Every College Football Power 5 Team's Worst Offseason Nightmare
Welcome to college football's offseason, where anything can happen, but most of it ends up being bad.
Between the end of the 2014 season and the start of the 2015 campaign, teams and their fans must stress over early NFL departures, national signing day and spring practice while also worrying about off-field incidents getting in the way of on-field progress. So much can go wrong, and the impact of these issues can have a major effect on how the upcoming season goes.
While much of this is general, every power-conference team has at least one specific concern it's hoping doesn't pop up during the offseason. We've listed what these potential nightmares are, as well as what they would mean for the program.
Alabama
1 of 65
Lane Kiffin leaves; offensive progress regresses
People met the hiring of Lane Kiffin as Alabama's offensive coordinator with skepticism when it first happened, but after the former Tennessee and USC coach produced results on the field, most concerns were forgotten. The biggest question left is whether he'd stick around long.
That scenario might be coming into play now, with ESPN's Adam Schefter reporting that Kiffin is a prime candidate to be the offensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Nick Saban told Michael Casagrande of AL.com that Kiffin is committed to the Crimson Tide at this point and continues to recruit for them. Coach Saban said, "We're hopeful that will continue."
If Kiffin were to leave, that would be the third Alabama coach to leave Saban's staff since the season ended. This would be the biggest loss, though, because it would require finding someone with a similar approach to what Kiffin had or lead to changes in the offensive schemes that would halt the progress made by the Tide's offense in 2014.
Arizona
2 of 65
The young skill position players don't improve
Arizona's run to the Pac-12 title game and the Fiesta Bowl was fueled by an offense that had freshmen at quarterback and running back and a receiving corps stocked with sophomores. It was a breakout performance across the board and provided great promise for what will happen in 2015.
Yet at various points during the season, nearly every member of that young skill group showed signs of inexperience and poor play. When it happened to several at the same time, the losses became more likely.
Expect working on consistency and eliminating mistakes to be a major part of offseason workouts and practice, particularly when it comes to quarterback Anu Solomon's decision-making. If he and others can't eliminate these miscues, the team would have less opportunity to improve for the upcoming season.
Arizona State
3 of 65
Mike Bercovici stumbles as No. 1 quarterback
When Taylor Kelly suffered a leg injury early in the 2014 season, Arizona State managed to keep the ship steered in the right direction with backup Mike Bercovici stepping into the position. He ended up throwing for 1,445 yards and 12 touchdowns, going 2-1 in his starts that included 488- and 510-yard performances.
With Kelly graduating, it's Bercovici's job on a full-time basis, and on the surface everything should be fine for the Sun Devils' passing game.
"The production and the eye test make it clear that the Sun Devils are in good shape with Bercovici moving forward," wrote Kevin Zimmerman of Fox Sports.
Shifting versatile running back D.J. Foster into more of a slot receiver role will also help, but the key is the progression of Bercovici. No longer in the backup role, he has to show he can carry the team on a weekly basis, and if that's not evident during offseason workouts, it could impact ASU's plans for the fall.
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Arkansas
4 of 65
More late recruiting losses
Arkansas already has its two highest-rated 2015 recruits enrolled in school, as 4-star defensive tackle Hjalte Froholdt and 4-star tight end Will Gragg signed earlier this month. They were not the Razorbacks' top two prospects a few days ago but moved into those spots after 4-star wide receiver K.J. Hill reopened his recruitment over the weekend.
Hill, from North Little Rock, is the state's top prospect and is rated 153rd in the country by 247Sports. He had been pledged to Arkansas since August and makes his official visit to Fayetteville on Jan. 31, but after visiting Alabama this past weekend, he backed off on that commitment.
Arkansas' class is still looking strong, ranking 24th in the nation despite Hill's departure. Any further losses, though, would be harder to withstand.
Auburn
5 of 65
The next wave can't move the ball as well
Auburn's offense over the past two seasons has been one of the most dominant and explosive in college football, ranking in the top 20 nationally both years. Yet while the Tigers were able to overcome personnel losses from one year to the next, the departures from this past team could be far more significant.
Gone is the offense's pilot, quarterback Nick Marshall, as well as 1,500-yard rusher Cameron-Artis Payne, backup running back Corey Grant, tight end C.J. Uzomah and two offensive linemen. Throw in receivers Sammie Coates and Quan Bray graduating, and the Tigers have to replace nearly all of their offensive production.
A potential sea change is possible, as likely quarterback Jeremy Johnson is primarily a passer.
"With Nick Marshall moving on, Auburn has to rework its running game some," wrote Joel Erickson of AL.com. "Marshall has provided a dangerous weapon on the perimeter the past two seasons. Prospective starter Jeremy Johnson hasn't shown Marshall's speed on the edge."
Johnson should help beef up the passing game, but if Auburn can't replicate its running success, the likelihood of getting back into the playoff hunt would go down.
Baylor
6 of 65
Seth Russell struggles
When Bryce Petty suffered a back injury late in Baylor's season opener back in August, causing him to miss the next game, the Bears turned to backup quarterback Seth Russell, and it was like no change had ever happened. He threw for 438 yards and five touchdowns on just 16-of-25 passing.
Petty has graduated, which opens the door for Russell to land the job as a junior. John Werner of the Waco Tribune-Herald tweeted Wednesday that Baylor coach Art Briles said "Seth Russell will have (the) advantage with experience coming into spring," but that sophomore Chris Johnson and incoming 4-star passer Jarrett Stidham (who is already enrolled) will also be in the mix.
Stidham is the Bears' future, but Briles would probably prefer not to have to turn to him right away, as 2009 was the last time he didn't go with a quarterback in at least his third year in the program. Yet if Russell struggles as the main guy, the coach may have to hand the reins over to Stidham earlier.
Boston College
7 of 65
A run-first team has no one to open holes
Steve Addazio has shown that, in his time in charge of Boston College, he plans on running the ball. In 2013 the Eagles had a 2,000-yard rusher in Andre Williams, and this past season Tyler Murphy set an ACC record for rushing yards by a quarterback with 1,179. The team as a whole averaged nearly 255 yards per game.
Murphy has graduated, though, while BC's entire offensive line was manned by graduate students in 2014 who made 63 of 65 possible starts. The Eagles will need to do a lot of work to get the run game to be as good as it was these past two years, and that work starts as soon as spring practice begins.
It could take a while to get done, but some progress needs to be seen early. If not, don't expect BC to be bowling in 2015.
California
8 of 65
Jared Goff gets injured
California went from 1-11 in Sonny Dykes' first year in 2013 to 5-7 last season, coming within a few minutes of becoming bowl-eligible but instead losing its final game at home to BYU. Shoddy defense was a key factor in the Golden Bears not being able to get over the hump, yet the offense was clicking on all cylinders most of the season.
The key to that unit is quarterback Jared Goff, who has thrown for 7,461 yards and 53 touchdowns in two seasons. The junior-to-be figures to be one of the best passers in the country this fall and also will be one of the most irreplaceable players in FBS.
Goff suffered a shoulder injury in the final game of his freshman year in 2013, but he emerged unscathed from 2014. The Golden Bears will make every effort to keep him safe during the offseason, but if there's any team that can't afford to suffer a freak injury to its signal-caller, it would be Cal.
Clemson
9 of 65
Deshaun Watson doesn't heal fully
Clemson's 2014 season was full of offensive ups and downs, most of which were tied into when and how freshman quarterback Deshaun Watson was able to contribute. When he was in the game, his athleticism enabled the Tigers to move the ball effectively, and when he wasn't, they more often than not sputtered.
Watson suffered multiple injuries last season, including a torn knee ligament that caused him to miss the regular-season finale and bowl game. His timetable calls for a return by the summer, though in December coach Dabo Swinney noted that Watson's rehab is ahead of schedule.
How he looks when he's back on the field will be the ultimate determining factor, though. If the surgery didn't take complete care of the problem or Watson is unable to perform at the same level right way, Clemson's offense could again be sluggish this fall.
Colorado
10 of 65
Sefo Liufau regresses
As Colorado's quarterback for most of the past two seasons, Sefo Liufau has shown consistent signs of improvement but still seems a few notches below where the Buffaloes would like him to be. Last season he threw for 3,200 yards and 28 touchdowns, but the sophomore also threw at least one interception in 10 of 12 games and at least two on five occasions.
This offseason is when the light really needs to turn on for Liufau, who will be in his third year running coach Mike MacIntyre's system. There isn't a surefire option behind him that the Buffaloes can turn to, so it's Liufau's job.
If he doesn't show further progress or backslides, Colorado's run of losing seasons will reach 10 straight.
Duke
11 of 65
Jela Duncan slips up again
Duke lost a major piece of its offense long before the 2014 season began when running back Jela Duncan was suspended for the entire year for a violation of academic policy. He had run for more than 550 yards in each of his first two seasons and was expected to be a major contributor to the run game this past year.
Duncan was formally reinstated to the program on Wednesday, and he should contend with Shaquille Powell and Shaun Wilson for the starting job this spring...as long as he doesn't do something else that causes him to be removed from the team and the school.
With the Blue Devils needing to replace quarterback Anthony Boone and star receivers Isaac Blakeney and Jamison Crowder, the entire offense is in a state of limbo. Having Duncan will help a lot, but if he can't stay eligible, that would further complicate matters.
Florida
12 of 65
Gators lose out on most key 2015 recruits
Florida's recruiting class for 2015 was small when the Gators hired new coach Jim McElwain in December—the result of decommitments and uncertainty about the team's future without Will Muschamp. McElwain has only landed one commitment since taking the job, and with two weeks left until national signing day, the class only has eight players.
That currently ranks Florida 84th in 247Sports' composite rankings, one spot behind FBS newcomer Old Dominion.
The Gators are hot on the trail of several big-name prospects, many of whom are from Florida. Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee wrote that "keeping the best uncommitted players in-state is absolutely critical to the success of head coach Jim McElwain's first recruiting class," but if he's unable to land a good number of these targets, it could cause his tenure to get off to a shaky start.
Florida State
13 of 65
Replacing Jameis Winston proves harder than expected
When Jameis Winston won the quarterback competition to replace EJ Manuel in 2013, he did so without too much attention or fanfare—at least, not compared to what those trying to succeed Winston this offseason will be going through.
Sean Maguire, who started in place of Winston for one game last season when he was suspended, will be in a competition with J.J. Cosentino, John Franklin and a slew of incoming freshmen for the job. In many ways, it will be similar to the quarterback competitions that will be going on all over the country, except for one major difference: FSU is trying to replace a former Heisman winner and a guy who went 26-1 as a starter.
Every practice, drill and scrimmage is going to get scrutinized and picked apart by the media and others who want to predict who the Seminoles' next quarterback will be. As much as coach Jimbo Fisher will try to prevent this, it may be impossible to keep all that attention from affecting the competitors.
Georgia
14 of 65
No quarterback emerges in spring practice
Georgia will be starting a new quarterback for the second straight year, after having Aaron Murray in that position for four consecutive seasons. Hutson Mason managed the job well enough in 2014, though his time in the program enabled the senior to work through issues related to a lack of on-field experience.
Whoever gets the job in 2015 won't have the same advantage, as the candidates have taken very few snaps.
Brice Ramsey served as Mason's backup last year as a redshirt freshman, attempting 39 passes in eight games and playing the entire second half of the Belk Bowl. Sophomore Faton Bauta only ran the ball when he got into games—just like he did in 2013—and Georgia's other passer candidates were either redshirted or never saw the field last fall.
Though it's not essential, Georgia would prefer to have a clear leader in the quarterback competition by the time spring practice ends. If that's not the case, the entire offseason will remain mired in uncertainty.
Georgia Tech
15 of 65
The next wave of option runners doesn't pass muster
Georgia Tech's superb 2014 season was fueled by a nearly unstoppable option run game, which was led by quarterback Justin Thomas and a solid offensive line but also a bevy of running backs. Thomas is back in 2015, but four of the five most prolific rushers after him are not.
