Good question Clover. I have the same confusion about this team. They have a bunch of returning starters, especially in the defensive back 7, but are they any good? Also what happens now that Pickens and Guidry have made peace with each other? Another very interesting fact. Okie State gets TCU, Baylor and OU at home in November. That can make a huge difference.
Clover, I had the Pokes as a little underrated this year. But this week I've been talking to some OSU guys, and I've also been discussing OSU with my website partner Tim. After hearing all of these opinions I'm now more in a wait and see mode. Everybody is pretty much concerned about the same thing with this team. Can they run the ball better this year? The big question is can Gundy get his OL to block better and are these new RB's as good as Desmond Roland. This is where it's a tough call. Gundy has been pretty good at making improvements work where they need them the most. At least on the offensive side of the ball. But I'm not so sure about it this year. For the record Tim isn't very big on OSU this season. They only averaged 3.5 ypc with Roland, and were ranked 109th in the country. So their OL wasn't doing it's job. OSU was really good a couple years ago when they had Joseph Randle doing a lot of work for them on the ground. They need that kind of balance back or they are going to struggle again. There's nothing I hate worse than a team who can't run the ball when they need to. Especially if they aren't really considered a fun and gun team. This is a big season for Gundy. I honestly think if he doesn't get it done this year his seat is going to get very hot. Boone Pickens isn't a patient man...
UCLA will lose starting WR Devin Lucien. He plans to graduate UCLA in June and then transfer to Arizona State. He is the 2nd underclassman to leave UCLA this season. I can't put my finger on it, but something is not quite right at UCLA this season. This is about par for a HC going into year 4 at UCLA. Normally it is 3 good years and then the slide downhill begins.
Florida State
Jimbo Fisher is using the same tenacity recruiting for 2016 that has made the Noles successful in recent years. Fisher and staff have already assembled a dynamic group of recruits for the coming cycle. The crown jewel of the class is 5 star quarterback Malik Henry. Not far behind is coveted 5 star cornerback Levonta Taylor. The other eight prospects of note are all 4 star recruits. They are DE Janarius Robinson, TE Isaac Nauta, WR Keith Gavin, C Baveon Johnson, S Iamal Cook, DT Cedric Wood, DE Keir Thomas and LB Joshua Brown. Florida State has done a great job of recruiting since Fisher took over and its certainly showed in wins and a national championship. The Seminoles will be good again this season.
Jimbo Fisher is using the same tenacity recruiting for 2016 that has made the Noles successful in recent years. Fisher and staff have already assembled a dynamic group of recruits for the coming cycle. The crown jewel of the class is 5 star quarterback Malik Henry. Not far behind is coveted 5 star cornerback Levonta Taylor. The other eight prospects of note are all 4 star recruits. They are DE Janarius Robinson, TE Isaac Nauta, WR Keith Gavin, C Baveon Johnson, S Iamal Cook, DT Cedric Wood, DE Keir Thomas and LB Joshua Brown. Florida State has done a great job of recruiting since Fisher took over and its certainly showed in wins and a national championship. The Seminoles will be good again this season.
SEC West Quick Hits
Many consider the SEC West Division the best from top to bottom in college football. Several national champions of late have come from this division. Just good hardnosed football.
Alabama: None of the returning wide receivers caught a touchdown pass last year.
Arkansas: Offense has nine starters returning including a third year starting quarterback and two RB's who rushed for over a thousand yards last season.
Auburn: For the second straight year the Tigers must replace the SEC's top rusher.
LSU: Miles not ready to name a starting quarterback until fall practice. He does however know who his top RB will be.
Ole Miss: The Rebs two best players (WR Laquon Treadwell and OT Laremy Tunsil) did not go through spring drills because of injuries.
Miss State: Bulldogs are set at quarterback but must rebuild the offensive line needing three new starters.
Texas A&M: Sophomore Kyle Allen is expected to take the full-time job at quarterback after throwing for 16 touchdowns during 2014.
