National Columnist Mike Farrell is here with the 3-Point Stance looking at one team on the cusp of the playoff in each Power Five conference, some QBs who will no longer be overshadowed and some crazy things for next season.
Teams on the Cusp of the College Football Playoff
— Are we tired of Georgia and Alabama in the SEC, Clemson in the ACC and Ohio State and Michigan in the Big Ten? Kinda. But hope is on the way.
SEC: Tennessee
— The Vols have them right coach, they have a potent offense and if they can shore up the defense that can break through when the playoff is expanded. Alabama, Georgia and LSU have all been there a d won that and the Vols could be next.
ACC: Florida State
— Clemson has been the bad boy in the ACC for nearly a decade but the Seminoles appear to be back and if they are to take the next step it will be soon with a loaded roster next season.
Big Ten: Penn State
— Drew Allar? Maybe. He has a big arm and a ton of potential and the defense at Penn State is always solid. They are bound to have a playoff season since they were robbed in 2016.
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Big 12: Texas Tech
— Joey McGuire is the real deal and everyone else has had their moments save for Kansas, West Virginia and Iowa State. Well, Texas hasn’t but they just have too many advantages to be on this list. Baylor, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Kansas State and TCU have all had their time so watch for the Red Raiders soon.
Pac-12: Washington
— Michael Penix Jr. is back and USC, Utah and Oregon have all had their moments. Is it time for Washington to get back to the playoff? Could be.
Quarterbacks Stepping into the Spotlight
— QBs get overloooked, it can happen. These guys should get more attention this season and deserve it.
1. Will Rogers, Mississippi State
Overshadowed by: Bryce Young, Hendon Hooker, Stetson Bennett
All Rogers has done in three years at Mississippi State is continually be one of the most productive passers in the nation. Yes, it comes with the caveat that he operates in a system that helps signal callers put up huge numbers, but that’s a bit beside the point. He’s unbelievably accurate and even without Mike Leach (RIP) calling the shots, he’s going to again be one of the best quarterbacks that no one talks about.
2. Michael Penix Jr., Washington
Overshadowed by: Caleb Williams, Bo Nix
Quietly, the Indiana transfer led all Power 5 quarterbacks in yards last season with 4,641, and was the reason that Kalen DeBoer‘s first season was such a huge success. With his top target Rome Odunze returning, Penix should be in the Heisman conversation this fall.
3. Jordan Travis, Florida State
Overshadowed by: Drake Maye, Devin Leary, Sam Hartman
Florida State has a ton of hype and momentum heading into the 2023 season, and a lot of that has to do with the improved play of Travis. Drake Maye may not be going anywhere, but his OC Phil Longo left for Wisconsin, and both Leary and Hartman have transferred out of the conference. With the ‘Noles arguably the ACC favorite this fall, there’s going to be a huge spotlight on him.
4. Chevan Cordeiro, San Jose State
Overshadowed by: Jake Haener
Haener was a Group of 5 darling for two seasons, and for good reason. But with the Fresno State product now off to the draft, all eyes in the Mountain West should turn to Cordeiro, the former Hawai’i transfer who has come to the mainland and lit it up for the Spartans. He led the MWC in yards and touchdowns in 2022, and should do so again this fall.
Strange Things in 2023
— And finally, how much are you looking forward to these oddities in 2023?
1. Wisconsin air raid:
The school arguably most known for a ground-and-pound offense has completely changed course in one offseason and is going full spread with new offensive coordinator Phil Longo. The Badgers have had one 3,000-yard passing season in the history of the program, and that was the fabled Russell Wilson season of 2011. That is going to change quickly.
2. Michigan as Big Ten favorite
Ohio State has been the lead dog in the conference for more than two decades. But entering 2023, the Wolverines have finally surpassed the Buckeyes on the heels of back-to-back conference titles and CFP appearances. How will the Wolverines fare with a target on their back?
3. Colorado at the center of everything.
Deion Sanders’ cult of personality is ripping through college football at an unprecedented pace and bringing along the expectations to match. Coach Prime has embraced the portal and NIL deals like no coach before and has turned a moribund Buffaloes program into the epicenter of college football seemingly overnight.
4. Clemson No Longer ACC Favorite
It’s been a while since the Tigers were not the clear number one program in the conference. But after another subpar season offensively, Dabo Swinney and staff find themselves behind Florida State. The ‘Noles have used the portal as well as anyone and have very few holes on their roster.
5. Wide Open Big XII
As Oklahoma and Texas take their final lap around the conference they helped found, the landscape is as unsure as ever. The perennial favorite Sooners have many questions that need to be answered in Brent Venables‘ second season. Although they have a ton of talent, the jury is still out on whether Steve Sarkisian can bring the Longhorns together and make a playoff push. Last season’s leaders, Kansas State and TCU, both have a ton of talent on their rosters as well, so it’s a true tossup in a league that two teams have dominated for a quarter century.
