Ohio State Buckeyes 2019 Look Ahead
Final 2018 PRS Ranking: #3
Ohio State was on their annual cruise to the national playoff and Big 10 title when they ran into a buzz saw at Purdue, and as annual as their title chase has been, so has been the one inexplicable loss to a team that the Buckeyes should have thoroughly dominated. That one loss sent the Buckeyes packing to 5th in the playoff rankings, one spot out of the shot at the national title shot. Of course, the backup prize of a trip to the Rose Bowl is never a bad thing, but it is when you don't necessarily want to be there. The Buckeyes showed up, and dominated Washington early, before taking their foot off the pedal to let the Huskies sneak back up on them, making what should have been a blowout into what became a narrow win instead. Dwayne Haskins was a superb find at QB, but he is now gone, as is backup Tate Martell, who will take his abilities to a QB void in Miami. Will celebrated transfer Josh Fields be allowed to play immediately, or will he be forced to sit out a year under standard transfer rules (he should have to)? That may dictate the 2019 Buckeyes season that also will not see Urban Meyer patrolling the sidelines, migraines or not. One way or the other, Ryan Day will have quite a bit of work to do to follow up this act. \
Quarterbacks
With both Haskins, who had an all-time great season at Ohio State, and Martell gone, the real watch will be on any ruling on Josh Fields and his transfer from Georgia. If Fields is ruled ineligible until 2020, next season could be messy at the QB position. Chris Chugunov, Daniel Vanatsky, Matthew Baldwin, and Kory Curtis all return, but they do not have a snap of experience among themselves, and while talented to a degree, this group should make people shudder to think that any one of them would have the keys handed over. There is also not one QB in the dedicated 2019 class committed as of yet, which makes this situation more problematic.
Running Backs
When JK Dobbins emerged as a freshman in 2017, Mike Weber started to slowly take a back seat to the talented youngster, and while his numbers were good, they were not as spectacular as one would have liked to have seen. Weber has now moved on early for the NFL, and now it is Dobbins who is the primary back, with Weber's absence leaving a tremendous hole at the RB2 spot. Dobbins slipped backwards a bit as a sophomore, rushing for 1053 yards and 10 scores, but he averaged just 4.58 yards per carry, which is a slight bit pedestrian in today's explosive spread game. He cannot afford another slip in numbers if the Buckeyes are to end up without Fields at QB, and probably just as much if they have him. Master Teague is the next most experienced back coming to spring camp, and he carried just 17 times. Marcus Crowley is the only solid commit that the Buckeyes are looking at, and he rated as a 3 star.
Receivers
This is another potential area of concern, as the Buckeyes lose 3 of their top 4 receivers. Paris Campbell, Terry McLaurin, and Johnnie Dixon have all moved on. KJ Hill is the most experienced receiver returning, and he posted a line of 68-865-6, and averaged 12.72 yards per catch. Binjimin Victor and Austin Mack are expected to step up, and combined for 47 receptions, but they also combined for just 5 scores on the year. The Buckeyes need to find a replacement for a big play, downfield threat for their offense in 2019. Garrett Wilson and Jameson Williams should likely get a shot to impress as incoming freshmen, and 6 players who were freshmen in 2018 will get a solid look in spring camp as well.
Luke Farrell, Rashod Berry, and Jeremy Ruckert all caught passes at TE, and all of them are projected to return.
Offensive Line
Michael Jordan, who started at C in the Rose Bowl, will leave early for the NFL as an OT. LG Michael Pridgeon and RT Isaiah Prince, also will be departing as seniors. Thayer Munford is projected to return at LT, and RG Wyatt Davis, who will be a junior, also will return. Gavin Cupp, a junior next season projects as the possible starter at LG, while Josh Myers, a RS sophomore in 2019, will project to start at C. Nicholas Petit-Frere, a true sophomore, projects to step in at RT. Of course, all will get some competition for those spots in spring and fall camp. Look for Harry Miller, a 5 star C from Georgia, to get into the mix at C, and Ryan Jacoby, a 4 star from Mentor, Ohio, to get into the mix at the open OT spot. Doug Nester, a 4 star from Huntington, WV should get into the mix at OG in camp as well. 11 others who were not on the two deep will be in the mix in camp as well.
Defensive Line
Dre'Mont Jones has moved on early from his DT spot to the NFL, but there is plenty of talent returning up front for the Buckeyes in 2019. Chase Young and Jonathon Cooper should both be back at the DE spots, and Young led the team in TFLs in 2018 with 14.5. Tyreke Smith and Tyler Friday both should be back to back up Young, while Jashon Cornell is also back as the primary reserve behind Cooper, giving the Buckeyes one of the deepest sets of DEs in the nation. With Jones gone, Haskell Garrett and Taron Vincent should continue their competition into the season at DT, but both will play plenty in a rotation. Robert Landers and Davon Hamilton are both projected to return at NT, and will rotate with each other in the middle of the line. This unit should be one of the best in the nation in 2019 across the board.
The Buckeyes recruited solidly as well, with a pair of new DEs coming in, as well as one DT coming in the class as well. Look for Zach Hamilton to be the star of this class on the line at DE.
Linebackers
The Buckeyes should be rock solid here as well, as all three starters are projected to return in 2019 in Malik Harrison, Tuf Broland, and Pete Werner. This group combined for 25 TFLs on the season, and also combined for 207 tackles as a unit. Keandre Jones returns to back up Harrison, and Baron Browning and Justin Hilliard both return to back up Borland in the middle. The only question entering spring ball will be who will back up Werner? Dante Booker has moved on. Dallas Gant, a sophomore who recorded 6 total tackles, may get first crack, but incoming freshman Cade Stover may have some action there as well.