Thomas had 190 of the Yellow Jackets' 790 carries this past season, and he averaged 5.7 yards per carry with eight touchdowns. He can take on a little more duty, but the bulk of the work falls to the other backs. Broderick Snoddy, the top returner with 283 yards and three TDs, suffered a severe leg injury late in the season and will be slow in coming back.
Tech will need the next group of runners to step up in a big way, or it won't match this past season's performance.
Illinois
16 of 65
New offensive line doesn't mesh
Illinois has to replace several starters on its line, a unit that wasn't particularly good in 2014 when it allowed 37 sacks but figured to be better with more experience. Now coach Tim Beckman heads into a season where he'll again be on the hot seat, needing to get his returning veterans to jell with newcomers and inexperienced blockers.
While the Fighting Illini have to address plenty of other areas in order to improve on last year's 6-7 record, the offensive line is one of the most important. Quarterback Wes Lunt needs strong protection in order to perform well in the pocket, but several injuries knocked him out in 2014, and some of those ailments could be attributed to a lack of help up front.
Indiana
17 of 65
Basketball team's success doesn't distract fans from football failures
Indiana has never been known as a football school, but it's still a power program with a certain expectation of success. That hasn't been the case in Kevin Wilson's four seasons, as he is just 14-34 and is coming off a 4-8 campaign despite having a 2,000-yard rusher in Tevin Coleman.
According to Yahoo Sports' Pat Forde, Wilson is the "one current coach of a power-five school that has been there four years without going to a bowl game." The Hoosiers' last bowl appearance came in 2007.
With Indiana's basketball team in strong position to return to the NCAA tournament in March, that can distract the fanbase a bit. But as soon as the Hoosiers are eliminated on the hard court, attention will turn back toward what Wilson is doing to try to get his program on track.
Iowa
18 of 65
Fan apathy bleeds onto the field
Iowa has not been ranked since the 2010 season, and last season's 7-6 campaign was the program's fifth straight with eight or fewer wins. Yet longtime coach Kirk Ferentz's job appears safe, partly because of a massive buyout that Chris Smith of Forbes reported is north of $13 million.
The atmosphere around the Hawkeyes feels like one mired in complacency, and while the school and program might be content with that, the fans figure to grow tired of this sooner or later. Iowa averaged just less than 68,000 fans at home games in 2014, which was 96.1 percent capacity at Kinnick Stadium.
If those numbers start to dip, first by a drop in season-ticket sales, it would be a sign of growing fan apathy. Players might not worry too much about that, but it could start to trickle into their thoughts and impact performance during offseason workouts.
Iowa State
19 of 65
Quenton Bundrage can't recover fully
Iowa State's season got off to about as bad a start as possible in 2014, when early on in a home loss to FCS North Dakota State, top receiver Quenton Bundrage went down with a torn ACL. The fact it happened while he was blocking rather than trying to make a catch just added insult to the injury.
In providing an update back in December, coach Paul Rhoads said Bundrage's recovery timetable would put him back in action by March, though he expects the senior to "be out there every day in the spring" rather than come along slowly, according to Rob Gray of CycloneFanatic.com. That's ambitious and could also be problematic if Bundrage rushes into action.
Without Bundrage, ISU ended up spreading the wealth, with four receivers catching 40-plus passes. Two of those have graduated, so getting Bundrage back at full strength alongside rising sophomore Allen Lazard would be huge for the Cyclones.
Kansas
20 of 65
David Beaty frustrates easily
People have responded to Kansas' hire of David Beaty as its next coach mostly with praise but also with some skepticism, since his reputation revolves around recruiting acumen more than player instruction and mentoring. Spring ball will be his first chance to work closely with his new players and see how they mesh together.
The Jayhawks were bad in 2014, and many of their best players were among the 21 seniors who graduated. This coming season figures to be another lean one for the program, which Beaty had to expect when he chose to leave Texas A&M's staff for his first head job.
However, if Beaty shows any of these frustrations to his players, it could hinder whatever progress he might make during this initial outing.
Kansas State
21 of 65
The quarterback spot remains a mystery
Kansas State sure could use Daniel Sams right now.
In 2013, Sams split time with Jake Waters as the Wildcats quarterback, throwing for 452 yards and four touchdowns but also rushing for 807 yards and 11 TDs. But after switching to receiver last spring, which allowed Waters to take over the quarterback job full time, Sams transferred to FCS McNeese State.
Had he stayed, he would have been the front-runner to be K-State's starter this fall now that Waters has graduated. Instead, little-used Joe Hubener and junior college transfer Taylor Laird (who sat out last season after playing only two games in 2013 before getting injured) are the best options.
Kentucky
22 of 65
Stadium construction falls behind schedule
The progress Kentucky has made in Mark Stoops' two seasons as head coach hasn't translated into a bowl bid, but it's reaped major benefits on the recruiting trail and in terms of donor involvement. A $120 renovation of Commonwealth Stadium began in November and is on track to be complete in time for the Wildcats' 2015 opener against Louisiana-Lafayette.
"The entire exterior stadium will have a new look," assistant athletic director Tony Neely told Taylor Harrison of the Lexington Herald-Leader.
The project has already affected what Kentucky's football team will do this offseason, as the team canceled the annual spring game since it can't use the stadium. If there are any significant delays to the construction, that could put the location of the Wildcats' opener in jeopardy too.
Louisville
23 of 65
No clear-cut quarterback
Bobby Petrino's college teams have usually always had great quarterback play, a staple of his penchant for uptempo and efficient offenses. Yet his first year back at Louisville saw the Cardinals win with a far different formula, one where defense led the way, while the offense struggled for consistency.
Louisville used three different starting quarterbacks in 2014, a move mostly necessitated by injuries. But even with the ailments, none of Will Gardner, Reggie Bonnafon or Kyle Bolin was particularly effective, which leaves the job open for 2015.
Someone needs to emerge as the leader during the offseason, especially with the Cardinals losing key players on defense, which lessens the likelihood that they can rely on slowing teams down as easily.
LSU
24 of 65
The quarterback position remains a red flag
If not for the emergence of Leonard Fournette during the second half of the season, LSU's 2014 offense could have easily been described as a disaster. Even with Fournette coming on down the stretch, the Tigers ranked 80th in total offense and 116th in passing.
