Biggest Remaining Challenge Every Power 5 Coach Faces This Offseason
Optimism rules the offseason, but no college football team is perfect. Coaches and players are working to address weaknesses or roster holes before the 2017 campaign arrives.
In most cases, the most pressing question is a quarterback battle. But for some teams, the issue is more of a unitwide problem than a specific concern. And at other schools, the main challenge may involve off-the-field matters—not including recruiting.
Although a team's level of success may not hinge on this singular storyline, it will be an important factor in shaping the 2017 season.
The ranking used as the guide is the final AP Top 25 from 2016.
Unranked ACC Teams
1 of 27
Boston College: Find an Offense
In each of the last two seasons, Boston College's offense has ranked in the bottom three nationally. A performance like that is, quite simply, an all-around failure. The Eagles have a potentially terrific defense, so they need quarterback Darius Wade and an experienced group of returning players to propel the scoring unit.
Duke: Build the O-Line
The Blue Devils surrendered 31 sacks in 12 games last year. With a young quarterback running the show, that was a recipe for disaster. Three starters return and tackle Evan Lisle transferred from Ohio State, so there is reason for hope. Duke has the right surrounding pieces for a quality offense, but it really depends on the blockers.
Georgia Tech: Get Matthew Jordan Ready
Three-year starting quarterback Justin Thomas used his final season of eligibility in 2016. Barring a surprise, the offense will be handed to Matthew Jordan, who has scored eight rushing touchdowns as a red-zone specialist but only attempted 18 career passes. The junior missed a portion of spring practice due to injury, so he'll need to make up for lost snaps during the fall.
North Carolina: Reload the Offense
It's hard to imagine this turnover is a one-year process for North Carolina. In addition to losing quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, the Tar Heels must replace their best two running backs and three of the top four wide receivers. And though the addition of Brandon Harris was welcomed in Chapel Hill, he's really never been a game-changer at quarterback. UNC has big questions to answer.
North Carolina State: Elevate Ryan Finley's Play
Spun positively, NC State has several upset chances with Clemson, Florida State and Louisville on the schedule. On the other hand, the Wolfpack may struggle to contend for the Atlantic Division because of it. The defense should be terrific, so Ryan Finley will be the difference-maker. Five of his eight total interceptions in 2016 came against those three teams.
Pitt: Bolster the Pass D
Pat Narduzzi was a tremendous coordinator for Michigan State, but he needed to rebuild the defense at Pitt. Entering his third season, it's about time for Narduzzi's influence to translate on game day. However, sack artist Ejuan Price graduated, and the pass defense ranked 127th out of 128 teams last season anyway. This will be a major challenge for the Panthers.
Syracuse: Keep Eric Dungey Healthy
Dino Babers seems to have the right quarterback for the offense, but Eric Dungey is the definition of injury-prone. Between concussions in 2015 and an upper-body issue that ended his 2016 campaign, the dual-threat junior has missed seven-plus games. Football is a dangerous game, but Syracuse is better with Dungey. Maybe he can play in bubble wrap?
Virginia: Strengthen the Backfield
The Cavaliers relied heavily on versatile running back Taquan Mizzell, but he and backup Albert Reid were both seniors in 2016. As a result, the Wahoos are expecting Daniel Hamm and Jordan Ellis to replace nearly 350 carries and receptions. That's a tall order for players who combined for 50 total touches last year.
Wake Forest: Improve the Deep Passing Game
Experience is not an issue for Wake Forest's group of pass-catchers, considering all eight players who recorded at least 10 receptions in 2016 are back. But while part of this responsibility falls on the quarterback, the Demon Deacons need a balanced receiving group to find its explosiveness. The offense managed just 28 gains of 20-plus yards through the air in 2016.
Unranked Big Ten Teams
2 of 27
Illinois: Break in a Quarterback
Thanks to Malik Turner, Mike Dudek, Kendrick Foster and Reggie Corbin, the Illini have a solid foundation of skill-position pieces for the quarterback. Chayce Crouch, the expected starter, was limited in spring practice while recovering from shoulder surgery. Illinois needs stability at the position after an injury-filled 2016.
