Projecting the 20 Most Dangerous Offenses for 2016 College Football Season
Old-fashioned defensive battles are enjoyable once in a while, but offensive shootouts will continue in 2016 thanks to a strong group of dangerous scoring attacks.
From Georgia Southern's run-based offense to Houston's "smashmouth spread" to the Air Raid at Washington State, coaches are showcasing point-happy systems.
The list has an emphasis on teams that will post gaudy numbers—not necessarily the most wins. But a high level of efficiency from top-35 offenses like Alabama and LSU is valued.
Stanford, TCU, Florida State, Southern Miss, Cincinnati, Middle Tennessee, Appalachian State, Western Kentucky and Tennessee are among the programs that narrowly missed the cut.
South Florida
1 of 20
Following a 1-3 start to the 2015 season, South Florida was safely off the nation's radar. But the Bulls might burst onto the scene this year.
Dual-threat quarterback Quinton Flowers accumulated 2,290 yards and 22 touchdowns as a passer while running for 991 yards and 12 scores. Most importantly for USF, he steadily progressed.
Plus, the Bulls return nearly all of their skill-position production.
There's standout running back Marlon Mack, who has consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, along with his backups in Darius Tice and D'Ernest Johnson. Leading receiver Rodney Adams is back.
South Florida finished Nos. 35 and 41 in total and scoring offense, respectively, last year. It would be shocking if either number fell.
Alabama
2 of 20
The unknown at quarterback is concerning. Will Cooper Bateman or Blake Barnett secure the starting job?
However, there's no sense in doubting Alabama. Every season since 2009, the program has showcased a top-30 scoring offense.
Each of the Tide's top three receivers—most notably Calvin Ridley—are back, and Bowling Green transfer Gehrig Dieter will solidify the pass-catching corps. Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris are a beyond-promising one-two punch in the backfield.
Until Alabama proves otherwise, it's a dangerous offense.
Western Michigan
3 of 20
Let's be frank: Daniel Braverman is impossible to replace with one player. He reeled in a staggering 108 passes for 1,371 yards and 13 touchdowns. After Corey Davis, the next-leading receiver had just 18 catches.
Still, few non-power-conference rosters have a two-plus-year starter like Zach Terrell, as well as a stable of running backs comparable to Jamauri Bogan, Jarvion Franklin and LeVante Bellamy.
Western Michigan can rely on the backfield, but there isn't a better receiver in the Mid-American Conference than Davis, who has consecutive 1,400-yard seasons after tallying 941 as a freshman.
Ride the backs, throw to Davis and row the boat.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
LSU
4 of 20
Anyone who has watched the TV series Breaking Bad probably remembers the scene where Walter White states, "I am the danger!"
Leonard Fournette is the danger.
He quite literally threw a man off his back. Fournette powered and scampered his way to 1,953 yards and 22 touchdowns last season. Malachi Dupre and Travin Dural combined for 75 catches, 1,231 yards and nine scores.
If the Tigers get more consistent play from quarterback Brandon Harris, they'll hover near the top of the rankings throughout 2016.
Nebraska
5 of 20
Rather quietly, Nebraska put up big numbers in 2015. The team scored at least 28 points during four of its seven losses.
If the defense improves, the Cornhuskers will receive more attention.
Tommy Armstrong Jr. and Jordan Westerkamp highlight a balanced offense. De'Mornay Pierson-El should be healthy following a pair of left leg injuries. Terrell Newby figures to take an important step in his development and become the featured back.
Although the schedule is road-heavy against top opponents, Nebraska will likely improve upon 446.9 yards and 32.8 points per game.
Georgia Southern
6 of 20
Georgia Southern might have the best offense you've never watched.
Matt Breida has posted consecutive seasons of at least 1,485 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. Four other returning players tallied at least 580 yards and six scores last year.
Granted, the transition from Willie Fritz and Doug Ruse to Tyson Summers, David Dean and Rance Gillespie may not be smooth. Unless the new coaching staff wants to run a two-quarterback system, it also must choose between Kevin Ellison and Favian Upshaw.
But with the amount of talent returning—almost all of it—the Eagles are near-locks to challenge for the Sun Belt title because of their explosive and experienced attack.
Louisville
7 of 20
Similar to South Florida, Louisville flew under many radars following a dreadful September. Lamar Jackson's late-season performance was more than a blip, however.
During the final two outings of his true freshman campaign, the dual-threat quarterback racked up 412 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Kentucky and Texas A&M simply had no answers for Jackson.
Yet the Cardinals have a big question of their own. Will Bobby Petrino let Jackson be the focal point?