Many consider the SEC West Division the best from top to bottom in college football. Several national champions of late have come from this division. Just good hardnosed football.
Alabama: None of the returning wide receivers caught a touchdown pass last year.
Arkansas: Offense has nine starters returning including a third year starting quarterback and two RB's who rushed for over a thousand yards last season.
Auburn: For the second straight year the Tigers must replace the SEC's top rusher.
LSU: Miles not ready to name a starting quarterback until fall practice. He does however know who his top RB will be.
Ole Miss: The Rebs two best players (WR Laquon Treadwell and OT Laremy Tunsil) did not go through spring drills because of injuries.
Miss State: Bulldogs are set at quarterback but must rebuild the offensive line needing three new starters.
Texas A&M: Sophomore Kyle Allen is expected to take the full-time job at quarterback after throwing for 16 touchdowns during 2014.
Oregon State CB Dashon Hunt was forced to retire due to medical reasons. He was the Beavers Nickel back and a potential starter. This will hurt an already depleted secondary.
Auburn DT Elijah Daniel will more than likely be kicked out of school following his arrest for several felonies for property crimes, such as burglary. A walk on was also arrested with Daniel. Again another case of pure stupidity.
Auburn DT Elijah Daniel will more than likely be kicked out of school following his arrest for several felonies for property crimes, such as burglary. A walk on was also arrested with Daniel. Again another case of pure stupidity.
Alabama
Nick Saban has repeatedly said there wasn't much to take away from the quarterback play in the spring game, especially given the lack of offensive depth and the talent differential between the first and second teams. While complimenting Jake Coker's progress, Saban also refused to go so far as to say Coker has separated himself from the rest of the quarterbacks. That's not a good sign! There have been questions, some not so verbal, regarding Coker's leadership ability and command of the offense. If he is going to secure the job in the fall, it's likely going to start during summer workouts. Saban said it best following A-Day: " I think most importantly over the summer, and in fall camp, we're going to need to establish 'the guy.' But somebody's got to take the bull by the horns and do that too. It's not for us to give away, it's for somebody to earn." If Coker doesn't step forward...look for redshirt freshman David Cornwell to be given the opportunity as the starter.
Nick Saban has repeatedly said there wasn't much to take away from the quarterback play in the spring game, especially given the lack of offensive depth and the talent differential between the first and second teams. While complimenting Jake Coker's progress, Saban also refused to go so far as to say Coker has separated himself from the rest of the quarterbacks. That's not a good sign! There have been questions, some not so verbal, regarding Coker's leadership ability and command of the offense. If he is going to secure the job in the fall, it's likely going to start during summer workouts. Saban said it best following A-Day: " I think most importantly over the summer, and in fall camp, we're going to need to establish 'the guy.' But somebody's got to take the bull by the horns and do that too. It's not for us to give away, it's for somebody to earn." If Coker doesn't step forward...look for redshirt freshman David Cornwell to be given the opportunity as the starter.
Alabama
Under Saban, Alabama has been known for two things: a strong defense and a reliable running game. No matter the year, it seems like the Crimson Tide always features at least two standout running backs. This year is no different with Derrick Henry and Kenyan Drake. With Henry and Drake returning, the two-back system again is expected to be Bama's calling card. As the Tide tries to break in a new starting quarterback, the ground game will be expected to carry the majority of the offense early in the season. Henry has rushed for 1,372 yards and 14 touchdowns his first two seasons. Drake provides a nice change of pace from the straight line running style of Henry and is an excellent receiver out of the backfield. Another back not yet on campus is 5 star recruit Damien Harris. Harris was rated the top RB recruit in the nation by several services. He rushed for over 6,000 yards and 100 touchdowns during three years of high school. How Harris adapts to Alabama and how quickly he can grasp the running game and the always important task of blocking out of the backfield will be keys to how fast he climbs the depth chart. Michael Nysewander is listed as the starter at fullback/H-back with primary duties as a blocker and on occasion as a runner/pass receiver. Alabama's running game is in good hands again this year.
