This past weekend, Alabama had its “A-Day” game, its spring practice which is open to the public. While I could not go due to work, it got me longing for fall, and wondering what storylines we will see during the college football season. Without further ado, I give you my picks for the best, most improved, and most regressed team this season.
The Best
While it would be easy to pick Clemson or Alabama (depending on your preference for orange or crimson,) I have a third option. It didn’t feel right putting this team under “most improved,” as they have been successful the last few years. They have a coach in place who is a QB guru. To go along with this coach, they have an experienced quarterback who has played in big games. I am, of course, talking about the Oklahoma Sooners. I have been high on the Sooners this offseason, and this could be the year they sneak into the National Championship game. As I previously mentioned, they have Jalen Hurts as a graduate transfer now, as well as some key pieces returning on offense, most notably CeeDee Lamb. If Jalen and Lamb can develop chemistry early, expect Oklahoma’s high flying offense to run away with the Big XII. The only thing standing in their way? Big XII defense, and I don’t mean the other teams’. If the OU defense can figure it out and be serviceable, expect the Sooners to pull an upset in the playoffs.
Most Improved
Jared was not thrilled with my take on the Korner Booth, but I stand by it. Penn State will win the Big 10 conference, and cement themselves at the most improved team in the conference. With the departure of Urban Meyer at Ohio State… sorry, The Ohio State, a power vacuum has been created, and Penn State will step in. James Franklin has been there for five years, going on six. He is experienced in the Big 10, and has won it before. The biggest question mark (in my mind,) is the quarterback situation. With redshirt senior Trace McSorely not starting for the first time in three years, Penn State doesn’t know who is starting. The first option would be redshirt senior Tommy Stevens, but a leg injury that required surgery has given Sean Clifford (R-So) the opportunity to run with the ones. Clifford has shown promise, but Franklin should start Stevens, if healthy.
Most Regressed
People love it when I talk about the issues with this program, but hear me out. Following a legend is never easy, and being a first time head coach will make it even harder. Ohio State will not be bad in Day’s first season. On the other hand, they will not be going 13-1. A 10 or 9 win season shouldn’t surprise anyone, and for the first time in a while, there will not be an argument for Ohio State to be in the playoffs. Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Kevin, you idiot, OSU went 3-0 under Day to start the season.” That is correct, but, unless those wins are added to the 2019 season, then it won’t matter. Ohio State beat a Rutgers team that went 1-11 (no wins in the Big 10,) a 2-10 Oregon State, and a 7-6 TCU. Those are teams that Ohio State should beat, especially with Dwayne Haskins at quarterback. In addition to this, OSU has a quarterback completely new to the program in Justin Fields (although no starter has been announced.) Given this, Buckeye fans should expect a down year in Columbus.
Agree with my takes? Disagree? Think I should quit Belly Up and become a hermit so no one has to listen to my nonsense? Let me know on twitter @Langles96
