CFF 2017 Rankings -- 35-31

  

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      2017 TOP 60 RANKINGS

31. UCLA (4-8) -- The Bruins went into 2016 with a ton of expectations but ended up crumbling back to earth. They couldn't run the ball, there were hiccups transitioning to more of a pro-style offense, and the offensive franchise, quarterback Josh Rosen, missed most of the year with a shoulder injury. Humbled but happier, Rosen vowed in the spring to become the quarterback coach Jim Mora wants him to be -- a decisive, fearless, accountable leader. It won't be easy as the Bruins lose two of their top receivers from a year ago. But the offensive line is splendid, so Rosen should have time to operate. The defense is full of possibilities and youth, including five-star end Jaelen Phillips. If Rosen can handle the offense of new coordinator Jedd Fisch -- who has said he wants more balance -- then the Bruins could return to their winning ways. The schedule is grueling, with road trips to Stanford, Washington and USC, as well as a tricky non-league contest at Memphis. The opener with Texas A&M will showed whether or not the Bruins have, in fact, progressed. FAST FACT -- UCLA averaged just 84.2 yards per game rushing, 127th of 128 teams nationally. The Bruins had four games with less than 50 yards on the ground, including (-1) on 23 carries vs. Arizona State.

Riley Ferguson (University of Memphis Athletics)

32. Memphis (8-5) -- Welcome to the Riley Ferguson show. The senior signal-caller was a find last year, throwing for 3,698 yards and 32 touchdowns, and generating a ton of draft buzz. Blessed with size and a great arm, Ferguson should be able to keep the Tigers in just about every contest this year. He'll have favorite target Anthony Miller (95 catches, 14 TD) back, and the running game will be a committee approach. There were not a lot of big plays defensively, and that will need to change. Safety Jonathan Cook led the team in tackles but will have to lead the a retooled secondary. Memphis is one of the most experienced teams in the country, and that means heightened expectations. Memphis gets Navy at home but must travel to Houston and Tulsa. A week three contest with visiting UCLA should be a barnburner. FAST FACT -- Memphis was one of just four teams last season to return three kickoffs for touchdowns -- more amazing when you consider the Tigers had gone 233 games without a kick return score.

33. Oregon (4-8) -- The Willie Taggart era got off to a bit of rocky start in Eugene, with a coaching staff suspension and the resignation of an offensive coordinator after a DUI. The summer has been smoother, and there is optimism and enthusiasm after last year's four-win fiasco. Most of the important pieces on offense return, including quarterback Justin Herbert, who should fit well in Taggart's physical offense. It will be a change from the frantic pace of the spread Oregon ran previously, but the players are there to make it work. Royce Freeman is one of the most gifted backs in America and could be in for an All-America type of campaign. The Ducks need to improve by a bunch defensively, which is why the hire of Jim Leavitt (ex-Colorado) could work. A move to the 3-4 will take advantage of Oregon's speed, with the focus being on linebacker Troy Dye, who led the squad in tackles as a freshman last season. Trips to Wyoming, Stanford, UCLA and Washington will be difficult, but if Oregon can go 2-2 it will have seen progress. FAST FACT -- The Ducks allowed 38 rushing touchdowns in 2016, second worst figure in the nation.

Deebo Samuel (Jeff Blake USAToday)

34. South Carolina (6-7) -- Contenders? In the SEC? You'd better believe it. Will Muschamp has recruited lights out, nabbing a class ranked 21st, and will have that young talent on display this season as the Gamecocks begin their climb back to respectability. QB Jake Bentley was inconsistent as a freshman, but gives hope after completing nearly 66 percent of his passes the last seven games of 2016. Receiver Deebo Samuel (59 catches) is ready to break out, and the line returns four starters. That experience should jump start an offense that was 115th in total yards. The defense was not physical last year, so Muschamp brought in some JUCO talent. Also helping is the return of LB Skai Moore, who missed last year with a neck injury. He led the Gamecocks in tackles in each of his three seasons. There's no Alabama, LSU or Auburn on the schedule, and Florida must come to Columbia. A second straight bowl game should be the minimum expectation, and a winning record is certainly attainable. FAST FACT -- South Carolina was the only FBS school to have a freshman lead in both rushing (Rico Dowdle) and passing (Jake Bentley).

35. Wyoming (8-6) -- One of the bigger turnarounds in the country happened last season in Laramie, as the Cowboys went from four-win sad sacks to eight win contenders and bowl participants. Coach Craig Bohl finally saw everything click, and he's hoping for even more this season. Having QB Josh Allen (3,203 yards, 28 TD) back in the fold is a great start as there was talk of him taking off for the draft. Allen can make all of the throws and is unflappable under pressure, and the offense will go as far as he -- and an experienced, talented offensive line -- takes it. The defense brings back nearly 80 percent of its tackles from a year ago, but that might not be a great thing as the Cowboys allowed over 34.1 points per game and 5.3 yards per rush. There is talent in the secondary, notably safety Andrew Wingard (131 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 2 INT). Wyoming opens the season at Iowa, and has important MWC tilts with Colorado State (home) and Boise State (away). It will be interesting to watch how the Cowboys respond to being a known entity. FAST FACT -- The Cowboys were seventh in the nation in red zone conversions, scoring 40 touchdowns in 53 red zone trips (75.4 percent).

We will have teams 30-26 later today.

40-36 

45-41 

50-46 

55-51 

60-56