Under Saban, Alabama has been known for two things: a strong defense and a reliable running game. No matter the year, it seems like the Crimson Tide always features at least two standout running backs. This year is no different with Derrick Henry and Kenyan Drake. With Henry and Drake returning, the two-back system again is expected to be Bama's calling card. As the Tide tries to break in a new starting quarterback, the ground game will be expected to carry the majority of the offense early in the season. Henry has rushed for 1,372 yards and 14 touchdowns his first two seasons. Drake provides a nice change of pace from the straight line running style of Henry and is an excellent receiver out of the backfield. Another back not yet on campus is 5 star recruit Damien Harris. Harris was rated the top RB recruit in the nation by several services. He rushed for over 6,000 yards and 100 touchdowns during three years of high school. How Harris adapts to Alabama and how quickly he can grasp the running game and the always important task of blocking out of the backfield will be keys to how fast he climbs the depth chart. Michael Nysewander is listed as the starter at fullback/H-back with primary duties as a blocker and on occasion as a runner/pass receiver. Alabama's running game is in good hands again this year.
Texas loses another Offensive Linemen. OL Darius James announced that he is leaving the school. Texas has already given him an unconditional release. The Sophomore OL and projected starter at LT continues a trend of players leaving Texas since HC Charlie "My way of the Highway" Strong too over a year ago. He was a bad hire then, and he still is a bad hire.
Alabama
Last season, the first under offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, the Tide offense became much more spread out, transitioning from the traditional run first offense it had been in the past to more of a pass happy attack. That transition is expected to continue again this year, especially with the offense working more out of the shotgun. If the offense is going to evolve, it's going to require a group of largely unknown receivers to step up and emerge as legitimate playmakers. Alabama is trying to replace nearly two-thirds of its passing game from a year ago. Once things begin to clear up at quarterback, there is hope that it will help the receivers begin to develop their own identity. Current receivers aren't without talent including speedster ArDarius Stewart and Cam Sims along with veteran senior Chris Black. Prize recruit Calvin Ridley may also figure into the rotation. Running back Kenyon Drake will also have a big role in the passing game.
Last season, the first under offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, the Tide offense became much more spread out, transitioning from the traditional run first offense it had been in the past to more of a pass happy attack. That transition is expected to continue again this year, especially with the offense working more out of the shotgun. If the offense is going to evolve, it's going to require a group of largely unknown receivers to step up and emerge as legitimate playmakers. Alabama is trying to replace nearly two-thirds of its passing game from a year ago. Once things begin to clear up at quarterback, there is hope that it will help the receivers begin to develop their own identity. Current receivers aren't without talent including speedster ArDarius Stewart and Cam Sims along with veteran senior Chris Black. Prize recruit Calvin Ridley may also figure into the rotation. Running back Kenyon Drake will also have a big role in the passing game.
I saw the spring stuff too. I never hold much weight in the spring game, especially with Texas. They never show anything. I think with the Horns we're going to see a better offense this season, but a worse defense. Their West Coast two TE timing route offense they had last year didn't suit their personnel at all. Especially since Strong lost most of his OL due to suspensions, dismissals, injuries. They barely had 5 serviceable players last year. They'll be much better off this year. But you have to keep it in perspective. They will have merely a poor OL instead of a disastrous OL to work with. But it should work much better than last year, with more depth and an uptempo offense. Strong must have been watching a lot of Ohio State film because he is adopting the OSU power spread scheme, which should fit Swoopes and Heard much better. They are moving to the HUNU along with the RPO/POP power spread concepts. Again, adopted from tOSU. It allows both of these QB's to play without overthinking the game. It's part of the reason why Meyer was able to switch QB's so effectively when one of them went down with injury. Like I said, the defense is worse. They lost their 2 best tacklers off a unit that allowed less than 350 ypg in a very good offensive minded conference. They'll still be strong on the DL, but they'll be hurting in the back 7. They are very inexperienced back there, and will be starting some redshirt and true freshman this season. Seven wins is probably the ceiling for this team given their schedule. Baylor, TCU, Notre Dame are automatic road losses. I'm not high on OU this year, so Texas has a chance there, and should be improved by the time they meet in the Cotton Bowl. But OU still has the better personnel and depth at this point. So we'll see. And then UT will probably lose somewhere else to a mediocre team somewhere down the line. But 7 wins wouldn't be bad considering who they lost on defense and where they are at with a second year coach...
