College Football 2018 Conference Previews -- Independents

INDEPENDENTS
OVERVIEW

Notre Dame's Brian Kelly (Corner Pub Sports)

What used to be four is now six, thanks to the additions of Liberty (moving up from FCS) and New Mexico State (booted out of the Sun Belt Conference). While neither will do much this year, they do add a bit to the landscape of the independents.

Whenever talking independents people start with Notre Dame, which has played both sides of the fence for years with no ramifications whatsoever. Do they want to be in the ACC or not? If no, then the ACC should stop scheduling games against them. At some point, leagues need to step up and tell the Irish that they won't schedule them, which will force their hand and make them join a conference. Until then, they reap the financial benefits of independence (not having to share bowl money) and hold the leverage. The Irish will once again be heavily run-based offensively, and why not? Dexter Williams averaged over 9 yards per pop in a reserve role last season and could be lethal as a starter. The line has experience, as does a receiving corps that features Chase Claypool (29 catches, 13.9 ypc) and emerging tight end Alize Mack (19 catches). But the passing game will only go as far as Brandon Wimbush (49.5%, 16 TD, 6 INT, 14 rush TDs) takes it. He was erratic and looked scared at times last year, and if that doesn't change the Irish offense won't do much. The defense is in solid shape, led by linebacker Te'Von Coney (116 tackles, 10 TFL), who calls the signals and brings aggressiveness and power to the stop unit. Drue Tranquill (85 tackles, 9 TFL) moves from safety to linebacker to fill a hole left by Nyles Morgan, and the secondary is in the able hands of corner Julian Love (68 tackles, 3 INT, 20 PBU) and safety Nick Coleman (44 tackles). Jerry Tillery (56 tackles, 4.5 TFL) is a rock along the Dline.

Jeff Monken has worked wonders at Army, winning 18 games the past two seasons and overpowering foes with a lethal rushing attack. Last year's Black Knights topped the nation in rushing at over 363 yards per contest, but may have trouble reaching that with the loss of standout quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw and four starters on the offensive line. Junior Kevin Hopkins takes over, and depth at running back should offset a lot of the quarterback worries. Darnell Woolfolk (812 yards, 14 TDs) will get the bulk of the work, and Kell Walker (629 yards, 7.3 ypc) will contribute as well. The defense allowed 22 points per game last year and should once again be stout, led by linebacker James Nachtigal (103 tackles, 5 sacks). Army has gotten a bit more aggressive defensively the last two seasons and is more athletic this year, and could eclipse last year's 24 sacks.

Brigham Young hit a rut last year after back to back nine win seasons in the first two years of the Kelani Sitake regime, going just 4-9 due to a horrific offense (325 yards per game). New OC Jeff Grimes has tailored the offense to suit Tanner Mangum's skill set a bit more, which should help the passing game. Mangum (57.2%, 8 TD, 9 INT) has a solid group of pass catchers, notably freshman All-America tight end Matt Bushman (49 catches, 3 TDs) and Dylan Collie, a grad transfer from the University of Hawaii. If the running game can find its footing (only 131 ypg last season) the Cougars should easily improve upon their 17.1 ppg, a figure that was 124th nationally. The defense went to more of a man look after utilizing zone for years under Bronco Mendenhall, and lack of turnovers (17 for the season) hurt big time. The front isn't bad, with Corbin Kaufusi (67 tackles, 6 sacks) leading the way, and linebacker Sione Takitaki (79 tackles, 5 sacks) has big-time breakout potential. Another tough schedule, featuring trips to Wisconsin, Washington and Boise State, could prove daunting, but there is enough talent and experience here to improve on last year's win total.

UMass won just four times last year, but lost at Tennessee by just four and at Mississippi State by 11. So the pieces are in place for a bowl breakthrough, a first since the Minutemen moved up to FBS in 2012. UMass has one of the best pitch and catch combos in Andrew Ford (63.2%, 22 TD, 4 INT) to Andy Isabella (65 catches, 15.7 ypc, 10 TD), and with seven other starters back the offense could be better than last year's (30.6 ppg). The defense had its moments but was too inconsistent for true success, especially against the run (4.9 ypc). A retooled defensive line may not help, but linebacker Bryton Barr returns after leading the team in tackles (105), and corner Isaiah Rodgers (50 tackles, 3 INT, 14 PBU) is a shutdown type who helped UMass allow just 53.3 percent competions last season, 16th nationally. Trips to Boston College, Ohio U and Georgia highlight the schedule.