Indiana: Create a Consistent Pass Rush
Tegray Scales and Marcus Oliver will contribute as blitzers, but Indiana would benefit from getting more consistent disruption from its defensive linemen. Fortunately, the Hoosiers return several key pieces besides other than Ralph Green III and Pat Dougherty. Nile Sykes and Nate Hoff lead the encouraging unit, though potential really doesn't mean anything until it becomes production.
Iowa: Determine the QB Battle
When asked whether Nathan Stanley or Tyler Wiegers would start if the season started today (at the end of spring), head coach Kirk Ferentz provided a great answer. "We'd probably do a coin toss, literally do a coin toss," he said, per Marc Morehouse of the Cedar Rapids Gazette. Iowa might need all of fall camp to decide the winner.
Maryland: Better Protect the Passer
Ty Johnson and Lorenzo Harrison III highlight what should be a dangerous rushing attack, but Maryland's passing game is an enormous question mark. Although the offensive line cannot be blamed for all 49 sacks, that number still ranked second-worst nationally last season. UNC transfer Caleb Henderson will be responsible for making quicker decisions behind a unit that returns three starters.
Michigan State: Locate the Playmakers
The receiving group was already thin on experience before the program dismissed Donnie Corley. Now, the Spartans need to replace their top four pass-catchers, leaving Felton Davis III (12 receptions) as the leading returner. Quarterback Brian Lewerke showed promise in limited action, but his first season as the starter could be overshadowed by a shortage of contributors at receiver.
Minnesota: Keep Changing the Program
P.J. Fleck is a genius, overbearing, something in between or a combination of both. Many players will see the head coach's recent success and have no problem following, but it's not unfathomable that the entire roster isn't yet sold on the 36-year-old's personality. While "change the culture" can be a nebulous phrase, Fleck needs the entire locker room to buy into what he's selling. And that takes time.
Nebraska: Revamp the Pass-Catching Unit
The 'Huskers are handing the keys to Tanner Lee, a transfer from Tulane, so the quarterback question is covered. Granted, whether Lee is a suitable answer will be revealed in the fall, but Nebraska still has holes at receiver. Since four of the top six pass-catchers are gone, Mike Riley and Co. must find targets beyond Stanley Morgan Jr. and De'Mornay Pierson-El.
Northwestern: Fill Austin Carr's Void
Running back Justin Jackson is the central focus of the offense, but Northwestern needs to make defenses respect the passing game. Austin Carr's departure—and Solomon Vault's injury—created a gaping space at receiver. Though the Wildcats have a clear idea of their key players—Flynn Nagel, Bennett Skowronek and Macan Wilson—the trio combined for 70 catches last year. Carr alone had 90.
Purdue: Unveil New Corps of Wide Receivers
First-year coach Brian Brohm has a relatively blank slate for his wide-open offense. Four wideouts recorded at least 29 catches last season, and they're all gone. Between the returning reserves and a 2017 recruiting class that featured six receivers, Purdue will have a fresh group of players around quarterback David Blough, running back Markell Jones and tight end Cole Herdman.
Rutgers: Develop, Develop, Develop
Yes, Rutgers has been terrible lately. The defense, however, could become a legitimate strength in the near future. A sophomore-heavy depth chart in 2016 should lead to better success this season, but continued development is critical for what will be a senior-filled unit and a realistic bounce-back year in 2018.
Unranked Big 12 Teams
3 of 27
Baylor: Settle the Program
According to the Associated Press, the NCAA is conducting an "ongoing, pending investigation" into the school. The cloud of the widespread problems continues to linger over the university. Baylor's football team will be decent in 2017, but a character and culture overhaul should be a high priority for Matt Rhule.
Iowa State: Develop the Pass Rush
Somewhat quietly, the Cyclones have built an encouraging defense. While the secondary is solid, the linebackers are productive. But the D-line is a wild card after mustering just 19 sacks last season. A disruptive pass rush might be the final ingredient needed for Iowa State to snap its five-year bowl drought.
Kansas: Continue Steady Improvement
Nobody is expecting greatness from Kansas, which is 2-22 over the last two seasons. But the Jayhawks are slowly moving in the right direction, even if the 2017 campaign doesn't bring the desired win-loss results. Cutting down on double-digit losses—eight last year—would be a fine step for Kansas.
Kansas State: Rebuild the Linebacking Corps
Reggie Walker is the heir apparent to Jordan Willis, and the secondary already relied on a few sophomores in 2016. What's missing from Kansas State's defense is experience at linebacker, where Elijah Lee and Charmeachealle Moore combined for 185 tackles last season. Trent Tanking and Sam Sizelove, the expected replacements, managed 26 together as backups.
TCU: Figure Out Kenny Hill
Some questions are answered more easily than others. What does TCU have in Kenny Hill? The quarterback has put together two scorching Septembers as a starter before fizzling down the stretch. Since drops have plagued the receivers, the blame isn't squarely on Hill's shoulders. But solving his inconsistency would make the Horned Frogs a second-tier contender in the Big 12.
Texas: Fix the D
The hype train has found another gear while rolling through Austin, and new head coach Tom Herman's track record suggests the praise is justified. For the Longhorns to regain on-field relevance, though, the defense must improve drastically. Youth packed the depth chart in 2016, so there isn't much turnover to battle in a year that will be defined by the defense.
Texas Tech: Find a Defense
Everything worthy of praise on Texas Tech's offense can be turned around as a weakness of the defense. The pass rush is nonexistent, linebackers can't stop the run and the secondary doesn't create turnovers. If the Red Raiders fail to show progress in 2017, Kliff Kingsbury's quickly warming seat may become scorching.
Unranked Pac-12 Teams
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Arizona: Improve the O-Line
Rich Rodriguez has a quarterback competition, a healing group of running backs and young wide receivers. But looking back at 2016, the biggest issue was a patchy offensive line—and there's no guarantee it's going to change despite four starters returning. The Wildcats need that experience to mean something. Otherwise, it'll be another low-scoring year for Arizona's offense.
Arizona State: Pick and Stick with a Quarterback
Blake Barnett and Manny Wilkins are battling for the right to lead Arizona State's offense. Perhaps the Sun Devils will elect to use a two-quarterback system, but that is so seldom a successful choice. Fall camp will determine the initial winner, though what will transpire during the opening month is anyone's guess.
Cal: Overhaul the Defense
Sonny Dykes' five-year tenure as head coach featured high-powered offenses and very little defense. The latter unit never ranked higher than 95th nationally, which is the only evidence needed for why hiring Justin Wilcox was a prudent decision. The longtime defensive coordinator won't fix Cal in one year, but not giving up 40-plus points in nine of 12 games would be an encouraging start.
Oregon: Build an Average Defense
Expectations are creeping higher for Jim Leavitt during his first year as Oregon's coordinator, but he's rightfully asking for patience. "If people think that me and this defensive staff are going to come in and be miracle workers, they're crazy," he said, per Ryan Thorburn of the Register-Guard. The Ducks have finished no better than 89th since 2013. This overhaul will take more than six months.
Oregon State: Choose a Quarterback
"If you have two quarterbacks, you have none," the saying goes. How about three? Darell Garretson was the starter in 2016 before an injury led to Marcus McMaryion. And then the coaching staff added JUCO gunslinger Jake Luton. With a six-game stretch in September and October that includes Minnesota, Washington State, Washington, USC, Colorado and Stanford, the Beavers cannot afford to waste any time in making the choice.
UCLA: Establish a Running Game
Neither quarterback Josh Rosen's return nor Jedd Fisch's arrival as offensive coordinator will instantly fix UCLA's problems. The offensive line, which returns one full-time starter and six players who started at least two games last year, will play a similarly large role. The hope is that experience benefits the Bruins, but improvement shouldn't be terribly difficult after having the nation's second-worst rushing attack; they need efficiency, too.
Washington State: Solidify the Secondary
Mike Leach's club has breakout potential in 2017, but the secondary might be what hinders Washington State. For the Cougs to avoid that possibility, they'll need a couple of new faces to push four returning starters. Hunter Dale, Kirkland Parker and Marcus Strong are the primary players to watch.
