in 2020, Tucker might have the hardest road ahead. He was worked with late in the offseason after Mark Dantonio quickly retired and didnt have much time to put together a recruiting class. Hes also at a school that struggled in 2019 and doesnt have a clear beginning quarterback getting in the season. Karl Dorrell, the male replacing Tucker at Colorado, remains in an actually hard spot, too.
18. Looming NIL legislation.
Programs are already expecting the 2021 season where players are likely to be eligible to get endorsement and sponsorship income from 3rd parties after the NCAA loosens its similarity, image and name guidelines.
Schools have actually begun partnering with outdoors consulting groups to inform gamers on the upcoming rule changes. A big thing for athletes will be their possible money making of social networks platforms as they might be qualified to get paid for marketing posts. The schools that best educate their gamers about the new guidelines and finest market the prospective earning chances to employees could have a benefit over the next recruiting cycle or two..
19. How does Minnesota construct off its 2019 triumph?
Much like in 2019, the Big Ten West might be identified by the winner of Minnesotas matchup vs. Wisconsin..
Minnesota and Wisconsin look to be the two finest groups in the division in 2020 and its not going to be a shock if Minnesota wins on the road at Camp Randall.
The Gophers, coming off an 11-2 mark, return 8 starters on an offense that was extremely effective in 2019, including QB Tanner Morgan and WR Rashod Bateman. Bateman is among the very best large receivers in college football and an offending line that returns fully undamaged from 2019 must pave the way a deep group of running backs. Minnesotas players might still be discovering the complexities of new offending planner Mike Sanfords offense (Kirk Ciarrocca left for Penn State) in the early weeks of the season, however the Gophers could be preferred in every video game beyond that trip to Wisconsin.
20. A crammed Group of Five battle.
Will we see a surprise team contend for the Group of Five conferences New Years Six bowl berth? Or will the contenders for that precious spot be the normal suspects?
The top of the AAC is filled. Cincinnati went 11-3 in 2019 but lost consecutive video games versus Memphis at the end of the season to lose out on a New Years Six berth. Memphis, who lost to Penn State in last years Cotton Bowl, returns QB Brady White and a bevy of speed on offense.
UCF will challenge the Bearcats and Tigers for AAC supremacy. Dillon Gabriel is back for coach Josh Heupels squad and the Knights play North Carolina and Georgia Tech in the very first three weeks of the season. Wins against Power Five opponents would offer UCF a great strength-of-schedule advantage.
In the Mountain West, Boise State hosts Florida State on Sept. 19 after playing at Air Force on Sept. 12 and hosting Georgia Southern in Week 1. Thats a sneaky excellent three-game start to the season. If the Broncos are undefeated after playing Marshall in Week 4, theyll have a fantastic chance at that NY6 area too..
21. Tennessee is finally trending up.
It was difficult to encourage anybody the program was headed on the best track under Jeremy Pruitt when Tennessee began 1-4 in 2019. However the Vols rebounded remarkably, winning seven of their last 8 games. Couple that second half with a sizzling streak on the recruiting trail– UTs 2021 class is currently ranked No. 2 nationally– and youve got overflowing optimism in Knoxville..
Whether the Vols have enough skill to realistically contend for an SEC East title in 2020 remains to be seen. Quarterback play has been a problem, but Jarrett Guarantano, now a senior, has revealed flashes throughout his profession that he can be a strong SEC-level starter. Pruitts defense played a great deal of young faces in 2015, and has the opportunity to be quite excellent moving forward..
A Week 2 journey to Oklahoma might tell us a lot about the Vols..
22. The ascendance of North Carolina.
Speaking of programs growing, how about North Carolina? Mack Browns go back to Chapel Hill was questioned throughout the nation, however it is appearing like a mighty sensible relocation up until now. Brown inherited a program that won a combined 5 games in 2017 and 2018 and right away had a winning record (7-6) in 2019..
Sam Howell, a budding star at quarterback that Brown turned from Florida State, is UNCs foundational piece. Like Tennessee, North Carolina is hiring at a remarkably high level.
UNC is a program to watch on..
