The Biggest Disappointments from 2016's College Football Season so Far
September can't always make a campaign, but the opening month sure can break one. Four weeks into the 2016 college football season, there are disappointments all over the country.
While several are the result of preseason expectations going unmet, a couple of letdowns are strictly based on what a program has—or, perhaps better said, has not—accomplished.
Additionally, a few teams expected to contend for the College Football Playoff are already effectively eliminated from the conversation, and one well-known program's outlook continues to crumble.
But first, we must address a ridiculous trend.
Dropping the Ball Before the End Zone
1 of 8There might not be a perfect word to adequately describe this absurd trend. Why do players keep dropping the ball before reaching the end zone? What is this accomplishing?
Clemson's Ray-Ray McCloud returned a punt 74.9 yards before prematurely starting his celebration. Cal's Vic Enwere almost didn't seal a win over Texas, but a refereeing blunder saved him. Oklahoma's Joe Mixon's kick return score should've been removed from the board.
Somehow, this keeps happening! How? Why?
Handing the ball to an official is a lame celebration because it's actually not one. We—whether as former football players, fans or analysts—understand that. But not scoring the touchdown is even worse.
This epidemic needs to stop.
Derwin James' Injury
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Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson has put together an explosive start to the 2016 season. He's accounted for 25 touchdowns through four games, so the question is: Can anyone stop him?
A left knee injury kept Derwin James—the player who would've been responsible for spying Jackson in Week 3—from even having the chance.
Now, Louisville assembled a complete beatdown of Florida State, and the result almost certainly wouldn't have changed. But the showdown will have to wait another year.
The Seminoles, meanwhile, must attempt to navigate a tough stretch without James. If the safety/defensive end doesn't return in time for Clemson on Oct. 29, FSU's thinning playoff hopes may be dashed entirely.
Two 21-Point Ole Miss Collapses
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During the opening 30 minutes of games against Florida State and Alabama, Ole Miss showed its championship potential. The final 30 minutes of both contests showed why major question marks followed the Rebels this summer.
And it's perfectly reasonable for both statements to be true. Ole Miss is an immensely promising team built to contend for a title but can't stop beating itself.
Barring an unexpected letdown from the Crimson Tide, head coach Hugh Freeze's team will again be tantalizingly close to winning the SEC but will fall short. Put simply, though, it's a self-inflicted problem.
The Rebels could earn a third straight New Year's Six bowl berth, and that's no small accomplishment. But unlike most teams that don't qualify for the playoff, Ole Miss knows it had a legitimate chance.
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Oklahoma Falling out of CFP Conversation
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Oklahoma just needed to beat either Houston or Ohio State. Win once, then take care of an underwhelming Big 12.
Well, that didn't happen.
The defending conference champions dropped two games before even reaching league action. Houston's blitz-heavy unit controlled quarterback Baker Mayfield and Co., as did Ohio State's basic defense.
In all likelihood, the Sooners are eliminated from the College Football Playoff conversation. A return trip was always going to be difficult, but their chase didn't even survive September.
Clemson's Sluggish Start
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The good news for Clemson? A 4-0 record is all that ultimately matters. The bad-ish news? It's been a frustrating road to 4-0.
Instead of showcasing a dynamic and versatile offense, the unit has merely provided flashes of explosive potential. Last season, the Tigers averaged 37.7 points against FBS competition. In three September FBS games, they managed an even 25.
Were the expectations too great? Probably. But when quarterback Deshaun Watson said the offense wanted to be "the best ever," the combination of talent and returning experience made that seem plausible.
Clemson is still exactly where it needs to be. However, without marked improvement, a Week 5 matchup against Louisville or upcoming road trip to Florida State on Oct. 29 may be the undoing of the 2016 Tigers.
USC's Continuing Slump
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Eventually, the USC football program should return to the positive side of the national conversation. That's not happening in 2016.
Anticipating greatness from the current team was wishful thinking. Between an uninspiring coaching promotion and a brutal schedule, a nine-win season felt like the best-case scenario for USC. But the Trojans can't seem to avoid negative news.
Standout receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster threw punches at practice. Prized recruit E.J. Price elected to transfer. Sam Darnold took over for Max Browne at quarterback after just three games.
Helton is 1-3 this season and 1-5 since officially being named the head coach. And with a November slate that includes Oregon, Washington, UCLA and Notre Dame, there's a chance 2016 doesn't even include a postseason game.
End of an Era at LSU
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LSU nearly fired Les Miles in 2015. Even before the season, the college football world recognized that a few losses probably meant the 12th-year head coach wouldn't have a 13th at the Tigers helm.
And after a 2-2 start, that became true.
Ross Dellenger of the Advocate reported the program fired Miles and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron. Miles was 114-34 at LSU.
Although the level of disappointment in Baton Rouge is undoubtedly high, the 2016 season isn't necessarily over. Ed Orgeron is perhaps the greatest interim coach in the history of interim coaches, and the roster is stacked with talent and potential.
Unlocking all of it, however, is the trick. Miles and Cameron failed to accomplish that, and now, their tenures are unceremoniously over.
Notre Dame's Flop
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Heading into the 2016 campaign, Notre Dame had national championship dreams. Several prognosticators even picked the team to reach the College Football Playoff.
Four weeks into the season, the Irish may settle for a bowl game.
Notre Dame lost to Texas, managed a win over Nevada then fell to both Michigan State and Duke. Even the most pessimistic projections likely would've had the Irish at 2-2.
But 1-3? Laughable then. Reality now.
The Irish might be able to play the spoiler role against Stanford and perhaps Miami. Otherwise, the remainder of the season will be coaches and players trying to protect their jobs—defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder already lost his.
All recruiting information via 247Sports. 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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