New Mexico State went to its first bowl game since 1960 last season, and hopes for back to back postseason appearances. That might be tough as their top three offensive players are gone -- QB Tyler Rogers, RB Larry Rose and WR Jaleel Scott. The offensive line returns intact, and wideout OJ Scott (47 catches, 3 TDs) brings much needed experience to that group. The defense shows monumental improvement, allowing 29.7 points, down from 38.8 in 2016. Under the guidance of DC Frank Spaziani, the Aggies set a school record with 43 sacks. His attacking style fits the personnel perfectly, as three players went over 100 tackles last year. Linebacker Terrill Hanks (111 tackles, 7 sacks, 8 TFL) and safety Ron LaForce (104 tackles, 3 INT, 5 PBU) are keepers on the stop side and are among nine returning starters on that side of the ball.

Liberty makes the leap to FBS after going 6-5 in the Big South a year ago, and will have it work cut out to break .500 given a schedule that includes trips to Virginia and Auburn in November. Quarterback Steven Calvert (58.7%, 29 TD, 6 INT) set a school record for yardage (3,363) and has a live arm. Receivers Antonio Gandy-Golden (69 catches, 10 TDs) and Damian King (66 catches, 4 TD) are reliable, and the group has depth. The defense allowed over 30 points per game last year and could be worse this year with the tougher schedule. End Juwan Wells (74 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 6.5 TFL) is a standout while corner Jeremy Peters (36 tackles, 3 INT, 8 PBU) anchors a veteran secondary. Coach Turner Gill recruited well and brought in a lot of JUCO help, which means the Flames should be trending upward -- just not this season.

RISING: UMass
FALLING: New Mexico State
BOWL TEAMS (2): Notre Dame, Army

INDEPENDENT PROJECTED STANDINGS
1 Notre Dame (8-4)
2 Army (8-4)

3 Brigham Young (5-7)

4 UMass (5-7)

5 New Mexico State (5-7)

6 Liberty (2-10)

ALL-INDEPENDENT TEAM

OFFENSE
QB Andrew Ford/UMass

RB Darnell Woolfolk/Army West Point

RB Marquis Young/UMass

WR Andy Isabella/UMass

WR Chase Claypool/Notre Dame

WR Dylan Collie/Brigham Young

TE  Matt Bushman/Brigham Young

OL Sage Doxtater-Gronert/New Mexico State

OL Alex Bars/Notre Dame

OL Tommy Kraemer/Notre Dame

OL Bryce Holland/Army West Point

OL Sam Mustipher/Notre Dame

DEFENSE
DL Jerry Tillery/Notre Dame

DL Cedric Wilcots/New Mexico State

DL Corbin Kaufusi/Brigham Young

DL Kenneth Brinson/Army West Point

LB Te'Von Coney/Notre Dame

LB James Nachtigal/Army West Point

LB Terrill Hanks/New Mexico State

LB Drue Tranquill/Notre Dame

DB Julian Love/Notre Dame

DB Isaiah Rodgers/UMass

DB Ron LaForce/New Mexico State

DB Nick Coleman/Notre Dame

SPECIALISTS

 K  Alex Probert/Liberty

 P   Payton Theisler/New Mexico State

KR Marquis Young/UMass

PR Michael Shelton/Brigham Young

College Football 2018 Conference Previews -- SBC

SUN BELT CONFERENCE
OVERVIEW

Arkansas State's Blake Anderson (Mike Ehrmann)

A smaller Sun Belt Conference could mean a better Sun Belt Conference, at least in terms of national acclaim. Gone are Idaho (down to FCS) and New Mexico State (FBS Independent), which makes things more streamlined and interesting. There is also now a title game, which adds an extra layer of excitement and gives hope to a team that maybe lost the regular season showdown.

One thing that hasn't changed is the top teams -- Appalachian State, Troy and Arkansas State will once again show the way, with a couple of interlopers hoping to upset the apple cart.

Appalachian State returns 11 starters from last season's nine win squad, including running back Jalin Moore (1037 yards, 12 TDs) and the exemplary cornerback tandem of Clifton Duck (50 tackles, 6 INTs, 6 PBUs) and Tae Hayes (53 tackles, 4 INTs, 12 PBUs). The Moutaineers allowed just 14 TDs through the air a year ago, and their 18 picks ranked among the nation's top 15. If App State can get solid quarterback play after losing four year starter Taylor Lamb, it could be in line for more than just a conference title. Troy won double digit games for the second straight year, including an upset of LSU in Death Valley, but has a bit of rebuilding to do after losing quarterback Brandon Silvers and running back Jordan Chunn. The offensive line is one of the best and most experienced in the league, and the receiving tandem of Deondre Douglas and Damion Willis combined for 90 catches and seven TDs in 2017. Corner Blace Brown (33 tackles, 5 INTs, 6 PBUs) has NFL scouts paying attention and leads the way for a solid secondary group. The league finale at Appalachian State should determine the East Division champ. Georgia Southern won just twice last season, but played much better once Chad Lunsford was tabbed as head coach after the UMass game. The Eagles won two of their last three and have some momentum heading into the 2018 campaign thanks to one of the most experienced rosters in college football (18 returnees). Shai Werts is a solid dual threat quarterback while Wesley Fields (811 yards, 5 TDs) should improve with a reliable line in front of him. The defense must improve after allowing 32 points per game last year. The secondary is outstanding, led by corner Monquavion Brinson (5 INTs, 12 PBUs) and safeties RJ Murray (team-high 60 tackles) and Joshua Moon (47 tackles, 2 INTs). If GSU can generate more of a pass rush (22, 92nd nationally) there could be quite a bit of improvement. For now we're projecting a bowl game.

The West has the league's best shot at a New Years Six berth as Arkansas State appears ready to roll. The Wolves went just 7-5 last season, a disappointment, but close examination shows three losses by seven points or fewer. Combine that with 12 returning starters -- including the league's most potent offense for 2018 -- and it's easy to see why expectations are high. Quarterback Justice Hansen (3967 yards, 37 TDs) makes the offense go, and leading receiver Justin McInnis (49 catches, 16.3 ypc) returns. Former Oregon and Texas A&M product Kirk Merritt will be opposite McInnis and was one of the better JUCO receivers in America last season. The ground game is in the able feet of Warren Wand (715 yards, 6 TDs). The defense may take a step back after losing pass rush terror Ja'Von Rolland-Jones and his baker's dozen sacks, but Ronheen Bingham (22 tackles, 5 sacks) could be ready to establish himself. Justin Clifton (63 tackles, 13 PBUs) moves from corner to nickel back, which puts him closer to the line of scrimmage in the Wolves 4-2-5 scheme. Safety BJ Edmonds (80 tackles, 3 INTs) is a veteran and big time hitter. A-State misses Troy and gets App State at home, and travels to Alabama in week two for an interesting test. ULM allowed 35 or more points eight times last year, which isn't going to get it done in the Sun Belt or anywhere else. The Warhawks have matured and are among the nation's top 20 in terms of experience (17 returning starters) and bring back emerging quarterback Caleb Evans (2868, 17 TDs, 6 INTs, 13 rushing TDs). A veteran line should keep the offense rolling, as should a big-time jump from running back Derrick Gore (585 yards). The Warhawks didn't produce much pressure (21 sacks) nor force many turnovers (14), so that will have to improve. Defensive tackle Mason Husmann (37 tackles, 3.5 TFL) should vie for all-league honors while linebacker David Griffith (76 tackles, 6 TFL) brings experience and stability to the linebacker corps. Louisiana was another defensively challenged a year ago (40 ppg) but have fortified the lineup with a handful of FBS transfers, including defensive end Garrald McDowell (Ole Miss) and corner Kendall Johnson (Nevada). Running back Trey Ragas (813 yards, 9 TDs, 5.7 ypc) is one of the best in the league and could be ready for a national breakout.

RISING: Georgia Southern
FALLING: Troy
BOWL TEAMS (5): Appalachian State, