Just about each crew within the nation will hit the observe area for the primary time no later than this weekend. The season is almost upon us, which makes this week to begin entering into predictions.
But in addition, the Huge Ten’s maniacal School Soccer Playoff push and, in fact, realignment.
(Be aware: Submitted questions have been flippantly edited for size and readability.)
Which nationwide championship favourite stumbles and doesn’t end within the AP High 25 this season? — Jasper S.
I notice somebody within the prime 5 or so goes to fall on its face. However I’d be in a much more profitable occupation if I may predict forward of time who will probably be this yr’s Florida State.
Let’s rephrase it to, “nationwide championship favourite that misses the Playoff.”
I’m wondering a bit about Georgia. Kirby Good’s program has earned the good thing about the doubt, even after two “down” seasons (by which the Dawgs nonetheless went 24-4). However we’ve seen some cracks of late. Final season’s 11-3 crew was notably gentle on offensive playmakers. It was unable to fill the voids left by Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey, each of whom had 1,100-plus receiving yards as NFL rookies. And the protection completed thirtieth nationally in yards per play allowed (5.1), lowest since Good’s first season in 2016.
I don’t fear a lot concerning the protection. It’s nonetheless 5 stars on prime of 5 stars. And Good made good additions on offense in speedy USC receiver/return man Zachariah Department and Illinois operating again Josh McCray, who will make a pleasant complement to freshman standout Nate Frazier. However there’s one place I’m shocked he didn’t attempt to improve: quarterback.
Georgia has loads driving on Gunner Stockton, who, after understandably struggling in aid of Carson Beck within the SEC Championship Recreation towards Texas (off the bench), went 20 of 32 for 234 yards, one landing and no picks towards Notre Dame. That sport was successfully over as soon as the Irish scored on a strip-sack of Stockton simply earlier than halftime, then returned the opening kick of the second half to go up 20-3. Stockton was sacked 4 instances, fumbled twice and spent a lot of the sport throwing beneath. However he related with Arian Smith on a 67-yard deep ball and threw a 32-yard TD to a wide-open Money Jones on a wheel route.
If these two throws have been indicative of what Stockton can do with a greater supporting forged and one other yr within the system, then Georgia will make me look foolish for even entertaining the thought of a slip. But when the remainder of that sport, and the Texas sport earlier than it, have been extra consultant of his ceiling, then it wouldn’t be a complete shock if this preseason top-five crew was out of the operating by the tip of October.
If the Huge Ten is so harmed by enjoying 9 convention video games, why don’t they go to eight convention video games? That’s, if they honestly care about doing what’s greatest for his or her groups and never making Fox more cash. — Matthew C.
Based mostly on their feedback final week, the coaches are undoubtedly obsessive about the eight- versus nine-game debate, and I’m considerably sympathetic. These guys’ jobs are depending on dropping as few video games as attainable, and their groups are collectively assured 9 extra losses in convention play than the SEC’s. However in fact, nobody compelled the Huge Ten to maneuver from eight video games to 9 (that was a Jim Delany factor), similar to nobody compelled it to increase to 18 groups unfold throughout 4 time zones (Kevin Warren and Tony Petitti).
However primarily based on Petitti’s feedback in Vegas, each on the podium and with particular person retailers, scheduling looks as if a secondary concern for him. Even when a reporter requested him, “Is it a should in your thoughts that the ability conferences play the identical variety of convention video games?” he stated, “It’s not a should. Every league will determine what they assume the perfect convention schedule is for them,” earlier than launching right into a pitch for “a system with allotted spots.”
You realize what he talked about repeatedly, although? Play-in video games, play-in video games, play-in video games. That’s his finish aim on this. Extra stock, extra TV {dollars}, extra blissful faces on the Huge Ten’s de facto proprietor, Fox Sports activities. And I don’t disagree that end-of-season play-in video games can be thrilling (although extra thrilling if the losers couldn’t nonetheless get in as at-large groups). The issue is it could render your complete non-conference season fully meaningless and shift consideration from the perfect groups within the nation to the Huge Ten and SEC’s third-tier groups.
Lastly, I’d simply remind everybody that, whatever the variety of video games, each laptop ranking on the web will present that the SEC’s schedules, as a complete, are harder than the Huge Ten’s. Particularly when prime Huge Ten groups like 2023 Michigan, 2024 Ohio State and 2025 Penn State play three physique luggage out of convention. The groups harm most by the additional league sport are those making an attempt to get to 6-6. However in case you’re a reputable CFP contender in both league, you’d a lot quite play a typical Huge Ten schedule than a typical SEC schedule.
Nobody thinks the Huskies have a lot likelihood within the Huge Ten. What are the possibilities Demond Williams Jr. makes a wave, with Ohio State coming to city in September? Washington is at present driving a 20-game house successful streak. Do the Dawgs have an opportunity? — Sean S.