Secondary
Again, there is plenty of good news to go around, as every starter or player who was competing for time, is expected to return. Kendall Sheffield and Damon Arnette, Jr. are both back at CB, as is Jeffrey Okudah, who was competing with Arnette to start in the Rose Bowl. Shaun Wade and Marcus Williamson, who were battling to back up Sheffield, are also both projected to return to the Buckeyes at the CB spot.
Brendon White is back at FS, and Wade could see time here as well. Jordan fuller will be back at SS, with Amir Riep, Jahsen Wint, and Marcus Hooker all back to battle out for back up time there. The Buckeyes also have a pair of incoming freshmen at the Safety spot who could vie for rotational playing time in 2019, or could see a RS for action in 2020.
Special Teams
Sean Nuernberger is gone at PK, but Blake Haubeil, who battled with him all season, is back after hitting 10/13 FGs last fall. With the job in his hands, expect increased production out of Haubeil in 2019.
Drue Chrisman was rock solid at Punter last season, averaging over 43 yards per punt, and will return to handle the job next fall as well.
KJ Hill and CJ Saunders will both battle in camp again for the PR job, as both had a crack at it in 2018, but neither overwhelmed. Sevyn Banks, a sophomore in 2019, could sneak in and steal the job with a good run in spring or fall ball. Demario McCall could get a look here as well.
McCall will be back to return kicks, but his partner is gone in Dixon. Saunders or Hall could fill in the void.
2019 Projection
The Buckeyes will absolutely be set up to have one of the best defenses in the nation last season after several lapses occurred in 2018. Alex Grinch has moved on to Oklahoma as DC, so there will be some changes with the new staff to be seen, and some adjustments to be made. The talent will be there, and there will be no excuses this time if things don't go as planned, like during the Purdue and Maryland games, as well as some other spots.
Offensively, the Buckeyes have some big questions to answer at QB, WR, and along the line. This may be the major issue next fall if the Buckeyes fall short of winning the Big 10 title. With a new coach in Ryan Day, and the questions on the offensive side of the football, this is the big chance for Michigan, Penn State, and Maybe Michigan State, to finally get some shots in and take the East title away.
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Friday, January 11, 2019
State of College Football: Alabama Crimson Tide 2019
Alabama Crimson Tide 2019 Look Ahead
Final 2018 PRS Ranking: #2
Alabama coasted in 2018, but how much of it had to do with a soft schedule that never really challenged a talented bunch with a coaching staff that was about to completely come apart in and after the national championship game? The truth is that this team was not challenged until the final month, and almost lost to a very good Georgia team in the SEC title game before getting it together and coming back to win late. The Tide also failed to cover in an impressive spread in the Orange Bowl against Oklahoma, as they allowed the Sooners to hang around late, while never truly being in jeopardy of losing. Then came the championship disaster against Clemson, where the Tide's inefficient defense crumbled for the final 3 quarters of an absolute onslaught, where the staff was outplayed and out coached from the starting whistle. There will be major shakeups in the staff, especially on the offensive side of the football, and while Clemson has maintained stability, Alabama is starting to show signs of breakage, with a does of staff instability and mayhem.
Quarterbacks
Tua Tagavailoa will be back, but the fallback option of Jalen Hurts will not be there when Tua gets banged up, or when the Tide has a huge lead at the end of 3 quarters, which was a usual thing this fall. Tagavailoa had a stellar season, when he passed for 3966 yards with 43 scores and 6 INTs. There was a lot of blow back when he failed to lure in the Heisman, but the reality is that Kyler Murray added a whole dimension as a runner, with similar passing numbers, that Tua did not generate. It really was not that big a deal, or at least not as it was made out to be. That did not remove the fact that Tua was simply terrific all season long, and Tide fans can rejoice the fact that he returns, hopefully healthy, in 2019, for one more year of duty before likely heading off early to the NFL. Jalen Hurts will be transferring, so the backup situation is not as clear, and will have to be ironed out in spring and fall camps. Mac Jones likely gets first dibs on the job, but he was not exactly overwhelmingly terrific in his rare chances in 2018 as a freshman. There will be a likely competition for the backup role upcoming.
Running Backs
The herd will be thinned out a bit in 2019, as the top 2 rushers on the 2 deep will not be back in Damien Harris and Josh Jacobs. Fear not, however, as the Tide is fairly deep in talent at this spot, with Najee Harris (783 yards, 6.69 yards per carry) and Brian Robinson (272 yards) both returning. Jerome Ford is also back as a sophomore and will be looking for more work next fall. Look for incoming freshmen Keilen Robinson and Trey Sanders (5 star) to have some say in the rotation as well.
Receivers
The Tide will be fairly loaded at the receiver spots next fall, as all of the major components are slated to return, led by the phenomenal Jerry Jeudy, who posted a line of 68-1315-14, and averaged 19.34 yards per catch. Jaylen Waddle was severely underrated as a freshman, and posted a line of 45-848-7, and averaged 18.84 yards per catch as a freshman. Henry Ruggs and DeVonta Smith will both be juniors, and burned up the field to a tune of 88 combined catches with 17 more combined scores. Tyrell Shavers and Cahdarius Townsend will be looking to crack the rotation as well next fall, as both will be RS sophomores.
TE Irv Smith is leaving early for the NFL, which will sting a bit, as he caught 44 passes this season. Hale Hentges, who caught an important pass in the title game, will also be moving on. Miller Forrestall and Major Tennison will both be juniors next fall, and seem to fit as the next men up. Incoming 4 star freshman Jahleel Billingsley will likely be in the competition as well.