Neither freshman Brandon Harris nor sophomore Anthony Jennings was impressive, as they combined to complete only 50 percent of their passes for 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions and less than 163 yards per game. Unless LSU manages to land a notable transfer at that position during the offseason, it figures to be more of the same in 2015.
"We would think that we’re through the quarterback misery…development, if you will," LSU coach Les Miles told Ross Dellenger of The Advocate.
Miles might be hopeful now, but if progress isn't seen during the spring, it will be hard to keep that positive attitude heading into the fall.
Maryland
25 of 65
New playmakers don't step up
Maryland had a relatively successful first season in the Big Ten, winning seven games and getting into a bowl. But the Terrapins offense was loaded with veteran contributors who have moved on because of graduation or early NFL entry, and the team needs to fill those holes in order to have another good year.
Quarterback C.J. Brown, a sixth-year senior, was the Terps' leading passer and rusher in 2014. The receiving corps lost its top contributors in Stefon Diggs and Deon Long, leaving no player who had more than 21 receptions last season.
This spring, coach Randy Edsall needs to identify new playmakers and have them show progress. Without that, expectations for the fall will plummet.
Miami (Florida)
26 of 65
Another major spring injury
Last year, Miami's outlook for the 2014 season was thrown into limbo when injuries to quarterback Ryan Williams and three other players occurred during the offseason. It caused coach Al Golden and his staff to make some major changes to what they wanted to do and led to the Hurricanes struggling to be consistent in the fall.
The 6-7 record from last season was disappointing, but there's room to build thanks to the breakout performance from freshman quarterback Brad Kaaya and others. The only thing that can get in the way is another rash of injuries, particularly to players who are expected to be major contributors.
Probably the most indispensable player at this point is Kaaya, who threw for 3,198 yards and 26 touchdowns while starting the entire season as a true freshman.
Michigan
27 of 65
Jabrill Peppers can't find a position
The most highly rated recruit in Michigan history came to the program last season with the reputation of being a dynamic athlete who had the potential to contribute (and even excel) in all facets of the game. He was first and foremost a defensive back, but talk of him being used on offense and in the return game was frequent.
Peppers ended up only spending time in the secondary, and because of a knee injury, that time was minimal. He made eight tackles in three games before getting shut down for good.
Expect new coach Jim Harbaugh and his staff to explore using Peppers in a variety of ways, such as filling in on a receiving corps that saw top receiver Devin Funchess turn pro after his junior season. Ideally, having Peppers perform great at one spot or good at several would be the best result, but too much effort to spread him around could lead to an undefined role for the top prospect.
Michigan State
28 of 65
Narduzzi-less defense dips
How important was defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi to Michigan State's ascension in college football? When he left to take over the Pittsburgh program, head coach Mark Dantonio replaced him with two people. Harlon Barnett and Mike Tressel will be co-coordinators in 2015.
"Both Harlon and Mike have done a tremendous job in the individual day-to-day development of our players," Dantonio said after the hiring was announced, according to USA Today. "Their relationships with our players are strong and true."
Those new coordinators have been on MSU's staff since Dantonio arrived, so there's strong consistency and familiarity. But if they aren't able to extract the same level of performance from the Spartans' defensive players, that spot near the top of the college football rankings won't last.
Minnesota
29 of 65
Maxx Williams' production can't be replaced
Minnesota didn't throw the ball much last season, but when it did, its main target was a big one. Maxx Williams, a 6'4", 250-pound tight end, had eight touchdown catches on just 36 receptions, but the redshirt sophomore won't be part of the 2015 plans after he left early for the NFL draft.
Without Williams, the next-best producer from last season was KJ Maye, who had 16 catches and just one TD. All told, only 56 catches and three TDs from last year were made by players who will be with the Golden Gophers this fall.
Minnesota also has to replace 1,600-yard rusher David Cobb, and the offense is geared toward being able to produce strong numbers on the ground. The receiving portion will need to be developed, and if that doesn't happen, the Gophers risk becoming even more one-dimensional.
Mississippi State
30 of 65
Heisman hype hinders Dak Prescott
While only considered the ninth-most likely Heisman candidate in 2015, according to Bleacher Report's Brian Leigh, Dak Prescott still heads into his senior season with high expectations. He was a big part of Mississippi State's breakout performance this past year, and his decision to return to school instead of turn pro puts extra weight on his shoulders.
Prescott won't have Josh Robinson to work with this season, as the running back declared for the NFL draft as a junior. This will put even more of a burden on him to try to carry the team. Constant talk of him being a Heisman contender and a candidate for other major awards could cause too many distractions that hinder his progression.
Missouri
31 of 65
Defense takes a major step back
Missouri's defense pushed it to a second straight SEC East title in 2014, but much about that unit will be different for the Tigers next season. Besides losing standout defensive ends Markus Golden and Shane Ray, who combined for 42.5 tackles for loss, Mizzou also replaces two other impact starters.
The team also has to break in new coaches, as defensive coordinator Dave Steckel left to take over the FCS Missouri State program and safeties coach Tony Grinch joined Washington State's staff.
Last year, the Tigers offense struggled to perform at the same level as 2013, and it's still a work-in-progress heading into 2015. If the defense suffers similar slippage, Mizzou's run of division titles figures to be over.
Nebraska
32 of 65
Players struggle with new coach's different demeanor
You won't find two coaches who are more different in terms of coaching style and personality than Bo Pelini and Mike Riley. To have the latter replace the former as Nebraska's coach wasn't something anyone could have projected before it happened in December, but now that it has, there is much interest in how this sea change of attitude will affect the program.
According to Bleacher Report's Erin Sorensen, former Oregon State coach Riley is already endearing himself to the fanbase in an effort to repair any damage Pelini might have done over the years.
"The general attitude around a program can make a big difference," Sorensen wrote. "When the fans are fully behind a coach, it does nothing but benefit the players. Plus, it removes the 'us against the world' mentality, which can often become toxic."
While that's a great start, Riley also has to make sure this approach works on players who were fully behind Pelini. They may not enjoy the change as much, and if they can't forge a bond with the new coach, it could affect their on-field performance.