Individuals are undoubtedly sleeping on Washington, which got here in tenth in two unofficial preseason Huge Ten polls final week. Jedd Fisch overperformed in 12 months 1, taking what was successfully an growth crew (two returning starters) to a bowl sport. He has a star quarterback to construct round in Williams, one of many nation’s greatest returning operating backs in Jonah Coleman and a go-to receiver in Denzel Boston.
In the meantime, two of Fisch’s greatest defensive gamers at Arizona, linebacker Jacob Manu and cornerback Tacario Davis (each former all-conference picks), have reunited with him in Seattle. And whereas new defensive coordinator Ryan Walters had a woeful two-year stint as Purdue’s head coach, he was a incredible defensive coordinator at Illinois earlier than that.
The Huskies are driving a 20-game house win streak coming into the 2025 season. (Chris Pietsch / USA At present Community)
Not that the Huskies are with out questions. The offensive line must get significantly better. Skilled Kansas State left sort out Carver Willis ought to assist. Additionally, receivers must emerge alongside Boston. Penn State’s Omari Evans was a notable pickup, however he was inconsistent for the Nittany Lions. And the protection as a complete is closely depending on transfers. Move-rusher Zach Durfee, cornerback Ephesians Prysock and security Makell Esteen are the one actual veterans again.
As for Ohio State — that’s a trappy sport for the Buckeyes. Will probably be the primary highway begin for his or her new beginning quarterback (presumably Julian Sayin), in addition to a bunch of fellows taking up new roles. And it’s not simply that Washington is hard at house. The Huge Ten’s japanese/central faculties went 3-10 in video games towards the 4 West Coast faculties final season.
This simply confirms the speaking factors from media days final week that the convention performs harder schedules than even the NFC West and needs to be rewarded accordingly with automated berths and ticker tape parades.
I’m so glad you’ve been sticking it to the Huge Ten on this four-automatic bids nonsense. As a lifelong CFB fan of 40 years, I’ve been pushed and pushed to this point by this sport and its lackluster management, however this will lastly be the straw that breaks my again. I can’t take it anymore. Do they not notice simply how insane, unfair, and indefensible this concept is? — Tyler F.
Apparently not.
I’ve been protecting this sport for practically 25 years, which implies I’ve coated each single arcane chapter within the evolution of the postseason from BCS to the four-team CFP to the 12-team CFP to this. There’s been no scarcity of weird, buffoonish strikes by varied commissioners, however most of them I used to be extra bemused by than angered.
What the Huge Ten is doing proper now, nonetheless, is probably the most insulting energy play I’ve ever witnessed. And I don’t want a Twitter ballot to understand how the overwhelming majority of you are feeling about it.
If the writing is on the wall for the ACC dropping its premier groups (Clemson, Florida State, UNC), ought to they be aggressive now by shoring up reserves? For instance, if Memphis is paying now to hitch a league, why not poach them? Why not see about groups like Texas Tech, Arizona and Arizona State from the Huge 12? — Craig B.
I nonetheless query the place these faculties assume they’re going to go. The Huge Ten is already discovering out that greater shouldn’t be higher. That’s a giant cause Petitti is pushing so laborious for CFP growth. He has extra faculties that anticipate to be common Playoff contributors than is mathematically attainable at 12 groups. And for the SEC, going to a 16-team CFP could also be extra interesting than going past 16 groups. Particularly when two of these faculties, Florida State and Clemson, are in states the place the SEC already has a footprint. (Throw Miami in there as nicely.)
Now, it’s a distinct story if we’re speaking a couple of breakaway Tremendous League situation. Apparently, the ACC’s lawsuit settlement with Florida State and Clemson features a particular provision that enables six or extra faculties to go away in a particular sport and pay a decrease exit charge (50 p.c, or $75 million, whichever is increased). But when that day comes the place the highest 24-32 packages band collectively, all of the conferences, together with the Huge Ten and SEC, will probably be preventing for scraps.
Lastly, I don’t know why any Huge 12 faculties would go away for the ACC. They’ve a pleasant, drama-free setup the place they’re now.
If the ACC decides to reflect the Huge Ten and go to 18 groups, UConn could also be on the prime of the checklist, particularly as a result of the ACC nonetheless cares about basketball. Possibly Tulane if it will possibly maintain its latest soccer success. As for Memphis, that college has struggled to draw suitors largely as a result of it doesn’t have an excellent tutorial fame (No. 266 in US Information). That the Huge 12 didn’t chunk regardless of: A. Memphis providing to present the opposite faculties free cash. B. Granting the Huge 12 an out to ditch Memphis earlier than the following TV contract doesn’t bode nicely for touchdown an ACC invite.
A pleasant reminder that I personally don’t have any opinion about any faculty’s lecturers, and query why this could have any consider deciding which stadiums your soccer crew ought to or mustn’t go to.
A enjoyable sport: Who would be the first crew to achieve bowl eligibility? And who would be the final? It will get fascinating if you assume a number of groups might get to 6 wins on the identical day, and it comes right down to which sport ends first. As for the final crew, good luck! — Eric Hazard
I really like this query, each as a result of it’s much more enjoyable than Playoff plans and income sharing, but in addition, Eric submitted it by precise e mail! You’ll be able to too: Stewart@theathletic.com.
The primary half is additional difficult as a result of it is a yr with two off weeks per crew, so not many will probably be enjoying straight by way of for the primary six weeks. So, it’s no assure the primary bid will probably be clinched in Week 6 (Oct. 4). After which to determine the time of the video games on prime of that?
I strongly thought-about Jalon Daniels and the Kansas Jayhawks, who’re going to bounce again in a giant method this season and get a head begin in Week 0, so that they do play their sixth sport on Oct. 4. 5 of these video games are Fresno State, Wagner, West Virginia, Cincinnati and at UCF. However the sixth is at Missouri. Can’t pull the set off.
That brings me to 2 candidates enjoying on Oct. 11: Navy needs to be excellent, and it opens with VMI, UAB, at Tulsa, Rice, Air Power and at Temple.
Then there’s Pitt, which I take into account one of many prime shock contenders. The Panthers’ first six are Duquesne, Central Michigan, at West Virginia, Louisville, Boston School and at Florida State.
If Pitt is absolutely 5-0 heading to Florida State, which, let’s say, is 3-2, that’ll be the highest ACC TV sport that week. Final yr, the No. 1 ACC sport normally aired at midday on both ABC (although normally that was an SEC sport) or ESPN. Whereas Navy’s convention video games have been cut up both at midday on ESPN/ESPN2 or 3:30 p.m. on CBS Sports activities Community. No thought which one would get the Temple sport.
Given Pitt is extra prone to be earlier, I give the nod to Pat Narduzzi’s crew, which might be its second straight 6-0 begin. Hopefully, this one doesn’t end 7-6.
For the second a part of the query, I appeared for Western groups that might conceivably get picked for the late-night window on Nov. 29. Not a single Energy 4 crew match the invoice, and Oregon State is enjoying Washington State at 3:30 on The CW that day. However then I turned to the Mountain West, and there was an apparent alternative: Hawaii, which hosts Wyoming at 11 p.m. ET.
Why not go away the CFP at 12 and provides it 5 extra years? — Shannon E.
It’s telling that in each earlier iteration of the game, again to the BCS, nearly all of followers have clamored for an even bigger playoff area. Now, having gotten an preliminary peek at 12, I’d guess extra wish to keep the place it’s at than instantly quick ahead to 16.
Do you agree with Dan Lanning and others that the CFP ought to begin the week after Championship Saturday and end Jan. 1 with bowl video games performed all through the month on off days? Can we name it “December Delirium?” — Don D.
Sure, completely. The inaugural 12-team CFP dragged all the way in which to Jan. 20, and it confirmed within the surprisingly modest viewership (comparatively talking) for what ought to have been a blockbuster Ohio State-Notre Dame matchup. It ought to have been up from Michigan-Washington a yr earlier (25 million), not down 12 p.c (22.1 million). Nor was it supreme that the first-round Saturday goes head-to-head with massive NFL video games.
I agree with Lanning that Week 0 ought to grow to be Week 1. Not solely would it not assist with CFP scheduling, however it additionally offers faculty soccer two weeks to itself in the beginning of the season, and, as Lanning identified, there could possibly be much less overlap with the season and the switch portal window.
I used to be a bit shocked, although, that he stated he’d choose to begin the Playoff per week after the convention championships. I notice his crew was red-hot on the finish of the common season, then fully laid an egg within the Rose Bowl following a 25-day layoff. However most gamers want per week or two off after the grind of a 12- or 13-game season. Whereas his crew was negatively affected by a protracted break, Ohio State and Notre Dame, which didn’t play in convention title video games, appeared fairly darn contemporary coming off a three-week break.
I’ve been beating this drum for 3 years, however my most popular schedule is:
• First spherical on the second weekend in December (at present Military-Navy week).
• Quarterfinals on the third weekend. Be aware: I imagine the NFL would again off this Saturday, or at the least schedule much less essential video games, if going towards these video games, which averaged practically 17 million viewers final yr.
• Semifinals on New 12 months’s Day.
• Nationwide championship on the second Monday in January, like earlier than.
After which you will have a three-week portal window starting later in December, when solely a handful of groups are nonetheless enjoying vital video games.
If there have been no preseason rankings, how would media retailers regulate to protecting season previews and early-season matchups? — Jon
There’ll at all times be preseason rankings, whether or not official (AP and USA At present coaches ballot) or unofficial (the opposite 3,000 of them on the web), as a result of heaps and many individuals learn them.
After which complain about them.
After which learn them once more the following yr.
(High photograph: Lucas Peltier / Imagn Photographs)