Unranked SEC Teams
5 of 27
Arkansas: Get the Linebackers Ready
Brooks Ellis' departure is noteworthy enough, but the switch to a 3-4 defense puts even more pressure on the linebackers. Dwayne Eugene, Dre Greenlaw and De'Jon Harris each notched between 37 and 44 tackles last season, so Arkansas has a clear foundation. But the Razorbacks sorely need inexperienced depth to contribute.
Georgia: Build the Receiving Corps
While no reasonable person is worried about Georgia's running backs, it's understandable to have doubts concerning the pass-catchers. Will Terry Godwin, Riley Ridley and Javon Wims carry the offense? Probably. Still, they managed 827 combined receiving yards last season. Their development is a crucial factor for the Dawgs.
Kentucky: Foster Consistency at Quarterback
Stephen Johnson seemed to secure the starting position, but an unimpressive spring tethered with Drew Barker's summer return has generated a competition. No matter the victor, Kentucky needs more consistency from the position. If Johnson's inaccuracy and Barker's interception woes aren't overcome, the position may again stop the Wildcats from contending in the SEC East.
Mississippi State: Unleash Nick Fitzgerald, the Passer
We know Nick Fitzgerald can run. As a sophomore, he scampered for 1,375 yards and 16 touchdowns. However, Mississippi State needs more from him as a passer, particularly after wide receiver Fred Ross' departure. Fitzgerald must improve his intermediate and downfield accuracy for the Bulldogs to make another bowl game.
Missouri: Be Able to Throw When It Matters
Missouri should put up impressive offensive numbers, but not every yard or point is created equal. For example, Drew Lock had a solid 23-10 touchdown-to-interception ratio, but in SEC play he only threw 10 scores and tossed all 10 of those picks. While an improvement on defense is a necessity, Lock's progression would also assist the Tigers in avoiding five double-digit losses in conference.
Ole Miss: Keep the Motivation to Improve
The 2017 campaign is not a waste of a season for Ole Miss. Even without a bowl ban, this would've been a rebuilding year anyway. Looking ahead, a strong majority of the non-D-line starters should return in 2018. Motivation shouldn't be an issue initially, but head coach Hugh Freeze must be prepared to handle the fallout if the Rebels start losing with no hope of the postseason.
South Carolina: Make a Leap on Offense
In a word, the 2016 defense was tolerable. That was most certainly not the case for the offense, which ended ranked 115th nationally. Though quarterback Jake Bentley understandably struggled in big road games as a freshman, pulling off enormous upsets isn't the main objective anyway. South Carolina needs to score 20-plus points more than five times. Start there.
Texas A&M: Settle the Quarterback Job
Kevin Sumlin finds himself in an awkward spot. Does he start Jake Hubenak, an experienced yet relatively low-upside quarterback? Or does he roll the dice with Nick Starkel or prized recruit Kellen Mond, who would both likely encounter a rough stretch and subsequently increase the external pressure for a coaching change? Sumlin's job may depend on nailing this decision.
Vanderbilt: Develop Kyle Shurmur
Kyle Shurmur battled inconsistency during his first season as the full-time starter. In wins, he threw eight touchdowns to two interceptions, while in losses the numbers swirled to three and eight, respectively. Basically the entire receiving corps—plus star runner Ralph Webb—are back, so familiarity won't be an issue for Shurmur. Now, can he execute on a regular basis?
Auburn: Prepare Receivers for Larger Roles
6 of 27
Final AP Poll Ranking: 24
Jarrett Stidham could be a game-changer at quarterback, but Auburn still needs somebody to catch the ball.
Framed one way, Auburn has four of its five leading receivers back for the 2017 campaign. However, that group of Darius Slayton, Kyle Davis, Eli Stove and Ryan Davis combined for just 75 catches, 958 yards and four touchdowns.
The passing game's production may soar with Stidham behind center, so unlike last season, the receivers must be ready to have a significant impact on a weekly basis.
Utah: Fortify the Secondary
7 of 27
Final AP Poll Ranking: 23
Save for standout safety Chase Hansen—who led the defense with 90 tackles—Utah is starting over in the secondary.