North Carolina
33 of 65
Fallout from the school's academic fraud scandal
North Carolina's athletic department is under fire right now for alleged paper classes and other tactics meant to push student-athletes through the system without having to do the necessary work. It's one of 20 schools that the NCAA is investigating for academic fraud, according to Brad Wolverton of The Chronicle for Higher Education.
Much of the focus at UNC has been on the basketball program, but football is linked as well. A report issued in October indicated that 51 percent of enrollees in the questionable classes were football players. So far, current coach Larry Fedora's regime hasn't been implicated in the scandal, but if penalties were to come down, it would impact the present program.
The Tar Heels are coming off a disappointing 7-6 season, after beginning the year as a ranked team. Any distractions that could come from this investigation would only get in the way.
North Carolina State
34 of 65
The passing game suffers without Hines
North Carolina State's top wide receiver last season was a freshman, Bo Hines, who emerged during spring practice to become the favorite target of quarterback Jacoby Brissett. The two hooked up 45 times for 616 yards and a touchdown; they were a key part of the Wolfpack's offense en route to an 8-5 season.
Then Hines surprisingly announced his transfer, doing so the day after N.C. State beat UCF in the St. Petersburg Bowl. According to Joe Giglio of the Raleigh News & Observer, Hines planned to transfer to an Ivy League school, likely Yale.
Without him, N.C. State must turn to a quartet of receivers, of which none registered more than 27 catches last season.
Northwestern
35 of 65
Oliver wins quarterback job by default
Two years ago, Northwestern had two reliable quarterbacks it could switch off between depending on the situation. Last season, senior Trevor Siemian had the job to himself and did fairly well until getting injured late, which allowed longtime backup Zack Oliver to finally get a shot.
Oliver threw for 221 yards and a touchdown with three interceptions in the season-ending loss to Illinois, and the fifth-year senior heads into the spring in a battle with sophomore Matt Alviti and redshirt freshman Clayton Thorson.
"This will undoubtedly be the biggest storyline of Northwestern's offseason," Henry Bushnell of SB Nation wrote.
As the one guy with real experience, it's Oliver's job to lose. But if he gets the job primarily because his competitors don't stand out, that won't breed confidence for 2015.
Notre Dame
36 of 65
Golson leaves and Zaire regresses
Everett Golson came out of the gate in 2014 like a ball of fire, dominating with his passing and scrambling ability and helping Notre Dame to a 6-0 start. Even as his turnover issues began to mount, the quarterback was still making enough big plays to lead the Fighting Irish to victory.
But that turned for the worse in the second half of the season, and Golson ended up losing his job and splitting snaps with redshirt freshman Malik Zaire in the Music City Bowl. Zaire was the far more impressive quarterback in that game and figures to have a leg up on the full-time job for 2015.
This has led to reports that Golson is considering a transfer, though that wouldn't come until after he's finished school this spring. If he does leave, that would basically wrap up the job for Zaire, but his lack of competition could affect his drive and performance.
Ohio State
37 of 65
The quarterback competition takes on a life of its own
It's hard to find much fault with a situation where a team will have the option of going with one of three top-tier quarterbacks to lead it on the field. But for Ohio State, the massive amount of attention on this position battle during the offseason figures to reach unprecedented levels.
Braxton Miller had shoulder surgery just before the start of the 2014 season, which opened the door for redshirt freshman J.T. Barrett to emerge as a Heisman contender by November. Then, when he went down with a broken ankle in the final regular-season game, the Buckeyes didn't skip a beat. Third-year sophomore Cardale Jones stepped in and led them to a Big Ten title, a playoff semifinal victory and the national championship.
Jones decided not to go pro, and Miller—who has been rumored to be exploring a transfer, according to the Palm Beach Post's Tom D'Angelo—is enrolled at OSU for the spring. Barrett continues to recover from his injuries, and while his availability in spring practice remains up in the air, he'll be in the mix for the starting job when he's able to play.
Bleacher Report's Ben Axelrod has suggested that Miller's best bet if he stayed with the Buckeyes would be a position change, as "there are certainly worse ways for Miller to showcase his skills than as a playmaker in (coach Urban) Meyer's offense."
That would add another storyline to what figures to be a well-watched soap opera in Columbus. If it reaches reality show status, though, it could get in the way of claiming a second straight national title.
Oklahoma
38 of 65
Baker Mayfield doesn't step up
Oklahoma lost out on its attempt to get Texas Tech transfer Baker Mayfield immediately eligible when he came to the program last offseason, something that came into play again in November when starting quarterback Trevor Knight got injured and the Sooners had to turn to the inexperienced Cody Thomas.
Mayfield figures to be right in the middle of a quarterback battle this spring, since Knight struggled in 2014. Mayfield was Oklahoma's Scout Team Player of the Year and had a big performance in the Sooners' spring game last April, yet none of that guarantees future success.
Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops made numerous changes to his coaching staff in the offseason to try to reinvigorate the program, bringing in East Carolina's Lincoln Riley as offensive coordinator. However, a key to rebounding from last season's disappointing 8-5 record will be seeing Mayfield make progress toward becoming the starter.
Oklahoma State
39 of 65
The Gundy-Pickens relationship stays sour
Mike Gundy is Oklahoma State's winningest coach in program history, with 84 victories in 10 seasons, yet he's reportedly not held in high regard by the school's biggest booster, T. Boone Pickens.
Gundy recently addressed this alleged rift, telling Bill Haisten of the Tulsa World "I would like for there to be more communication" between him and the man whom the Cowboys' stadium is named after. Haisten wrote that it's believed the two haven't spoken since December 2011.
Gundy is a former Oklahoma State quarterback who has helped turn the program into a national power, one that won 43 games over a four-year span from 2010 to 2013. It slipped to 7-6 last season, and this offseason could be a tense one if Gundy and Pickens aren't able to meet and air their grievances.
Ole Miss
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Laquon Treadwell's rehab hits a snag
The horrific leg injury suffered by Ole Miss receiver Laquon Treadwell in the waning moments of a home loss to Auburn in early November not only ended his season but served as a turning point to where the Rebels' breakout year went from great to not so much. The loss of its best offensive weapon—Treadwell's 48 receptions in nine games ended up leading the team for the season—caused Ole Miss to stall, scoring only 34 points in its final three games against FBS opponents.