Offensive Line
Three starters will need to be replaced now that Jonah Williams (LT) has announced his intent to leave early for the NFL. Lester Cotton (LG) and Ross Pierschbacher (C) were both seniors in 2018. RG Alex Leatherwood and RT Jedrick Wills will both be juniors next fall, and are expected to maintain their starting jobs. Scott Lashley and Chris Owens return from the 3 deep at LT, while Emil Ekiyor looks to be the next man up at LG, and will be a sophomore next fall. Owens and Ekiyor are both in the mix at C as well. The Tide needs to find new backup help at RG, while Richie Petitbon should be back as a RS senior to back up at RT.
Three freshmen are coming in at the OT spot, while two new guards were signed as well.
Defensive Line
The Tide will likely be back running their 3-4 set again next fall, which means that they have to replace 2/3 of their starting lineup after Quinnen Williams declared for the draft, and Isaiah Buggs graduated. That's 33 TFLs in production gone from the 2018 team alone. LaBryan Ray looks to take over for Buggs, and recorded 6 TFLs as a reserve in 2018. Phidarian Mathis, a RS sophomore in 2019, may very well replace Williams at NT, but he is not on the same level thus far. Some good news did come at DE this winter, as Raekwon Davis announced that he would return for his final season.
Finding some depth along the line will be a major task in 2019, as several backups will move into starting roles, and that leaves a void of experience on the bench.
There is young talent coming in at DE, as seven ends were signed to bring some depth to the unit. The group now just needs some experience.
Linebacker
The Tide loses Christian Miller and his promary backup in the title game in James Mosley at SAM, and that will take some work to plug the hole. Eyabi Anoma was the 3rd man on the depth chart, and is first man up for the job. He totaled just 9 tackles in 2018.
Mack Wilson is back to start at MIKE, and totaled 71 tackles on the season. Joshua McMillon and Markail Benton are back as the primary backups in the middle, and they combined for 28 tackles on the season. The middle of the defense should be more than set.
Dylan Moses returns as the starter at WILL, and he led the team with 86 tackles on the season. His primary reserve also returns in Ale Kaho, who wrapped 2018 with 11 tackles off the bench.
Anfernee Jennings totaled 50 tackles on the season, and is projected to return to his starting job at JACK. James Mosley was listed as his primary backup, but Cameron Latu, who will be a sophomore, returns to get in more work in the rotation at this spot next fall. He played in just 2 games during the 2018 season, and will need some reps to get experience in camp.
Two new signees will be in camp at the inside spots as well.
Secondary
The secondary had some moments in 2018, but could stand some improvement, as was shown in the title game loss. Saivion Smith and Patrick Surtain II are both back at the CB spots, and depth is solid with the returns of Josh Jobe and Nigel Knott. This group was talented, but mostly young in 2018, and should improve with age next fall. Four signees should add some depth to the pool as well.
Xavier McKinney will be a junior next fall, and returns as the starting SS, while Deionte Thompson is back at FS as a RS senior, or is thus far projected to return. Shyheim Carter is also projected back for his senior season both as the backup at SS and as the Nickel at the STAR position. Jared Mayden and Keaton Anderson are also projected back as key backups at the Safety spots as seniors next fall.
Two new safeties are expected in camp as freshmen as well, giving the Tide one of the deepest secondaries in the nation in 2019.
Special Teams
Joseph Bulovas is back at PK after hitting 14/18 FG attempts as a freshman. He is expected to show some improvement next fall. His return did not stop the staff from recruiting another kicker in Will Reichard, a 3 star recruit from Hoover.
The Tide struggled at Punter this fall, with neither Mike Bernier nor Skyler DeLong averaging near 40 yards per punt. Bernier is gone, and DeLong returns. The staff did not address this situation in the recruiting class.
Jacobs was the primary KR man, and will need replacing. Robinson, Ruggs, and Najee Harris will vie for the role in spring and fall camps.
Waddle likely handles PR duty again next fall after averaging a whopping 14.56 yards per return with one score.
Non Conference Schedule
Criticism should continue on this front, as Alabama takes on another platter of cupcakes out of conference once again. Duke, New Mexico State, Southern Miss, and a late season tilt with FCS member Western Carolina lines the easy road schedule once again, and once again, Alabama will not be playing a true road game out of conference. Cupcakes, cupcakes, and more cupcakes.
2019 Projection
Despite large scale staff turnover, and some questions here and there on both lines, the Tide really should not be challenged much once again, especially due to their overall very weak schedule. As much as I hate to say it, with this very inadequate championship system we are forced to deal with, it would not be surprising to see Alabama right back in the title game against Clemson once again in 2019.
Final 2018 PRS Ranking: #2
Alabama coasted in 2018, but how much of it had to do with a soft schedule that never really challenged a talented bunch with a coaching staff that was about to completely come apart in and after the national championship game? The truth is that this team was not challenged until the final month, and almost lost to a very good Georgia team in the SEC title game before getting it together and coming back to win late. The Tide also failed to cover in an impressive spread in the Orange Bowl against Oklahoma, as they allowed the Sooners to hang around late, while never truly being in jeopardy of losing. Then came the championship disaster against Clemson, where the Tide's inefficient defense crumbled for the final 3 quarters of an absolute onslaught, where the staff was outplayed and out coached from the starting whistle. There will be major shakeups in the staff, especially on the offensive side of the football, and while Clemson has maintained stability, Alabama is starting to show signs of breakage, with a does of staff instability and mayhem.
