The top five storylines and games to watch in college football

Listed below are high 5 storylines and video games to observe in faculty soccer:

High 5 storylines

Can anybody knock off Alabama?

Coach Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide begin the yr No. 1 and are the heavy favourite to complete that manner after returning two of the premier gamers within the sport, reigning Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Younger and defensive menace Will Anderson Jr. Their high challenger is probably going Ohio State, which encompasses a Heisman Trophy favourite in quarterback C.J. Stroud and plenty of high quality NFL prospects. Defending champion Georgia misplaced a big chunk of its record-setting protection, however stays one of the crucial gifted groups within the nation. Texas A&M, if it could possibly discover a solution at quarterback, may threaten Alabama within the SEC West, and Clemson is a possible sleeper, led by a strong defensive entrance.

Will there be extra motion in realignment?

Oregon is the varsity to observe. The Geese, one of many high manufacturers not a part of the Massive Ten or SEC, have reportedly expressed curiosity in becoming a member of the Massive Ten, and commissioner Kevin Warren has mentioned he may see his league increasing to twenty groups sooner or later. The ACC — particularly Florida State, Miami and Clemson — may very well be poached, although its grant of rights — which provides each faculty’s media rights to the league — extends to 2036 with present members. That may very well be prohibitive to a transfer.

Nick Saban and Bryce Younger’s Alabama crew try to repeat as nationwide champions is likely one of the key storylines this upcoming season.

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Will the switch portal affect the season?

Various colleges, a few of them contenders, are relying closely on transfers. Alabama went to the portal to land high working again Jahmyr Gibbs (Georgia Tech) and cornerback Eli Ricks (LSU). USC did the identical, in selecting up quarterback Caleb Williams from Oklahoma, receiver Jordan Addison from Pittsburgh and working again Travis Dye from Oregon. Simply look again to final yr’s playoff groups, and the way vital newcomers from different colleges had been — from Alabama star wideout Jameson Williams (Ohio State) to Cincinnati working again Jerome Ford (Alabama). It’s nearly develop into as vital as highschool recruiting.

Can the Pac-12 and Massive 12 contend?

The Pac-12 hasn’t reached the Faculty Soccer Playoff since 2017. The Massive 12 has been neglected the previous two years. Each would simply like to be within the combine in late November, which is extra possible for the Pac-12, notably after the arrival of coach Lincoln Riley at USC and his blockbuster switch class. Utah, which opens at Florida, is a attainable contender, too. Oklahoma and Baylor may very well be dark-horse candidates, although each lack the form of premier non-conference opponent to impress the committee.

Can the talent-rich state of Florida return to relevance?

There are new coaches at two of the massive three within the Sunshine State — Mario Cristobal at Miami and Billy Napier at Florida. Mike Norvell is seeking his first successful season in his third yr at Florida State. Contemplating the extent of prospects within the state and the wealthy historical past of all three packages, it’s gorgeous to see how far the three colleges have fallen. They had been a mixed 18-19 final fall. Miami is the very best guess for a breakthrough, buoyed by Heisman Trophy-contending quarterback Tyler Van Dyke and high quality switch portal provides on protection by Cristobal.

High 5 Video games to observe

Notre Dame at Ohio State, Sept. 3

The season begins with an absolute blockbuster of a matchup, Notre Dame and new coach Marcus Freeman in Columbus to face loaded Ohio State. Freeman performed for the Buckeyes and now begins his head-coaching profession towards his previous crew in prime time.

Texas A&M at Alabama, Oct. 8

Jimbo Fisher grew to become the primary Nick Saban assistant to defeat him final October, then the Texas A&M coach landed the No. 1 recruiting class within the nation. It led to a public feud that noticed the 2 males take photographs at each other’s recruiting practices — Saban mentioned the Aggies “purchased each” recruit and Fisher responded by calling him a “narcissist” — although it has supposedly since been squashed. Get your popcorn prepared.

USC at Utah, Oct. 15

USC has been anointed by some as the category of the Pac-12 following the arrival of coach Lincoln Riley and quarterback Caleb Williams, however the Trojans first need to get via Utah — the league’s South division champion three of the previous 4 years. Williams towards fellow dual-threat signal-caller Cameron Rising will likely be a must-watch.

Clemson at Notre Dame, Nov. 5

The also-ran standing of the ACC makes this by far the very best sport on Clemson’s schedule. This showcase alternative for these two playoff contenders may very well be a make-or-break contest, notably if Notre Dame falls to Ohio State in its opener.

Michigan at Ohio State, Nov. 26

The Recreation was getting stale till Michigan lastly punched again final November, snapping Ohio State’s eight-game successful streak within the storied rivalry. C.J. Stroud and Co. will definitely do not forget that beatdown when the Wolverines go to Ohio Stadium in a showdown that's anticipated to find out the rugged Massive Ten East winner.