Treadwell suffered a broken leg and a dislocated ankle, injuries that required surgery. He is expected back for spring practice, but if the junior-to-be's rehab doesn't follow this timeline, he could be limited in the spring and not be at full speed when the 2015 season begins.
Having Treadwell back is imperative for an Ole Miss team that has to replace three-year starting quarterback Bo Wallace.
Oregon
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Health and suspensions slow receiving unit
The most significant storyline for Oregon this offseason will be finding a successor to Heisman-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota. The three-year Ducks starter elevated the program to the top of the college football ranks, but with him moving to the NFL, there's an immediate need to find his replacement, and quickly.
But just as important will be ensuring that Oregon's new passer has a strong group of receivers to work with. Mariota's skills enabled him to overcome the attrition that happened last season due to injuries, though the loss of breakout freshman Darren Carrington to a marijuana-related suspension for the national title game had a major impact.
NCAA rules call for a lengthy suspension for failing a drug test, though there's no official word on how long Carrington will be out in 2015. His absence, combined with the recovery time needed for injured pass-catchers like tight end Pharaoh Brown, receiver Bralon Addison and others, could cut into how Oregon goes about finding its next quarterback.
Oregon State
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Andersen and his veterans don't meet eye to eye
One of the biggest surprises of the offseason coaching carousel was the one-two punch of Mike Riley leaving Oregon State after 14 seasons and then the school landing Gary Andersen after just two years at Wisconsin.
Andersen arrives in Corvallis looking to build back a program that's been mostly solid over the last decade but has also had some dips, including going 5-7 in 2014 and 7-6 the season before. He has to replace nine starters on defense, as well as Pac-12 career passing leader Sean Mannion at quarterback.
But more than anything, Andersen's biggest job this spring will be getting on the same page as his veteran players. He wasn't with Wisconsin long enough to establish the kind of bonds with players that Riley had at Oregon State, and now those upperclassmen will be looking for Andersen to match what Riley did.
If that's not doable, then the effort of those veterans could be lacking and impede progress in Andersen's first season.
Penn State
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Christian Hackenberg continues to get no protection
After a breakout freshman year, Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg's numbers dipped significantly in 2014. Despite setting a school record with 454 yards in the season opener and then throwing for 371 yards and four touchdowns in the Pinstripe Bowl, 44 sacks led to Hackenberg rushing passes at other times and throwing 15 interceptions.
And now Penn State heads into the offseason needing to rebuild the protection on Hackenberg's blind side, as tight end Jesse James and left tackle Donovan Smith turned pro and left guard Miles Dieffenbach graduated.
The backups for those spots will get a lot of work in the spring, and their progress is key to the Nittany Lions' offense improving. If advancement doesn't happen, then Hackenberg will keep getting knocked down.
Pittsburgh
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New athletic director doesn't mix well with Narduzzi
Pittsburgh has been without an athletic director since Dec. 17, the day Paul Chryst became the latest football coach to leave the program abruptly and the school fired AD Steve Pederson. Randy Juhl has served as the Panthers' interim director, and during his tenure, Pittsburgh hired Pat Narduzzi as the next football coach.
Narduzzi's hire has been lauded throughout the college circles as a perfect fit for Pitt and as someone who plans to stick around. Yet this doesn't mean that whoever Pitt hires as its permanent AD will feel the same way.
If the school makes that hire this offseason and the new man in charge has a different opinion of the former Michigan State defensive coordinator, what seemed like a great marriage could get off to a rocky start.
Purdue
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There's no one to run the ball
Purdue's offense made some significant strides in 2014, yet that still only meant averaging 23.8 points and 344.6 yards per game. The run game was the best part of that attack, led by Akeem Hunt and Raheem Mostert, seniors who combined for 1,478 yards and nine touchdowns.
With them gone, the Boilermakers have little experience and production coming back. They will use the spring to identify some new ball-carriers, but last year's recruiting class and the one forming for 2015 didn't include any running backs who look to be instant contributors.
That leaves Keyante Green, who as a redshirt freshman ran for 199 yards and no scores.
Rutgers
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Ralph Friedgen finds a better situation
Rutgers' first season in the Big Ten went far better than projected, based on how the Scarlet Knights had fared in the American Athletic Conference in 2013. Much of that credit is due to the work that offensive coordinator Ralph Friedgen did in molding Rutgers' skill players into a productive unit.
Friedgen, a former Maryland head coach who has also been in charge of offenses at other colleges and in the NFL, maximized his roster's potential and helped Rutgers win eight games. What he was able to accomplish could be attractive to another program that is looking for a new coordinator.
While all of the head coaching positions in FBS have been filled—other than Central Michigan, which just opened Thursday when Dan Enos resigned to become Arkansas' offensive coordinator—many assistant spots remain open. A move to the NFL is also possible, and anything that could lead Friedgen to leave Rutgers would cause a major problem.
South Carolina
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A quarterback doesn't emerge
For the first time since his first season at South Carolina, in 2005, coach Steve Spurrier heads into an offseason without an experienced quarterback in the mix for the starting job. This past season, senior Dylan Thompson took over the full-time job but had made starts and filled in several times in the past.
The crop for 2015 features far less on-field action, as junior Perry Orth and sophomore Connor Mitch combined to throw eight passes last season. That's the same number that wide receiver Pharoh Cooper threw, and his five completions are more than double what the backup quarterbacks had.
Redshirts and incoming recruits also figure to get a shot, but if there's no clear leader after the spring, it will make for an uncertain offseason.
Stanford
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Kevin Hogan decides to go elsewhere
Though he announced earlier this month he would return to Stanford for his senior season rather than turn pro, Kevin Hogan still has options. With his graduation on track for the spring, he could transfer to another program for his final year of eligibility, something that could be precipitated by the Cardinal wanting to give youngsters Keller Chryst or Ryan Burns a shot.
But since Hogan wouldn't be able to leave until after graduating, that keeps him around for spring practice. He'd get the majority of the reps as the presumptive starter, yet if he then decided to go to another school after that, it would mean the competition to replace him wouldn't begin until the summer.
