Bleacher Report's Ultimate Guide to 2015 College Football Season
The past 233 days have been a tormenting, football-less abyss. With each passing month, the darkness of the offseason has tried to pull you closer toward its deepest, darkest vortex—an emotionless, pulled-pork-less pit of despair only interested in consuming your soul.
But you did not budge, no matter how difficult it was. And now, after 233 agonizing nights of football-less sleep, there is light. The college football season, in all of its glory, lunacy, unpredictability and beauty, has returned.
The 2015 season is upon us.
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In celebration of college football's triumphant return, I have concocted the appropriate materials to ensure you are ready for Week 1 and beyond. If your offseason days have been spent doing things beyond obsessing over preview magazines or depth charts—which, by the way, isn't the worst of ideas—the following crash course should at least get you moving in a suitable direction.
Storylines, meaningful games, unlikely (but deserving) Heisman hopefuls, imperative mascot power rankings and much more—let's get to it. There is far too much to discuss.
Happy football to all.
But First: A Week 1 Primer
The season begins with an upscale buffet—the kind of spread that serves surprisingly acceptable crab legs in bulk. While there will be more jam-packed game lineups to come, this excitement paired with some magnificent on-paper games should make for spectacularly weird results.
Michigan at Utah (Thursday, 8:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1)
The Wolverines have spent the better part of fall practice taking reps in places that are better protected than most nuclear-missile warehouses. Utah, meanwhile, is coming off a nine-win season and will get back running back/human destroyer Devontae Booker. The return of Jim Harbaugh makes this required Thursday night viewing. No one is really sure what will happen, but it will all be magnificently entertaining regardless.
Louisville vs. Auburn (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. in Atlanta, CBS)
The Jeremy Johnson quarterback hype train is approaching deafening levels for Auburn, and deservedly so. Meanwhile, the Tigers are debuting a renovated defense—the brainchild of conductor Will Muschamp. Louisville will attempt to counter this addition with one of four quarterbacks. Heck, maybe more than that. Maybe all of them. Ah, nothing quite like a good ol' Bobby Petrino-Gus Malzahn offensive game of Battleship to kick things off.
Arizona State vs. Texas A&M (Saturday, 7 p.m. in Houston, ESPN)
If you fancy points, be sure to feast your eyes on what could easily be the most delectable matchup of the weekend. Both Arizona State and Texas A&M are being mentioned as sleepers so frequently that the term should be condemned. This also might not be wrong. While Aggies QB Kyle Allen is the better-known thrower-of-footballs taking part in the game, Sun Devils quarterback Mike Bercovici should be up for the retort. Oh, the fun that awaits.
Texas at Notre Dame (Saturday, 7:30 p.m., NBC)
For the football enthusiast who enjoys large sums of intense hitting, dazzling young linebackers and robust money-making programs hoping to avoid an early mishap, I present to you this lovely matchup. The focus for this game will be the quarterback, as Notre Dame will officially begin the Malik Zaire era. The Longhorns, meanwhile, will likely showcase both Tyrone Swoopes and Jerrod Heard—hoping one finally provides separation.
Wisconsin vs. Alabama (Saturday, 8 p.m. in Arlington, Texas, ABC)
A team that loves to run the football will attempt to do so against arguably the best front seven in the nation. While Melvin Gordon is gone, Wisconsin still has Corey Clement at running back. He ran for nearly 1,000 yards in a reserve role last year. On the other side, all eyes will be on the young man Nick Saban trots out to play quarterback first. Please don't stray too far from your television; you might hear your name called and be handed a helmet if things really start to turn.
Ohio State at Virginia Tech (Monday, 8 p.m., ESPN)
On the topic of quarterbacks, Urban Meyer will finally unveil his starter in one of the most hostile environments imaginable, short-handed due to both injuries and suspensions. This game will also mark the debut of reborn H-back Braxton Miller, as if you needed any more Ohio State storylines to consume. As for Virginia Tech, the questions won't be about its defense, which should be excellent once again. It will center on the prospects of scoring against a spectacular unit. But hey, they've done it before.
Season Storylines, Ahoy
Hop into this blimp and let's explore the season from above. Keep in mind, this flying bubble has a grill and a fully stocked bar, and it's an enormous safety hazard. Welcome aboard. Now, let's discuss this season's biggest talking points.
Ohio State's Against the World
Urban Meyer refuses to use the word "repeat," so allow us to use it for him. With so much talent returning on both sides of the football—and the most publicized quarterback battle in recent memory still to linger into the year—Ohio State is almost expected to win the whole enchilada again, which is borderline unfair.
"It's tough," Meyer said at Ohio State's Media Day. "It's a frigging grind right now, man, and whether it's repeating or not, it's the same as our first year here."
Every quarterback throw will be dissected. Every point allowed will be deemed a failure. Every close call will be viewed as a meltdown in the making. Life on top of the mountain is a wonderful place to pitch a tent. It's also unforgiving and relentless. The whole journey, regardless of whether it follows the plan, will be wonderfully entertaining and stressful. Pull up a chair.
The Second Act of Harbaugh Mania
Act One featured strange tweets, even stranger media appearances and speculation over how one of the biggest free-agent signings in college football history would unfold. Now there is actual football to discuss, which is good news for everyone exhausted by the pageantry. And although expectations will be reserved—as they should be—it won't stop the masses from overanalyzing each and every development.
Progress is critical. Forget about wins or numbers or anything else that will pump adrenaline into message boards. The next step of Harbaugh Mania is actually the most important. It has nothing to do with records. It's also where he excels beyond just about any other football-obsessed soul on the planet.
The Second Act of College Football Playoff Overreaction
The debut season of the College Football Playoff ended up being a blissfully successful money grab for all involved. Ratings were historic, there was just the right amount of controversy and the games were wildly entertaining. What an enormous win.
But that was last year. Now, with a blank canvas, what does a fresh postseason bring in a system that is still relatively unfamiliar? At least one conference will be left out again, which will likely generate a slew of table-pounding, voice-raising declarations that an eight-team playoff is the only suitable destination. This talk is inevitable; it's simply a matter of how widespread these cries are over the coming months.
And yes, having the semifinal games take place on New Year's Eve rather than New Year's Day will also garner plenty of chatter. You don't have to like it, of course, but you are guaranteed to watch regardless—cheap champagne and all.
Is the SEC Poised to Finally Cannibalize Itself?
Maybe. How's that for a definitive response? As the almighty SEC embarks on its third season without a national championship, some of its slumbering programs are starting to awaken.
Tennessee and Arkansas are garnering hefty buzz. Ole Miss is poised to sustain a while longer. Texas A&M should be improved. Missouri is still game. Look up and down the conference—with the exception of Vanderbilt—and you'll find teams capable of winning on any given Saturday.
Alabama and Auburn are the definitive favorites, and deservedly so. Georgia and LSU are fascinating but flawed options as usual. A defined hierarchy still exists, although it feels slightly less concrete than it has been.
As a result, chaos could become a popular dinner-party guest. What happens from a postseason standpoint if chaos arrives is another question entirely. This is not an attempt to puff up the almighty SEC or question how it fits into the national discussion moving forward. It's simply acknowledging some of the tremendous growth taking place deep within the conference and trying to feel out what effect it might have.
The Year of the Zombie Running Back
One year ago, shortly before the season began, the running back was pronounced dead. We watched the position die. We bought flowers and everything.
If that was indeed the case, we are poised to have an amazing batch of zombie ball-carriers—spectacular undead physical specimens—poised to terrorize us weekly. Leonard Fournette, Nick Chubb, Ezekiel Elliott, Derrick Henry, Samaje Perine, James Conner, Royce Freeman, Paul Perkins and Devontae Booker are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to quality young running backs.
Yes, throwing the ball is becoming a more common occurrence at all levels. But the latest infusion of ball-carriers is poised to create a renaissance of sorts. The running back is not dead—nowhere close, really. Or perhaps this group of super zombies will simply conquer us all.
Top 10 Games of the Regular Season
Clear the calendar. Cancel all plans. Fake sick, if necessary. These are the games that have to be on your television this year outside of all of them, of course.
Texas A&M vs. Arizona State, September 5
There's a deep appreciation when out-of-conference teams step up and touch gloves. The winner will immediately vault to a new level of expectations. There will be points.
Oregon at Michigan State, September 12
Last year's installment was better than the score indicated. Now in East Lansing, the encore could be even better. You don't have to wait long either.
Alabama at Georgia, October 3
Brings back memories, doesn't it? Watching Nick Chubb attempt to power through this brick wall-ish defensive line is worth the price of admission alone.
Notre Dame at Clemson, October 3
It's too early to be an elimination game, although this one could carry some enormous amount of weight. It's an unfamiliar matchup, which is a good thing.
USC at Notre Dame, October 17
A rivalry that could carry more meaning in 2015. At this point in the season, College Football Playoff hopes for both should be very real. Keyword there is "should."
Florida State at Clemson, November 7
The biggest game of the ACC season is one we're mighty familiar with at this point. Plenty on the line here.
USC at Oregon, November 21
The two favorites in the Pac-12 will meet late in the year in a stadium that should go nuclear with excitement. So many potential storylines.
Michigan State at Ohio State, November 21
The game that could ultimately decide the Big Ten is required viewing—especially when you consider the NFL talent to be featured in this game.
Baylor at TCU, November 27
Simply put, don't make plans on this day. Don't explore the sales on Black Friday. Gather 'round and watch two of the best teams and offenses put on another splendid show with everything on the line.
Alabama at Auburn, November 28
It's the Iron Bowl; you don't need any more motivation to watch. But this year's version could have the hype to match the hate.
Players We'd Like to See Get Legitimate Heisman Buzz (But Probably Won't)
There will be no quarterbacks mentioned below because, quite frankly, the Heisman has morphed into a target-practice award. Saying a good quarterback on a good team will win the bronze statue is exceptionally boring.
In an effort to cheer for the chaos scenario—hoping another position smashes through this impenetrable barrier—let's examine some unlikely but still appropriate candidates playing elsewhere.
Scooby Wright III (Arizona, Linebacker)
He finished ninth in Heisman voting last season after delivering the following numbers: 163 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 14 sacks and six—I repeat, six—forced fumbles. This was a criminally low finish after one of the greatest individual defensive seasons in recent memory.
If he can come close to this production and Arizona surpasses expectations, however, perhaps he will crash the party.
Adoree' Jackson (USC, Cornerback, Wide Receiver and Pretty Much Everything Else)
After a spectacular freshman season—one that resulted in two kick return touchdowns and three receiving touchdowns—USC's star cornerback is poised to touch the ball even more.
His main position will be defense, although USC will use him often on offense and special teams. Seriously, watch this guy as often as you can. And if he breaks a few big ones early, watch the buzz start to churn.
James Conner (Pittsburgh, Running Back)
Other running backs—Nick Chubb, Ezekiel Elliot and Leonard Fournette, for starters—seem more poised to break the quarterback streak. But James Conner, after the quietest 26-touchdown season in college football history, should be someone to keep an eye on.
The production will be there. After running for more than 1,700 yards, that won't be an issue. The issue, however, is getting the proper recognition on a team that hasn't gotten much national spotlight. If he can crack 2,000 yards—which is feasible—he'll be impossible to ignore.
Players Poised to Become Household Names… Quickly
Josh Rosen (UCLA, Quarterback)
Playing a true freshman at quarterback is a bold endeavor. But this isn't your average true-freshman quarterback. Rosen is immensely gifted and well ahead of his time. By the end of the year, if not sooner, he will have arrived.
Raekwon McMillan (Ohio State, Linebacker)
With so much talent around him, McMillan has become an afterthought of sorts. Now holding down a starting job, however, the sophomore linebacker will soon become a fixture on the team. He's going to be special.
Christian Kirk (Texas A&M, Wide Receiver)
Playing on a team already deep at wideout, Kirk asserted himself the moment he arrived. The offense will allow him plenty of opportunities; look for him to be an impact target on day one.
Christian McCaffrey (Stanford, Running Back)
His freshman season showed plenty of promise. Now, playing in an offense that will take advantage of his ability to run and catch the football, it would not shock me to see McCaffrey become the next great Stanford back—a slightly different mold.
Budda Baker (Washington, Safety)
One could argue the breakthrough already came last year. Baker was outstanding on defense, although now he could be tasked with helping on special teams and likely on offense. Superstardom is in his future.
Coaches Sitting on Warm Chairs
The "hot seat" never sleeps. And Illinois got the firing season started early with the removal of Tim Beckman, albeit in slightly different—and far more concerning—circumstances. As for other coaches in need of a big fall, let's explore the concerned sideline generals.
Al Golden, Miami
NCAA involvement put Golden at a significant disadvantage when he arrived. That's not an excuse; it was a reality. But clear of the black cloud, a six or seven-win season will no longer suffice. Golden needs to win now.
Kirk Ferentz, Iowa
He's taken the program to some tremendous places. He's done spectacular things. But Iowa has seemingly plateaued at a time when the rest of the conference is hitting the accelerator. Huge season upcoming for one of the nation's longest-tenured coaches.
Mike London, Virginia
The defense made tremendous strides last season. One could argue the Cavaliers should have won more games. Regardless, unless Virginia reaches a bowl game in 2015, it could ultimately decide to make a change.
Paul Rhoads, Iowa State
With only five wins in the past two seasons combined, Rhoads needs to somehow, even with a difficult schedule on paper, alter the current path. He's wildly entertaining and had success, although at what point, if it continues, is new influence needed?
Kevin Wilson, Indiana
The offense has certainly taken strides, although the overall results—despite delivering a handful of close calls—simply have not come. Indiana could get fat on its schedule early, although it will need a few more wins against better teams after that to find stable ground.
Preseason Mascot Top 25
A reminder: Preseason polls exist to create rage. You care and react because you can't help it. It's in your DNA. Don't blame yourself.
In an effort to drift away from this usual practice, I have decided to replace teams with mascots. Quite simply, you've read enough about how your team will fall short of expectations this season. Now read why your furry, branded creature is woefully underrated.
These mascots were ranked based on historical relevance, presence, appearance, entertainment value, creativity and authenticity. Live animals received bonus considerations. Large animals were granted extra bonuses.
1. The Duck (Puddles), Oregon
2. Big Red, Western Kentucky
3. Ralphie, Colorado
4. Bevo, Texas
5. Mike the Tiger, LSU
6. Brutus the Buckeye, Ohio State
7. Uga, Georgia
8. The Tree, Stanford
9. The Mountaineer, West Virginia
10. Big Al, Alabama
11. Chief Osceola and Renegade, Florida State
12. Smokey, Tennessee
13. Reveille, Texas A&M
14. Sooner Schooner, Oklahoma
15. Traveler, USC
16. Sparty, Michigan State
17. The Leprechaun, Notre Dame
18. Bucky, Wisconsin
19. Aubie, Auburn
20. Goldy, Minnesota
21. Sebastian the Ibis, Miami
22. The Masked Rider, Texas Tech
23. Otto the Orange, Syracuse
24. Albert and Alberta Gator, Florida
25. Sir Big Spur, South Carolina
And Finally...
Welcome back, college football. We missed you so very much. The offseason was long, dark and dreadfully boring. Regardless of what happens next, we welcome your return with open hearts and open arms.
Put your feet up. Stay a while.
Unless noted otherwise, all quotes obtained firsthand.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