Quarterbacks
Tua Tagavailoa will be back, but the fallback option of Jalen Hurts will not be there when Tua gets banged up, or when the Tide has a huge lead at the end of 3 quarters, which was a usual thing this fall. Tagavailoa had a stellar season, when he passed for 3966 yards with 43 scores and 6 INTs. There was a lot of blow back when he failed to lure in the Heisman, but the reality is that Kyler Murray added a whole dimension as a runner, with similar passing numbers, that Tua did not generate. It really was not that big a deal, or at least not as it was made out to be. That did not remove the fact that Tua was simply terrific all season long, and Tide fans can rejoice the fact that he returns, hopefully healthy, in 2019, for one more year of duty before likely heading off early to the NFL. Jalen Hurts will be transferring, so the backup situation is not as clear, and will have to be ironed out in spring and fall camps. Mac Jones likely gets first dibs on the job, but he was not exactly overwhelmingly terrific in his rare chances in 2018 as a freshman. There will be a likely competition for the backup role upcoming.
Running Backs
The herd will be thinned out a bit in 2019, as the top 2 rushers on the 2 deep will not be back in Damien Harris and Josh Jacobs. Fear not, however, as the Tide is fairly deep in talent at this spot, with Najee Harris (783 yards, 6.69 yards per carry) and Brian Robinson (272 yards) both returning. Jerome Ford is also back as a sophomore and will be looking for more work next fall. Look for incoming freshmen Keilen Robinson and Trey Sanders (5 star) to have some say in the rotation as well.
Receivers
The Tide will be fairly loaded at the receiver spots next fall, as all of the major components are slated to return, led by the phenomenal Jerry Jeudy, who posted a line of 68-1315-14, and averaged 19.34 yards per catch. Jaylen Waddle was severely underrated as a freshman, and posted a line of 45-848-7, and averaged 18.84 yards per catch as a freshman. Henry Ruggs and DeVonta Smith will both be juniors, and burned up the field to a tune of 88 combined catches with 17 more combined scores. Tyrell Shavers and Cahdarius Townsend will be looking to crack the rotation as well next fall, as both will be RS sophomores.
TE Irv Smith is leaving early for the NFL, which will sting a bit, as he caught 44 passes this season. Hale Hentges, who caught an important pass in the title game, will also be moving on. Miller Forrestall and Major Tennison will both be juniors next fall, and seem to fit as the next men up. Incoming 4 star freshman Jahleel Billingsley will likely be in the competition as well.
Offensive Line
Three starters will need to be replaced now that Jonah Williams (LT) has announced his intent to leave early for the NFL. Lester Cotton (LG) and Ross Pierschbacher (C) were both seniors in 2018. RG Alex Leatherwood and RT Jedrick Wills will both be juniors next fall, and are expected to maintain their starting jobs. Scott Lashley and Chris Owens return from the 3 deep at LT, while Emil Ekiyor looks to be the next man up at LG, and will be a sophomore next fall. Owens and Ekiyor are both in the mix at C as well. The Tide needs to find new backup help at RG, while Richie Petitbon should be back as a RS senior to back up at RT.
Three freshmen are coming in at the OT spot, while two new guards were signed as well.
Defensive Line
The Tide will likely be back running their 3-4 set again next fall, which means that they have to replace 2/3 of their starting lineup after Quinnen Williams declared for the draft, and Isaiah Buggs graduated. That's 33 TFLs in production gone from the 2018 team alone. LaBryan Ray looks to take over for Buggs, and recorded 6 TFLs as a reserve in 2018. Phidarian Mathis, a RS sophomore in 2019, may very well replace Williams at NT, but he is not on the same level thus far. Some good news did come at DE this winter, as Raekwon Davis announced that he would return for his final season.
Finding some depth along the line will be a major task in 2019, as several backups will move into starting roles, and that leaves a void of experience on the bench.
There is young talent coming in at DE, as seven ends were signed to bring some depth to the unit. The group now just needs some experience.
Linebacker
The Tide loses Christian Miller and his promary backup in the title game in James Mosley at SAM, and that will take some work to plug the hole. Eyabi Anoma was the 3rd man on the depth chart, and is first man up for the job. He totaled just 9 tackles in 2018.
Mack Wilson is back to start at MIKE, and totaled 71 tackles on the season. Joshua McMillon and Markail Benton are back as the primary backups in the middle, and they combined for 28 tackles on the season. The middle of the defense should be more than set.
Dylan Moses returns as the starter at WILL, and he led the team with 86 tackles on the season. His primary reserve also returns in Ale Kaho, who wrapped 2018 with 11 tackles off the bench.
Anfernee Jennings totaled 50 tackles on the season, and is projected to return to his starting job at JACK. James Mosley was listed as his primary backup, but Cameron Latu, who will be a sophomore, returns to get in more work in the rotation at this spot next fall. He played in just 2 games during the 2018 season, and will need some reps to get experience in camp.
Two new signees will be in camp at the inside spots as well.
Secondary
The secondary had some moments in 2018, but could stand some improvement, as was shown in the title game loss. Saivion Smith and Patrick Surtain II are both back at the CB spots, and depth is solid with the returns of Josh Jobe and Nigel Knott. This group was talented, but mostly young in 2018, and should improve with age next fall. Four signees should add some depth to the pool as well.
Xavier McKinney will be a junior next fall, and returns as the starting SS, while Deionte Thompson is back at FS as a RS senior, or is thus far projected to return. Shyheim Carter is also projected back for his senior season both as the backup at SS and as the Nickel at the STAR position. Jared Mayden and Keaton Anderson are also projected back as key backups at the Safety spots as seniors next fall.
Two new safeties are expected in camp as freshmen as well, giving the Tide one of the deepest secondaries in the nation in 2019.
Special Teams
Joseph Bulovas is back at PK after hitting 14/18 FG attempts as a freshman. He is expected to show some improvement next fall. His return did not stop the staff from recruiting another kicker in Will Reichard, a 3 star recruit from Hoover.