Auburn
Malzahn has three running backs who he believes can get the job done this season. Jovon Robinson (top-ranked JUCO), Roc Thomas (Alabama Mr. Football) and Peyton Barber. Auburn expects to enter the season without naming one back as the starter, other than whoever has to trot on the field first, and allowing the performances in the first few games to dictate how things hash themselves out over the remainder of the season. Looks like Malzahn likely will ride the hot hand each week. Nice to have three SEC ready running backs.
Auburn's 2015 schedule was rated the eighth most difficult by Phil Steele recently. (Louisville, Jacksonville St., @LSU, Miss State, San Jose St., @Kentucky, @Arkansas, Ole Miss, @Texas A&M, Georgia, Idaho, Alabama)
Former Ohio State cornerback Jamel Dean said he is transferring to Auburn. Dean, a four-star prospect out of Florida, announced his intentions on Friday. Dean who has had a knee problem did not practice with the Buckeyes during spring drills. If healthy enough to play, Dean would add depth to a thin Auburn secondary.
Cameron Artis-Payne, last year's SEC rushing leader signed his rookie contract with the Carolina Panthers on Friday. The terms were for four years and $2.45 million. He ran for 1,608 yards, third most in Auburn history last year.
Defensive tackle Gabe Wright signed his rookie contract the Detroit Lions. Don't know the terms.
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Missouri
Three Tiger reserves decide to transfer. Safety Shaun Rupert, OL Jordan Williams, and DT Evan Winston will depart and make room for other players. Unoffically, Missouri's current scholarship count is 87, including the yet-to-be enrolled 2015 signing class. The team has to get to 85 by the start of the season. Ever wonder about all the transfers that take place after spring practice?
Malzahn has three running backs who he believes can get the job done this season. Jovon Robinson (top-ranked JUCO), Roc Thomas (Alabama Mr. Football) and Peyton Barber. Auburn expects to enter the season without naming one back as the starter, other than whoever has to trot on the field first, and allowing the performances in the first few games to dictate how things hash themselves out over the remainder of the season. Looks like Malzahn likely will ride the hot hand each week. Nice to have three SEC ready running backs.
Auburn's 2015 schedule was rated the eighth most difficult by Phil Steele recently. (Louisville, Jacksonville St., @LSU, Miss State, San Jose St., @Kentucky, @Arkansas, Ole Miss, @Texas A&M, Georgia, Idaho, Alabama)
Former Ohio State cornerback Jamel Dean said he is transferring to Auburn. Dean, a four-star prospect out of Florida, announced his intentions on Friday. Dean who has had a knee problem did not practice with the Buckeyes during spring drills. If healthy enough to play, Dean would add depth to a thin Auburn secondary.
Cameron Artis-Payne, last year's SEC rushing leader signed his rookie contract with the Carolina Panthers on Friday. The terms were for four years and $2.45 million. He ran for 1,608 yards, third most in Auburn history last year.
Defensive tackle Gabe Wright signed his rookie contract the Detroit Lions. Don't know the terms.
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Missouri
Three Tiger reserves decide to transfer. Safety Shaun Rupert, OL Jordan Williams, and DT Evan Winston will depart and make room for other players. Unoffically, Missouri's current scholarship count is 87, including the yet-to-be enrolled 2015 signing class. The team has to get to 85 by the start of the season. Ever wonder about all the transfers that take place after spring practice?
