By Brent Bowden
LSU (SEC)
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It’s Year 3 for Brian Kelly in Baton Rouge and the pressure is on. The storied program demands a return to prominence and a spot in the newly expanded College Football Playoff feels like the minimum expectation.
Two key questions loom large:
Can they establish a reliable ground game? While the passing attack is expected to remain potent, a balanced offense is crucial. LSU is banking on young talent like Kaleb Jackson and veteran Josh Williams to lead the charge, with a group of newcomers providing depth.
Can the defense transform? Last season’s defensive woes (over 400 yards and 28 points allowed per game) were a major concern. The potential answer comes in the form of a new defensive coordinator Blake Baker, whose mission is clear: Make LSU’s defense at least average, if not a true strength.
LSU has the talent and the coaching staff to compete. If they can find a consistent ground attack and shore up their defense, they have the potential to become a Top 10 team and a serious contender in the SEC. This season will be a fascinating test of Kelly’s leadership and the team’s ability to rise to the challenge.
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Kansas State (Big 12)
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Last season, the Wildcats clawed their way to a respectable 10-4 record. They weren’t just winning – they were putting on strong performances even in their losses. Three out of the four defeats were nail-biters and their schedule was no joke. They braved road trips to Texas, Missouri, and Oklahoma State – all teams that finished the season with double-digit wins.
This year things might be a little easier on the Wildcats. Their non-conference schedule features games against Tulane, UT Martin, and Arizona. A hot 3-0 start is a real possibility.
The final stretch of the season is a doozy, though. Arizona State, Cincinnati, and most importantly, a road trip to Ames await them. But with a potentially strong start and a home-heavy conference schedule, the Wildcats could build serious momentum heading into these crucial games.
The Big 12 Championship might seem like a distant dream, but the facelift the conference received makes the Wildcats a clear contender.
Penn State (Big Ten)
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Last season, Penn State went from national contenders to afterthoughts. Their offense sputtered, especially through the air. Wide receiver woes were a constant headache – just one reliable target and tight ends picking up the slack. The run game, traditionally a strength, mysteriously stalled, too. Opposing defenses, like Ohio State’s, feasted on the predictability.
Things might be changing in Happy Valley, though. Enter Kansas’s offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, known for his explosive schemes. Can Kotelnicki’s magic touch resurrect Penn State’s offense?
It all depends on whether Penn State can find some reliable targets for quarterback Drew Allar. Recruiting has brought in some fresh faces and a couple could emerge as true threats. If Kotelnicki can get them firing on all cylinders, it’ll be a whole new ball game for Penn State.
NC State (ACC)
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Here’s the familiar refrain for NC State Wolfpack fans: Another season with a solid record, maybe eight or nine wins, and a frustrating loss or two when the offense sputters. It’s become almost predictable under Dave Doeren – consistent, competitive, but shy of that next level.
This season feels different for NC State. The pieces are in place and the schedule is manageable. With another year in offensive coordinator Robert Anae’s scheme and a group of new weapons lead by transfer QB Grayson McCall and sophomore WR Kevin Concepcion, the Wolfpack appears primed to put up points at a steady clip this season. The defense will miss linebacker Payton Wilson anchoring the unit.
They travel to Clemson on Sept. 21, but the Wolfpack isn’t scheduled to play the other contenders in the conference. The final stretch against Georgia Tech and North Carolina will present a challenge. But with a favorable home stretch leading up to it, the Wolfpack could be primed to finish on top of the pile.