The Tide struggled at Punter this fall, with neither Mike Bernier nor Skyler DeLong averaging near 40 yards per punt. Bernier is gone, and DeLong returns. The staff did not address this situation in the recruiting class.
Jacobs was the primary KR man, and will need replacing. Robinson, Ruggs, and Najee Harris will vie for the role in spring and fall camps.
Waddle likely handles PR duty again next fall after averaging a whopping 14.56 yards per return with one score.
Non Conference Schedule
Criticism should continue on this front, as Alabama takes on another platter of cupcakes out of conference once again. Duke, New Mexico State, Southern Miss, and a late season tilt with FCS member Western Carolina lines the easy road schedule once again, and once again, Alabama will not be playing a true road game out of conference. Cupcakes, cupcakes, and more cupcakes.
2019 Projection
Despite large scale staff turnover, and some questions here and there on both lines, the Tide really should not be challenged much once again, especially due to their overall very weak schedule. As much as I hate to say it, with this very inadequate championship system we are forced to deal with, it would not be surprising to see Alabama right back in the title game against Clemson once again in 2019.
Thursday, January 10, 2019
State of College Football: Clemson Tigers 2019
Clemson Tigers 2019 Look Ahead
Final 2018 PRS Ranking: #1
With a second national title under his belt, Dabo Swinney is starting to show he has what it takes to run Nick Saban and Alabama. Swinney and his staff, especially DC Brent Venables, completely out coached Saban and Alabama in the national title game, which Clemson won in a rout. With the talent coming back, especially on offense, Clemson should be in this spot easily for the next two years.
Quarterback
The Tigers are set in stone over the next two seasons, if Trevor Lawrence can stay healthy. The smartest thing that Swinney and company did all season was to hand the starting job to Lawrence over Kelly Bryant, who transferred to Missouri. Lawrence added a dimension that Bryant simply did not have at QB, and because of the presence of the freshman, the Tigers won the national title. I will stick my neck out on the line to say that if that move did not happen, Clemson does not win the national title, and may not have made the playoffs. This position is now set until the completion of the 2021 season, barring good health. Lawrence passed for 3280 yards, 30 TDs, and just 4 INTs, all while completing a rock solid 65.2% of his passes.
Running Back
Travis Etienne was one of the brightest spots in college football at the RB position in 2018, and rushed for 1658 yards and 24 scores on the season. He balanced out the passing game in measurable ways, and will be back as a junior in 2019, again, solidifying another key spot for the Tigers. He averaged a whopping 8.13 yards per carry on the season, and will be mentioned in pre-season Heisman talks to some degree, as will Lawrence, next season.
Depth is rock solid as well at the position, as Lyn-J Dixon, Tavien Feaster, and Darien Reacher are all slated to return as well.
Wide Receiver
There is more good news here as well, as 5 of the top 6 receivers are all slated to return next fall, including freshman phenom Justyn Ross, who posted a line of 46-1000-9, all while averaging 21.74 yards per catch. He had a huge coming out party in the championship game for a national audience, and will be considered as one of the top wideouts in the game in 2019. Tee Higgins, who posted 59-936-12, also returns, and should give Lawrence the foundation for one of the top receiving corps in the nation to throw to. Amari Rodgers, Derion Kendrick, Diondre Overton, and TJ Chase all are slated to return as well.
Tight End
The Tigers do not figure much into this position, but Braden Galloway will return if needed as a reliever as well, and will be a sophomore next fall. He led all Tiger TEs with 52 yards receiving.
Offensive Line
Three starters from the national championship game will be slated to return in LG John Simpson, RG Gage Cervenka, and RT Tremayne Anchrum. New starters will need to be found at LT and C, but Jackson Carman, a sophomore next fall, should be able to step into the LT role, while Cervenka may slide over to C. If that is the case, look for Sean Pollard to get first nod at the RG spot in spring and fall camps. Other than the LT and C spot, every other player on the 3 deep will be slated to return in spring camp, barring transfers or other issues. This unit is deep and solid.
Defensive Line
The Tigers may have some rebuilding work to do up front, as Clelin Farrell, Christian Wilkins, and Austin Bryant are all expected to be departing. Expect the front 4 to be young next fall, with Justin Foster, who will be a junior next season, being the senior member of the returning group. Nyles Pinckney will also be a junior at DT, while Jordan Williams and Xavier Thomas will both be sophomores.
Linebacker
MLB Tre Lamar has already declared for the draft from this group, and the position could be a void headed into spring camp. Expect some answers to develop there in a few months. Kendall Joseph also will likely need replacing. Isaiah Simmons, the SLB/NB, led the team in tackles as a sophomore, and should be back for one more season. There should be some open competition at MLB and WLB in camps.
Secondary
We are waiting word on juniors AJ Terrell and Trayvon Mullen at CB to see whether or not they will be returning next fall, as both are draft eligible. If they return, the Tigers will have a deep CB unit, which should be one of the best in the country next season. The backups will be young, but talented in sophomores to be Mario Goodrich, Kyler McMichael, and LeAnthony Williams.
There are similar early questions at Safety, as both players are also draft eligible in K'Von Wallace and Tanner Muse. Muse is more of a LB in the defensive scheme, but is a play maker without special cover skills. Nolan Turner and Denzel Johnson were both primary reserves in the national title game, and are both expected to return in 2019.
Special Teams
Greg Huegel is gone at PK, and was not special in 2018. BT Potter, a freshman in 2018, is next in line to replace him in spring camp. Will Spiers had his moments at Punter, but averaged under 40 yards per punt on the season, and will be back in 2019.