As long as that happens, Jackson will have a favorable system with familiar pieces. In addition to leading rusher Brandon Radcliff and most of the offensive line, top three receivers Jamari Staples, James Quick and Jaylen Smith each return.
West Virginia
8 of 20
Although the backfield will miss Wendell Smallwood, West Virginia can take a sizable step forward with Skyler Howard slinging the ball.
Shelton Gibson, Daikiel Shorts, Jovon Durante and Ka'Raun White compose what should be a highly productive unit. Howard's accuracy must improve, but head coach Dana Holgorsen has a knack for getting playmakers the ball quickly.
After accumulating 788 touchdowns and seven touchdowns, Rushel Shell figures to move into the featured role. Kennedy McKoy and a few others will fight for backup duties.
The Mountaineers will rise in the total and scoring offense rankings next season.
Ole Miss
9 of 20
Chad Kelly is the overseer of a high-powered offense, but he'll need to find a new favorite target after Laquon Treadwell's departure. Fortunately for the Rebels, the proverbial cupboard isn't close to bare.
Quincy Adeboyejo, Damore'ea Stringfellow, Evan Engram and Markell Pack each snared at least 30 passes in 2015. Damarkus Lodge and Van Jefferson are expected to make an impact, too.
Though starting running back Jaylen Walton used up his eligibility, Akeem Judd and Jordan Wilkins are ready to step in. The duo will probably end up splitting carries along with Kelly.
Ole Miss will have the offense to compete with any SEC opponent. Whether the defense follows suit is a different story.
North Carolina
10 of 20
For the second straight season, North Carolina returns a majority of its production. Consequently, expectations are high for Mitch Trubisky, who is the clear favorite to replace Marquise Williams.
"I'll be surprised if he doesn't have a great spring and show some things because he has grown tremendously," head coach Larry Fedora said, per ESPN's Jared Shanker. "He knows the offense, he's a good leader and he's just what we're looking for at quarterback in this system."
Trubisky will have at his disposal an elite deep threat in Mack Hollins, versatile wideout in Ryan Switzer and strong complement in Bug Howard. Elijah Hood ran for 1,400 yards last season, and his backup T.J. Logan will have a regular role.
Once again, the Tar Heels will be well-equipped to handle shootouts.
Tulsa
11 of 20
Behind five outings of 160-plus yards, Keyarris Garrett exploded for 96 receptions, 1,588 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Conner Floyd added 45-458-5. How can Tulsa possible replace that?
A healthy Keevan Lucas will suffice.
He was headed toward a spectacular season until a knee injury ended his campaign. Lucas will be the headliner, but Josh Atkinson eclipsed the 1,000-yard barrier in 2015. Not bad.
While the Golden Hurricane need a fourth receiver after Justin Hobbs, they're in good shape at running back. D'Angelo Brewer and Ramadi Warren are poised to match Zack Langer's contributions.
Quarterback Dane Evans has all the pieces necessary to build on a 4,332-yard, 25-touchdown campaign.
Texas Tech
12 of 20
Last season, Texas Tech boasted the No. 2 scoring offense in the country. Unfortunately, it also had the fourth-worst defense. Tulsa had a similar problem, for the record.
But "Guns Up," baby. The Patrick Mahomes-led Red Raiders were a thrill to watch on Saturday afternoons.
Jakeem Grant leaves a glaring void, but a healthy Dylan Cantrell and Devin Lauderdale (once reinstated from a suspension), as well as newcomers Derrick Willies and DeQuan Bowman, should pick up the slack. Ian Sadler, Reginald Davis and others have significant experience.
While the running back competition will probably linger, Justin Stockton is a home run waiting to happen.
Texas Tech might not win more than seven games again, but Mahomes and Co. will put up stellar numbers in the process.
Boise State
13 of 20
Boise State might be the sneakiest outstanding attack.
Not only did the Broncos finish 15th in scoring and total offense last season, they only lose one receiver. Shane Williams-Rhodes had 62 grabs and 521 yards, though he didn't even reach the end zone.
Of course, Jeremy McNichols often took care of that. All the versatile running back did was amass 1,337 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground, recording 51 catches, 460 yards and six more scores. Oh, and McNichols is only a junior.
Brett Rypien has an established connection with each of Thomas Sperbeck, Chaz Anderson, Jake Roh and Holden Huff. That familiarity—and a healthy dose of McNichols—should lead to a filled box score every week.
Oklahoma
14 of 20
While the efficiency of Oklahoma's passing offense will probably decrease in 2016, the effectiveness will be just fine.