When Hogan succeeded Andrew Luck in 2012, he had all offseason to settle into that role. If he doesn't stick around, his replacement won't have that luxury.
Syracuse
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Terrel Hunt can't fully recover
Syracuse's 2014 season went into the tank in early October when playmaking quarterback Terrel Hunt suffered a broken leg. The injury was meant to keep him out four to six weeks, yet he never returned to action, and the Orange's offense suffered.
Syracuse finished 116th in yardage and plummeted to a 3-9 record. Despite only playing five games, Hunt's 1,275 yards of total offense led the team.
The fifth-year senior is expected to be the starter again in 2015, but that assumes he is able to come back at full strength and retain his mobility. If not, Syracuse's quarterback situation will be uncertain yet again.
TCU
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Secondary holes can't be filled
With 15 starters returning from a 12-1 team that looked deserving of a playoff bid, TCU figures to be among the favorites to make the semifinals in 2015. Its offense is going to be stacked again, but some defensive replacements are necessary to ensure that unit does as well as it did last year.
Safety Chris Hackett turned pro early, adding to the losses that came with the graduation of safety Sam Carter and cornerback Kevin White. That's three-fifths of the Horned Frogs secondary, which contributed most of the 26 interceptions that tied for the FBS lead in 2014.
Derrick Kindred, who will be a senior, is the returning team leader in picks with four. TCU didn't miss a beat after losing defensive backs after the 2013 season, but if it can't match that success again, it could impact those playoff hopes.
Tennessee
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Good freshmen don't become better sophomores
Tennessee's turnaround in 2014 was heavily influenced by its most recent recruiting class, with more than 20 freshmen contributing and several of them starting for part or all of the season. The Volunteers appeared ahead of the curve with that performance, and expectations will be at an all-time high this fall with the anticipation of how much better they'll be thanks to all that experience gained.
But what if the freshmen don't progress? There seems like a few no-doubters in that group, such as defensive end Derek Barnett and running back Jalen Hurd, but the freshmen who were reserves—and now have a chance to move into the starting lineup—might not make that leap. If that happens, Tennessee would likely turn to its 2015 recruits.
That class is currently ranked third by 247Sports, but to assume it will have an immediate impact could be risky.
Texas
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The quarterback situation doesn't get any better
When David Ash suffered a head injury and was forced to step away from football after just one game this past season, Texas' offensive fate was put in the hands of sophomore quarterback Tyrone Swoopes. He did not fare well, throwing 11 interceptions against 13 touchdowns and failing to top 200 passing yards in five of his 12 starts.
Swoopes will battle with redshirt freshman Jerrod Heard in the spring for the starting job, and Bleacher Report's Zach Shelton expects Heard to win the competition. But if Heard can't pull away from an unimproved Swoopes, the Longhorns could head into the 2015 season with yet another tenuous situation at quarterback.
Texas A&M
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Another offseason full of arrests and citations
Last winter, spring and summer was a busy one for Texas A&M football beat reporters who not only were tracking the progress of Kevin Sumlin's team but also had to regularly check the police blotters. Several players were either arrested or cited for various crimes and infractions during the offseason, leading to dismissals and suspensions.
The Aggies' off-field transgressions led to them finishing third in the Fulmer Cup standings, a satirical award put together by Reddit posters that tracks (and quantifies) the incidents of every FBS and FCS program during the offseason.
A&M has enough issues to worry about on the field, such as trying to shore up a porous defense and continue developing its young offense, without having to deal with more run-ins with the law.
Texas Tech
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Turnover issues stifle spring practice
Texas Tech slipped to 4-8 last season, and while the reasons were many, one of the biggest contributing factors was an inability to hold onto the ball. The Red Raiders turned it over 28 times in 2014; their minus-13 turnover margin was among the worst in FBS, and they only won the turnover battle in one game.
Tech's quarterbacks threw 18 interceptions, tied for 117th in the nation, and many of those picks stopped the momentum of a strong drive.
Fixing this issue will be high on the list during spring ball, but it also has the capability of mucking up offseason progress if it continues to be a problem.
UCLA
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Bruins miss out on most recruiting targets
With two 5-star commitments—including quarterback Josh Rosen, who is already enrolled and getting the ball rolling on trying to replace Brett Hundley—and six more pledges from 4-star prospects, UCLA's 2015 recruiting class is shaping up to be a good one. It only has 15 players in it at this point, though, so the team has additional needs to meet.
The Bruins are going hard at Texas-based recruits to help fill out the class, according to Bleacher Report's Kyle Kensing.
"Texas holds the key to UCLA finishing with a flourish on the way to national signing day next month," Kensing wrote. "Of the Bruins' top, uncommitted targets, some of the most highly rated—and most promising to sign—hail from Texas."
If UCLA is unable to land many of its top targets, the recruiting season could feel like a loser in the long run. That would likely change the Bruins' offseason practice plans and lead to much uncertainty heading into 2015.
USC
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The running game depth doesn't develop
In 2013, it seemed like USC had more potential running back stars than any other two schools in the country. But the crowded backfield made for difficulty getting everyone enough touches, and it led to transfers as well as hurt feelings.
This past season, though, it was mostly a two-headed attack, with Javorius Allen handling the bulk of the work and Justin Davis serving as the primary backup.
Allen has turned pro, leaving only Davis back from the 2014 backfield. The Trojans hope Tre Madden, who missed all of last season due to injury, can come back strong, while redshirts and newcomers can also contribute.
Coach Steve Sarkisian would like to have a deep group of rushers to work with, but if that doesn't come about, it may put more pressure on senior quarterback Cody Kessler to try to carry the team.
Utah
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Rift between head coach, athletic director resurfaces
It's been a wild offseason already for Utah, which since crushing Colorado State in the Las Vegas Bowl has seen offensive lineman Jeremiah Poutasi turn pro early and several assistant coaches leave for other programs. In addition, The Salt Lake Tribune's Matthew Piper reported on a potential dispute between coach Kyle Whittingham and athletic director Chris Hill that caused many to speculate that Whittingham might decide to move on.