Brian Allen, Jordan Fogal, Dominique Hatfield, Reggie Porter, Justin Thomas, Jason Thompson and Marcus Williams are all gone. They were liable to surrender explosive plays, but the pesky defensive backs also intercepted 14 passes.
Julian Blackmon, Tyrone Smith, Terrell Burgess, Boobie Hobbs and Corrion Ballard are among the possible replacements on the back end.
Tennessee: Decide on a Quarterback
8 of 27
Final AP Poll Ranking: 22
After signing with Tennessee in 2016, Jarrett Guarantano seemed like the heir apparent to Joshua Dobbs.
Not so fast, said Quinten Dormady.
The junior quarterback, who has received scattered playing time in decided games for two years, capped the spring with a 10-of-10 passing performance in the scrimmage. Dormady also appeared to have better control of the offense compared to the redshirt freshman.
But the spring game is simply one of many reference points for Butch Jones and the coaching staff. Guarantano will push Dormady for the starting job during fall camp.
Louisville: Protect Lamar Jackson
9 of 27
Final AP Poll Ranking: 21
Just imagine what Lamar Jackson could've done behind a decent offensive line.
Despite the problems up front, the dual-threat quarterback raced his way to a Heisman Trophy in 2016. But after the Cardinals surrendered 47 sacks last year, there's plenty of room for Geron Christian, Lukayus McNeil and Co. to improve.
Early enrollee Cole Bentley and redshirt freshman Robbie Bell highlight the new options to shore up the blocking unit.
Miami: Pick Brad Kaaya's Successor
10 of 27
Final AP Poll Ranking: 20
Three years ago, Brad Kaaya arrived in the summer and—admittedly aided by an injury—surged into the starting lineup. N'Kosi Perry might just do the same thing.
Malik Rosier and Evan Shirreffs are working to stop that from happening, though. Rosier, who started in Miami's wild win over Duke in 2015, has the most experience. Shirreffs has never attempted a pass, but he was a co-No. 1 with Rosier at the end of spring, according to Christopher Stock of 247Sports.
Due to widespread roster turnover in the Coastal Division, the 'Canes have a great chance for success in 2017. But that potential will only be realized with the right quarterback.
West Virginia: Piece Together a D-Line
11 of 27
Final AP Poll Ranking: 19
According to Bill Connelly of SB Nation, only Michigan and Air Force return less production on defense than West Virginia.
The Mountaineers defensive line was the hardest-hit unit—yes, we hear you, D-backs—considering it lost all three starters. Darrien Howard, Noble Nwachukwu and Christian Brown contributed 140 tackles, 18 stops for loss and nine sacks.
Plus, only Adam Shuler has previously been a dependable backup. The new rotation will basically be learning on the fly.
Colorado: Retool the Defensive Front
12 of 27
Final AP Poll Ranking: 17
Colorado's opportunistic secondary garnered most of the attention in 2016, but a disruptive defensive line sparked the unit.
Jimmie Gilbert provided the flashy numbers with 14 tackles for loss and 10 sacks, while Josh Tupou controlled the interior and added 45 total stops. Jordan Carrell and Samson Kafovalu each notched at least 4.5 tackles for loss, too. They were all seniors.
While Afolabi Laguda, Ryan Moeller and Isaiah Oliver should steady the secondary, it's not as much of a foregone conclusion up front.
Virginia Tech: Plug Offense's Skill-Position Holes
13 of 27
Final AP Poll Ranking: 16
It wasn't a surprise when Isaiah Ford and Bucky Hodges declared for the NFL draft, but Jerod Evans' early pursuit left an unexpected void on the Virginia Tech offense.
And there's a whole lot of production to replace. Evans accounted for 4,398 yards of total offense and 41 touchdowns, while Ford and Hodges both reeled in seven scores. Cam Phillips is the only receiver coming back who snared at least 20 passes.
Whether it's Josh Jackson, A.J. Bush and Hendon Hooker leading the offense, the Hokies need to break in a new quarterback while reloading the complementary pieces at receiver.
Florida: Figure Out the Quarterback Competition
14 of 27
Final AP Poll Ranking: 14
Feleipe Franks capitalized on the opportunity Luke Del Rio's recovery presented and ascended the depth chart this spring.