Amari Rodgers will be back on PR duty, while Derion Kendrick will return as the primary KR man.
2019 Non Conference Schedule
After opening the season in ACC play against Georgia Tech on 8/29, Clemson will take on Texas A&M at home, and then follows with highly winnable games against Charlotte and Wofford. They will finish the regular season, as always, against South Carolina on 11/30.
2019 Prediction
Barring issues replacing losses on the defensive side, which are considerable, Clemson should be in very good shape to once again run the table in 2019, especially based on their amazing talent returning on the offensive side of the football. Clemson may very well have the most potentially explosive offense in the nation returning next fall. Lawrence and Etienne could both be Heisman contenders next season for the Tigers. The coaching staff looks to remain intact, and their incoming recruiting class is ranked 6th on average nationally, with 2 five stars coming in from a class of 27 total commits. Look for another title run from the Tigers next fall.
Final 2018 PRS Ranking: #1
With a second national title under his belt, Dabo Swinney is starting to show he has what it takes to run Nick Saban and Alabama. Swinney and his staff, especially DC Brent Venables, completely out coached Saban and Alabama in the national title game, which Clemson won in a rout. With the talent coming back, especially on offense, Clemson should be in this spot easily for the next two years.
Quarterback
The Tigers are set in stone over the next two seasons, if Trevor Lawrence can stay healthy. The smartest thing that Swinney and company did all season was to hand the starting job to Lawrence over Kelly Bryant, who transferred to Missouri. Lawrence added a dimension that Bryant simply did not have at QB, and because of the presence of the freshman, the Tigers won the national title. I will stick my neck out on the line to say that if that move did not happen, Clemson does not win the national title, and may not have made the playoffs. This position is now set until the completion of the 2021 season, barring good health. Lawrence passed for 3280 yards, 30 TDs, and just 4 INTs, all while completing a rock solid 65.2% of his passes.
Running Back
Travis Etienne was one of the brightest spots in college football at the RB position in 2018, and rushed for 1658 yards and 24 scores on the season. He balanced out the passing game in measurable ways, and will be back as a junior in 2019, again, solidifying another key spot for the Tigers. He averaged a whopping 8.13 yards per carry on the season, and will be mentioned in pre-season Heisman talks to some degree, as will Lawrence, next season.
Depth is rock solid as well at the position, as Lyn-J Dixon, Tavien Feaster, and Darien Reacher are all slated to return as well.
Wide Receiver
There is more good news here as well, as 5 of the top 6 receivers are all slated to return next fall, including freshman phenom Justyn Ross, who posted a line of 46-1000-9, all while averaging 21.74 yards per catch. He had a huge coming out party in the championship game for a national audience, and will be considered as one of the top wideouts in the game in 2019. Tee Higgins, who posted 59-936-12, also returns, and should give Lawrence the foundation for one of the top receiving corps in the nation to throw to. Amari Rodgers, Derion Kendrick, Diondre Overton, and TJ Chase all are slated to return as well.
Tight End
The Tigers do not figure much into this position, but Braden Galloway will return if needed as a reliever as well, and will be a sophomore next fall. He led all Tiger TEs with 52 yards receiving.
Offensive Line
Three starters from the national championship game will be slated to return in LG John Simpson, RG Gage Cervenka, and RT Tremayne Anchrum. New starters will need to be found at LT and C, but Jackson Carman, a sophomore next fall, should be able to step into the LT role, while Cervenka may slide over to C. If that is the case, look for Sean Pollard to get first nod at the RG spot in spring and fall camps. Other than the LT and C spot, every other player on the 3 deep will be slated to return in spring camp, barring transfers or other issues. This unit is deep and solid.
Defensive Line
The Tigers may have some rebuilding work to do up front, as Clelin Farrell, Christian Wilkins, and Austin Bryant are all expected to be departing. Expect the front 4 to be young next fall, with Justin Foster, who will be a junior next season, being the senior member of the returning group. Nyles Pinckney will also be a junior at DT, while Jordan Williams and Xavier Thomas will both be sophomores.
Linebacker
MLB Tre Lamar has already declared for the draft from this group, and the position could be a void headed into spring camp. Expect some answers to develop there in a few months. Kendall Joseph also will likely need replacing. Isaiah Simmons, the SLB/NB, led the team in tackles as a sophomore, and should be back for one more season. There should be some open competition at MLB and WLB in camps.
Secondary
We are waiting word on juniors AJ Terrell and Trayvon Mullen at CB to see whether or not they will be returning next fall, as both are draft eligible. If they return, the Tigers will have a deep CB unit, which should be one of the best in the country next season. The backups will be young, but talented in sophomores to be Mario Goodrich, Kyler McMichael, and LeAnthony Williams.
There are similar early questions at Safety, as both players are also draft eligible in K'Von Wallace and Tanner Muse. Muse is more of a LB in the defensive scheme, but is a play maker without special cover skills. Nolan Turner and Denzel Johnson were both primary reserves in the national title game, and are both expected to return in 2019.
Special Teams
Greg Huegel is gone at PK, and was not special in 2018. BT Potter, a freshman in 2018, is next in line to replace him in spring camp. Will Spiers had his moments at Punter, but averaged under 40 yards per punt on the season, and will be back in 2019.
Amari Rodgers will be back on PR duty, while Derion Kendrick will return as the primary KR man.
2019 Non Conference Schedule
After opening the season in ACC play against Georgia Tech on 8/29, Clemson will take on Texas A&M at home, and then follows with highly winnable games against Charlotte and Wofford. They will finish the regular season, as always, against South Carolina on 11/30.