Then Whittingham received a contract extension and a raise.
Everything seems to be calm now, but for how long? Piper reported the rift between Hill and Whittingham had to do with contracts for assistants, which likely contributed to some going elsewhere. If there's more to it, though, and that pops up again, it could make the remainder of the offseason even more tumultuous.
Vanderbilt
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New coaches, old players don't mesh
Vanderbilt has completely overhauled its coaching staff since the 2014 season ended, with head coach Derek Mason hiring several new assistants after a disappointing 3-9 campaign in his first year on the job. The changes include bringing in former Wisconsin offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig to run the Commodores offense, which ranked 125th in yardage last season.
But while the coaches are different, the roster isn't. Vandy returns 18 starters, though chances are many of the starting positions will be up for grabs, given the staff changes.
This should make for spirited competition for spring ball, but it could also lead to discontent among veteran players who would in effect be dealing with a third different set of coaches in as many seasons.
Virginia
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More late recruiting losses
Last February, Virginia signed a surprisingly strong recruiting class for a team that was 2-10 the year before, a group highlighted by a pair of 5-star in-state prospects. Safety Quin Blanding ended up leading the Cavaliers in tackles with 123, while defensive tackle Andrew Brown contributed to line depth.
Coach Mike London was only able to parlay that class into a 5-7 record, and so far he's been unable to match last year's recruiting success. In fact, his second-best commitment backed out earlier this month when 3-star defensive end Rasool Clemons chose to re-open his commitment.
With less than two weeks until signing day, Virginia only has one 4-star commit, linebacker Jahvoni Simmons. If he were to also jump ship, the Cavs' road to returning to prominence would hit a major bump.
Virginia Tech
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Michael Brewer wins quarterback battle but doesn't improve
Former Texas Tech quarterback Michael Brewer stepped right in at Virginia Tech and won the starting job last summer, and his arrival was looked at as a great way to move on from the Logan Thomas era. He impressed at times but also befuddled quite a bit, throwing for 2,692 yards and 18 touchdowns but also 15 interceptions.
He's not guaranteed to be the starter in 2015, not with backup Brenden Motley, two redshirts from the 2014 class and an incoming freshman recruit also expected to get a shot. It should make for a healthy and spirited competition, but in the end it will only be considered a positive battle if someone emerges from the pack.
If that doesn't happen, expect Brewer to win back his job. But doing so without showing improvement would indicate that 2015 will have more of the offensive woes that plagued this past 7-6 season.
Wake Forest
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John Wolford doesn't show improvement
Dave Clawson put his stamp on the Wake Forest program last summer when he made the choice to go with true freshman John Wolford as his quarterback. He stuck with the youngster all season, despite Wolford completing 58.3 percent of his passes and throwing more interceptions (14) than touchdowns (12).
It didn't help that the Demon Deacons managed a paltry 1.25 yards per carry in 2014, scoring only four rushing touchdowns. As much progress as they made on defense under Clawson's watch, the offense was so lethargic that Wake Forest couldn't do more than win three games.
A key to the 2015 season is the development of Wolford, who has a full year of action to build on. But if he doesn't show signs of getting better, expecting Wake to improve as a team would be pointless.
Washington
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Huskies can't find a quarterback
Washington's offense was so sluggish in 2014 that first-year coach Chris Petersen had to resort to converting standout linebacker Shaq Thompson into a running back for a few games. It wasn't just the ground game that struggled, as the Huskies' quarterback play was subpar as well.
Washington only threw the ball 28.6 times per game last season, with primary starter Cyler Miles averaging fewer than 200 yards per game. His accuracy and touchdown-to-interception ratio were strong, but the pass wasn't a reliable enough part of the offense to make a difference.
Petersen will look to fix that this offseason, with Miles getting challenged for the starting job. One option, Troy Williams, has already announced his transfer, which will impact the competition somewhat.
Washington State
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Mike Leach clashes with new assistants
Washington State's defensive coaching staff will look different in 2015, as coach Mike Leach let go of several assistants to make way for new blood. This wasn't surprising, as the Cougars ranked 99th in total defense last year.
Alex Grinch, the new defensive coordinator, comes from Missouri, while former Michigan assistant Roy Manning will handle outside linebackers for Washington State. Leach, an offensive guru, will likely stick to that side of the ball and let his new assistants do their thing.
But at some point the sides will need to come together to form a cohesive game plan. If any disagreements within the group pop up early on, it could slow down their chance of improving the Cougars defense for 2015.
West Virginia
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New receiving leaders don't step up
West Virginia's passing game was among the best in FBS last season, ranking ninth overall. For that to continue in 2015, it will require some new stars to emerge.
Potential quarterback successor Skyler Howard showed his promise in stepping in for injured Clint Trickett late last year, and he figures to be the front-runner for the job. But what remains uncertain is who will help fill the major voids left with the graduation of the Mountaineers' top two receivers, Kevin White and Mario Alford.
Those wideouts combined for 174 receptions, 2,392 yards and 21 of West Virginia's 26 receiving touchdowns. The top returners are Jordan Thompson and Daikiel Shorts, who had 73 receptions together, but after that no receivers come back with more than seven catches.
Shorts and Thompson haven't yet proved they can be the No. 1 and 2 guys—something they'll need to show during the offseason.
Wisconsin
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The quarterback quagmire remains murky
It's bad enough that Wisconsin has a new head coach who needs to replace a 2,500-yard rusher who turned pro early and rebuild an offensive line that had major graduation losses. Making things worse for Paul Chryst is that his quarterback situation is just as troublesome, if not more so.
Chryst, a former Wisconsin quarterback who mentored the Badgers' quarterbacks when he was previously the school's offensive coordinator, has to decide whether Joel Stave, Tanner McEvoy or an unproven underclassman should run the show. McEvoy and Stave were both mostly ineffective last season, and in several games they were the reason Wisconsin couldn't pull out the victory.
Chryst isn't going to rush to a decision, but he'd prefer to have the situation work itself out with a clear leader. If not, uncertainty will carry over into the season.
Recruit rankings courtesy of 247Sports.
Follow Brian J. Pedersen on Twitter at @realBJP.
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