But Jim McElwain brought in reinforcements.
Notre Dame transfer Malik Zaire has enrolled and will challenge Franks during the fall. Zaire has never thrown more than 40 passes in a season, but his performance—yes, in limited action—was overwhelmingly positive when not sharing time with DeShone Kizer.
Although there probably isn't a wrong choice between Zaire and Franks, there's always a best choice. And a nasty September schedule means McElwain doesn't have much time to get it right.
LSU: Help Danny Etling Reach Next Level
15 of 27
Final AP Poll Ranking: 13
The defense and running game can propel LSU through most of its schedule. But against top competition, the Tigers will need a version of Danny Etling that hasn't appeared quite yet.
In losses to Auburn, Alabama and Florida, he mustered just 414 passing yards with one touchdown and one interception. The Tigers totaled a meager 23 points during those three games.
Etling's development—or lack thereof—may be what determines whether LSU can finally dethrone Alabama.
Stanford: Prepare for Plan A and B Quarterbacks
16 of 27
Final AP Poll Ranking: 12
Stanford opened the 2016 season 4-3 with Ryan Burns under center. Keller Chryst took over and finished 6-0, but a knee injury in the Sun Bowl complicated the offense's outlook for 2017.
According to ESPN.com's David Lombardi, head coach David Shaw said in March he expects Chryst to be ready for fall camp. But if he's recovering from an ACL tear, as FoxSports.com' Bruce Feldman reported at the time, an eight-month recovery where Chryst is completely comfortable on his repaired knee is relatively aggressive.
Shaw mentioned the Cardinal won't press Chryst into action before he's ready, but an early showdown with USC looms. Stanford needs an emergency plan. Is it Burns, K.J. Costello or Davis Mills?
Oklahoma State: Be Decent Everywhere on Defense
17 of 27
Final AP Poll Ranking: 11
Sure, "above average" isn't an extraordinarily high bar. It's also something Oklahoma State has only managed once in seven years.
Though Mason Rudolph and Co. will atone for a portion of the expected woes on the other side of the ball, the offense is bound to have a couple of frustrating games. Will the defense pick up the slack?
The 'Pokes must replace the primary contributor at every level of the unit plus a few more starters. OSU has College Football Playoff potential—but only if the defense isn't a true weakness.
Michigan: Develop Usable Depth at Receiver
18 of 27
Final AP Poll Ranking: 10
After adding eight receivers in the last two recruiting cycles, talent at the position isn't the issue for Jim Harbaugh and Michigan.
Previous college production, however, is almost nonexistent. Eddie McDoom carved out a role as a freshman, and Kekoa Crawford edged into the rotation. But McDoom's five catches for 59 yards from 2016 is also the most prolific single season by a returning wideout unless Grant Perry is permitted to play this fall.
Harbaugh's history of developing players suggests the Wolverines will be OK, but the depth chart is littered with freshmen and sophomores.
Wisconsin: Raise Alex Hornibrook's Game
19 of 27
Final AP Poll Ranking: 9
In true Wisconsin fashion, the program has a functional quarterback who can support the offense but might not be ready for prime time.
Alex Hornibrook, though he split time with Bart Houston last season, threw for more than 150 yards just three times as a freshman. Hornibrook finished the year with a modest 58.6 completion percentage, nine touchdowns and seven interceptions.
On the bright side for the Badgers, LSU and Ohio State don't appear on the regular-season schedule again. So, an underwhelming-yet-steady Hornibrook might be all they need to reach the Big Ten Championship Game for the fifth time in seven years.
For anything more, though, Hornibrook must be a legitimate threat.
Florida State: Keep Deondre Francois Upright
20 of 27
Final AP Poll Ranking: 8
Florida State is a well-regarded team for 2017, but its championship dreams can only be realized if quarterback Deondre Francois stays healthy.
We're looking at you, offensive line.
The 'Noles surrendered 36 sacks last season and must replace Rod Johnson, Kareem Are and Wilson Bell. Further complicating the transition, expected starters Alec Eberle and Landon Dickerson both missed the spring due to injuries.
With Alabama on the schedule to open the campaign, FSU cannot afford to let O-line problems linger into September.