2019 Prediction
Barring issues replacing losses on the defensive side, which are considerable, Clemson should be in very good shape to once again run the table in 2019, especially based on their amazing talent returning on the offensive side of the football. Clemson may very well have the most potentially explosive offense in the nation returning next fall. Lawrence and Etienne could both be Heisman contenders next season for the Tigers. The coaching staff looks to remain intact, and their incoming recruiting class is ranked 6th on average nationally, with 2 five stars coming in from a class of 27 total commits. Look for another title run from the Tigers next fall.
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Final 2018 FBS PRS Football Rankings
| Rank | Points | Team | Record | Opponent |
| 1 | 3571 | Clemson | 15-0 | Def. Alabama 44-16 |
| 2 | 3197 | Alabama | 14-1 | Lost to Clemson 44-16 |
| 3 | 2929 | Ohio State | 13-1 | Def. Washington 28-23 |
| 4 | 2638 | Oklahoma | 12-2 | Lost to Alabama 45-34 |
| 5 | 2521 | Notre Dame | 12-1 | Lost to Clemson 30-3 |
| 6 | 2487 | Central Florida | 12-1 | Lost to Louisiana State 40-32 |
| 7 | 2343 | Fresno State | 12-2 | Def. Arizona State 31-20 |
| 8 | 2322 | Utah State | 11-2 | Def. North Texas 52-13 |
| 9 | 2142 | Appalachian State | 11-2 | Def. Middle Tennessee 45-13 |
| 10 | 2071 | Cincinnati | 11-2 | Def. Virginia Tech 35-31 |
| 11 | 2014 | Washington State | 11-2 | Def. Iowa State 28-26 |
| 12 | 1996 | Georgia | 11-3 | Lost to Texas 28-21 |
| 13 | 1863 | Army | 11-2 | Def. Houston 70-14 |
| 14 | 1862 | Michigan | 10-3 | Lost to Florida 41-15 |
| 15 | 1856 | UAB | 11-3 | Def. Northern Illinois 37-13 |
| 16 | 1833 | Boise State | 10-3 | vs. Boston College (Cxld) |
| 17 | 1733 | Syracuse | 10-3 | Def. West Virginia 34-18 |
| 18 | 1608 | Texas | 10-4 | Def. Georgia 28-21 |
| 19 | 1578 | Louisiana State | 10-3 | Def. Central Florida 40-32 |
| 20 | 1575 | Georgia Southern | 10-3 | Def. Eastern Michigan 23-21 |
| 21 | 1553 | Troy | 10-3 | Def. Buffalo 42-32 |
| 22 | 1506 | Buffalo | 10-4 | Lost to Troy 42-32 |
| 23 | 1492 | Ohio | 9-4 | Def. San Diego State 27-0 |
| 24 | 1475 | Kentucky | 10-3 | Def. Penn State 27-24 |
| 25 | 1461 | Penn State | 9-4 | Lost to Kentucky 27-24 |
| 26 | 1407 | Florida | 10-3 | Def. Michigan 41-15 |
| 27 | 1396 | Washington | 10-4 | Lost to Washington 28-23 |
| 28 | 1348 | Texas A&M | 9-4 | Def. NC State 52-13 |
| 29 | 1278 | North Texas | 9-4 | Lost to Utah State 52-13 |
| 30 | 1252 | Florida International | 9-4 | Def. Toledo 35-32 |
| 31 | 1241 | Iowa | 9-4 | Def. Mississippi State 27-22 |
| 32 | 1232 | North Carolina State | 9-4 | Lost to Texas A&M 52-13 |
| 33 | 1214 | Oregon | 9-4 | Def. Michigan State 7-6 |
| 34 | 1168 | Marshall | 9-4 | Def. South Florida 38-20 |
| 35 | 1160 | Stanford | 9-4 | Def. Pittsburgh 14-13 |
| 36 | 1138 | West Virginia | 8-4 | Lost to Syracuse 34-18 |
| 37 | 1073 | Utah | 9-5 | Lost to Northwestern 31-20 |
| 38 | 1051 | Northwestern | 9-5 | Def. Utah 31-20 |
| 39 | 1006 | Temple | 8-5 | Lost to Duke 56-27 |
| 40 | 989 | Houston | 8-5 | Lost to Army 70-14 |
| 41 | 978 | Wisconsin | 8-5 | Def. Miami (FL) 35-3 |
| 42 | 920 | Missouri | 8-5 | Lost to Oklahoma State 38-33 |
| 43 | 911 | Middle Tennessee | 8-6 | Lost to Appalachian St. 45-13 |
| 44 | 898 | Nevada-Reno | 8-5 | Def. Arkansas State 16-13 OT |
| 45 | 892 | Memphis | 8-6 | Lost to Wake Forest 37-34 |
| 46 | 852 | Mississippi State | 8-5 | Lost to Iowa 27-22 |
| 47 | 842 | Auburn | 8-5 | Def. Purdue 63-14 |
| 48 | 812 | Arkansas State | 8-5 | Lost to Nevada 16-13 OT |
| 49 | 777 | Virginia | 8-5 | Def. South Carolina 28-0 |
| 50 | 752 | Duke | 8-5 | Def. Temple 56-27 |
| 51 | 738 | Louisiana Tech | 8-5 | Def. Hawaii 31-14 |
| 52 | 721 | Iowa State | 8-5 | Lost to Washington St. 28-26 |
| 53 | 689 | Northern Illinois | 8-6 | Lost to UAB 37-13 |
| 54 | 604 | Arizona State | 7-6 | Lost to Fresno State 31-20 |
| 55 | 587 | Toledo | 7-6 | Lost to FIU 35-32 |