Sterling Shepard was among the best in the nation at creating separation. His crisp route-running led to 86 receptions, 1,288 yards, 11 touchdowns and an early-round billing for the NFL draft.
But the Sooners have this Baker Mayfield guy. He's pretty good. The dual-threat quarterback slashed defenses for 3,700 passing yards and 36 touchdowns and ran for 405 and seven, respectively.
Oklahoma can also lean on Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon—who racked up a combined 2,565 yards and 28 touchdowns—while Mayfield's top targets will likely be Dede Westbrook, Mark Andrews, Michiah Quick and Geno Lewis.
Oregon
15 of 20
As long as Dakota Prukop isn't overwhelmed by the jump from the Football Championship Subdivision, Oregon will do plenty of scoring.
First of all, it's not entirely his burden to carry. The Ducks will lean on Royce Freeman, a big-bodied running back with 3,201 yards and 35 touchdowns over the last two seasons.
Additionally, Dwayne Stanford and Darren Carrington headline a strong receiving corps. Devon Allen should be healthy in 2016 after an injury-riddled season. Charles Nelson should play more offense to help replace Bralon Addison.
Between tempo and the collection of weapons, Oregon is in no danger of failing to field a highly ranked offense.
Oklahoma State
16 of 20
Similar to a handful of other teams on the list, the Pokes need a stronger defense to complement a dangerous offense.
Mason Rudolph is the undisputed starter following J.W. Walsh's graduation, and the entire offensive line—though improvement and stabilization is needed—returns.
In addition to the top four running backs, James Washington and Marcell Ateman will reprise their roles and get some help from Jalen McCleskey, Austin Hays and Jhajuan Seales.
On paper, this should be the year Oklahoma State puts everything together and claims the Big 12 crown.
Baylor
17 of 20
Every season since 2011, Baylor has planted itself firmly in the top five of scoring and total offense categories.
Why would that change in 2016 when Seth Russell is back?
Yes, Corey Coleman and Jay Lee are gone, taking 2,121 yards and 28 touchdowns. But the vertical-minded, space-driven, numbers-based Art Briles system is as "plug and play" as any philosophy available.
KD Cannon has the only major experience, but the Bears can simply shuffle between Ishmael Zamora, Davion Hall, Chris Platt, Lynx Hawthorne, Devin Duvernay, Tren'Davian Dickson and a handful more to find productive pass-catchers.
Since Baylor spreads receivers all the way out to the sideline, they capitalize on that space between the hashes. Shock Linwood, Johnny Jefferson, Devin Chafin and Terence Williams racked up 3,468 rushing yards last season.
Houston
18 of 20
Houston slowly moved from the nation's periphery into the spotlight during the 2015 season. Fear not, Cougars fans, your team is on center stage heading into 2016.
Greg Ward Jr. is a better scrambler and designed runner than he is a quarterback, but head coach Tom Herman helped the dual-threat weapon settle in behind center. Ward completed 67 percent of his passes last year.
Demarcus Ayers turned pro, so Ward must find a new go-to receiver.
That probably won't be overly difficult, though, since Chance Allen, Steven Dunbar and Linell Bonner each return. Plus, Texas transfer Duke Catalon and Oklahoma State transfer Ra'Shaad Samples will join the offense.
In Herman (and Ward) Houston trusts.
Washington State
19 of 20
Buckle up and brace yourselves for 75 passes per game from Luke Falk. While that number is an exaggeration, it would be stunning if the quarterback doesn't lead the nation in pass attempts once again.
Gabe Marks will probably eclipse 100 receptions, and expect around 50 grabs (or more) from each of River Cracraft, Robert Lewis and Kyrin Priester.
Additionally, Gerard Wicks, Keith Harrington and Jamal Morrow are capable pass-catchers out of the backfield. Although they won't run often, the results will be decent enough to remain a threat.
Depending on the front seven's development, Washington State could be a sneaky Pac-12 contender because of Falk and Co.
Clemson
20 of 20
Clemson's defense needs to retool. The offense makes you smile.
In 2015, Deshaun Watson topped 4,000 passing and 1,000 rushing yards, accounting for 47 total touchdowns. And everyone except Charone Peake is back at Watson's disposal.
There's Artavis Scott and Mike Williams, Wayne Gallman and Hunter Renfrow, Ray-Ray McCloud and Jordan Leggett. Barring continued off-field issues, Deon Cain could be special.
Unless you're a fan of South Carolina, Florida State or a different ACC program on the slate, the Tigers will be thrilling to watch.
Stats from cfbstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
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