Penn State: Build a Dominant O-Line
21 of 27
Final AP Poll Ranking: 7
Saquon Barkley is among the nation's best at creating something out of nothing. While undeniably impressive, that's a heavy burden to carry throughout the season.
An improved blocking unit would ease—though not eliminate—the pressure on the running back to excel. Ryan Bates, Brendan Mahon, Connor McGovern and Andrew Nelson all have significant starting experience, so the reason for optimism is obvious.
Progressing from good to great on the offensive line should result in a much-needed consistent rushing attack.
Ohio State: Be Reliable Up Front
22 of 27
Final AP Poll Ranking: 6
Down the stretch of 2016, Ohio State's offensive line crumbled. Michigan State managed its lone three-sack output of the year, while Michigan and Clemson amassed 24 tackles for loss combined.
Similar to their Big Ten brethren Penn State, though, the Buckeyes do have promise up front. All-American lineman Billy Price is shifting from guard to center, Jamarco Jones is a formidable left tackle and two underclassmen starters are back.
Ohio State should contend for another playoff berth, but the offensive line will be a major factor in whether the team is championship-caliber.
Oklahoma: Find a Featured Runner
23 of 27
Final AP Poll Ranking: 5
Oklahoma has plenty of options in the backfield. One of them ought to work out in 2017, right?
Beyond quarterback Baker Mayfield, the offensive line should be the Sooners' strength on offense, and running backs are bound to find success when that's the case. Like the quarterback situation at Florida, though, OU is seeking the best option—not simply a good one.
The Sooners can cycle through Abdul Adams, Rodney Anderson and Marcelias Sutton before trying out Dimitri Flowers, Trey Sermon and even Kennedy Brooks, if necessary.
Washington: Maintain Success at Receiver
24 of 27
Final AP Poll Ranking: 4
Dante Pettis is a great candidate to put together an enormous season, but even if he matches John Ross III's production from 2016, Washington needs someone to replicate Pettis' output.
Last year, the wideout caught 53 passes for 822 yards and 15 touchdowns. Chico McClatcher—who tallied 31 receptions, 574 yards and five scores—figures to be that player. And the trend must continue, so will Aaron Fuller, Andre Baccellia or Quinten Pounds offer similar production while aligning outside?
Since Washington will probably need more 60-minute efforts this season, a deep, reliable receiving corps is a must-have.
USC: Settle the Offensive Line
25 of 27
Final AP Poll Ranking: 3
USC found its quarterback in Sam Darnold. But after the line ceded just 12 sacks in 13 games last season, he'll probably spend more time brushing the dirt from his jersey.
Multiyear starters and All-Pac-12 linemen Chad Wheeler, Zach Banner and Damien Mama each moved on to the NFL. Even with Viane Talamaivao, Nico Falah and Toa Lobendahn back on the roster, that's a lot of top performers to replace.
Although the Trojans are bound to regress in some manner, limiting the drop in execution is what's essential.
Alabama: Lock Down the Secondary
26 of 27
Final AP Poll Ranking: 2
The spring game is just the spring game, but the exhibition pointed out some holes in the secondary—mostly at corner.
Matt Zenitz of AL.com notes head coach Nick Saban said he wasn't pleased with the back end. Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa both assembled gaudy stat lines, finding success at every level of the defense and getting away with a couple of "should've been" interceptions.
Odds are Alabama will address the problems before the season begins. Still, it's a legitimate concern as the fall approaches.
Clemson: Determine the Quarterback Battle
27 of 27
Final AP Poll Ranking: 1
Kelly Bryant will begin the fall with a slim advantage over Hunter Johnson, Zerrick Cooper and Tucker Israel in the quarterback competition.
And that concludes what we know as fact.
If no clear winner emerges, head coach Dabo Swinney will face an intriguing decision. Bryant isn't necessarily a low-upside option, but he's unrefined as a passer. Johnson has a strong arm and a high ceiling, but he's still adjusting to the faster college game. Cooper or Israel would need a flawless fall to leap Bryant and Johnson.
And since Clemson meets Auburn and Louisville within the first three weeks, Swinney needs to make the right choice immediately.
All recruiting information via Scout. 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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