| 56 | 557 | Minnesota | 7-6 | Def. Georgia Tech 34-10 |
| 57 | 548 | Boston College | 7-5 | vs. Boise State (Cancelled) |
| 58 | 518 | Oklahoma State | 7-6 | Def. Missouri 38-33 |
| 59 | 515 | Hawaii | 8-6 | Lost to Louisiana Tech 31-14 |
| 60 | 508 | Pittsburgh | 7-7 | Lost to Stanford 14-13 |
| 61 | 505 | Georgia Tech | 7-6 | Lost to Minnesota 34-10 |
| 62 | 472 | Miami (FL) | 7-6 | Lost to Wisconsin 35-3 |
| 63 | 450 | Brigham Young | 7-6 | Def. Western Michigan 49-18 |
| 64T | 414 | Michigan State | 7-6 | Lost to Oregon 7-6 |
| 64T | 414 | Eastern Michigan | 7-6 | Lost to Ga. Southern 23-21 |
| 66 | 379 | Tulane | 7-6 | Def. UL-Lafayette 41-24 |
| 67 | 379 | South Carolina | 7-6 | Lost to Virginia 28-0 |
| 68 | 370 | Wake Forest | 7-6 | Def. Memphis 37-34 |
| 69 | 368 | Miami (OH) | 6-6 | Season Over |
| 70 | 365 | Western Michigan | 7-6 | Lost to Brigham Young 49-18 |
| 71 | 348 | Purdue | 6-7 | Lost to Auburn 63-14 |
| 72 | 341 | Baylor | 7-6 | Def. Vanderbilt 45-38 |
| 73 | 340 | South Florida | 7-6 | Lost to Marshall 38-20 |
| 74 | 307 | Texas Christain | 7-6 | Def. California 10-7 OT |
| 75 | 303 | Southern Miss | 6-5 | Season Over |
| 76 | 268 | Louisiana-Lafayette | 7-7 | Lost to Tulane 41-24 |
| 77 | 255 | California | 7-6 | Lost to TCU 10-7 OT |
| 78 | 226 | San Diego State | 7-6 | Lost to Ohio 27-0 |
| 79 | 123 | Lousiana Monroe | 6-6 | Season Over |
| 80 | 65 | Wyoming | 6-6 | Season Over |
| 81 | -10 | Maryland | 5-7 | Season Over |
| 82 | -13 | Vanderbilt | 6-7 | Lost to Baylor 45-38 |
| 83 | -39 | Virginia Tech | 6-7 | Lost to Cincinnati 35-31 |
| 84 | -44 | Liberty | 6-6 | Season Over |
| 85 | -46 | Southern California | 5-7 | Season Over |
| 86 | -54 | Texas Tech | 5-7 | Season Over |
| 87 | -124 | Air Force | 5-7 | Season Over |
| 88 | -125 | Indiana | 5-7 | Season Over |
| 89 | -226 | Colorado | 5-7 | Season Over |
| 90 | -246 | Mississippi | 5-7 | Season Over |
| 91 | -251 | Arizona | 5-7 | Season Over |
| 92 | -256 | Southern Methodist | 5-7 | Season Over |
| 93 | -269 | Florida Atlantic | 5-7 | Season Over |
| 94 | -335 | Charlotte | 5-7 | Season Over |
| 95 | -342 | Kansas State | 5-7 | Season Over |
| 96 | -398 | Tennessee | 5-7 | Season Over |
| 97 | -411 | Florida State | 5-7 | Season Over |
| 98 | -618 | Old Dominion | 4-8 | Season Over |
| 99 | -640 | Massachusetts | 4-8 | Season Over |
| 100 | -653 | Nevada-Las Vegas | 4-8 | Season Over |
| 101 | -693 | Ball State | 4-8 | Season Over |
| 102 | -710 | Coastal Carolina | 5-7 | Season Over |
| 103 | -713 | Akron | 4-8 | Season Over |
| 104 | -733 | Illinois | 4-8 | Season Over |
| 105 | -758 | Nebraska | 4-8 | Season Over |
| 106 | -923 | UCLA | 3-9 | Season Over |
| 107 | -928 | Kansas | 3-9 | Season Over |
| 108 | -928 | Western Kentucky | 3-9 | Season Over |
| 109 | -1015 | Tulsa | 3-9 | Season Over |
| 110 | -1043 | North Carolina | 2-9 | Season Over |
| 111 | -1045 | Colorado State | 3-9 | Season Over |
| 112 | -1058 | New Mexico | 3-9 | Season Over |
| 113 | -1084 | Texas-San Antonio | 3-9 | Season Over |
| 114 | -1092 | New Mexico State | 3-9 | Season Over |
| 115 | -1130 | South Alabama | 3-9 | Season Over |
| 116 | -1137 | Navy | 3-10 | Season Over |
| 117 | -1138 | Bowling Green | 3-9 | Season Over |
| 118 | -1144 | Texas State | 3-9 | Season Over |
| 119 | -1152 | East Carolina | 3-9 | Season Over |
| 120 | -1320 | Kent State | 2-10 | Season Over |
| 121 | -1449 | Georgia State | 2-10 | Season Over |
| 122 | -1520 | Oregon State | 2-10 | Season Over |
| 123 | -1552 | Arkansas | 2-10 | Season Over |
| 124 | -1686 | Louisville | 2-10 | Season Over |
| 125 | -1727 | Rice | 2-11 | Season Over |
| 126 | -1729 | San Jose State | 1-11 | Season Over |
| 127 | -1842 | Texas-El Paso | 1-11 | Season Over |
| 128 | -1853 | Rutgers | 1-11 | Season Over |
| 129 | -1883 | Central Michigan | 1-11 | Season Over |
| 130 | -2029 | Connecticut | 1-11 | Season Over |
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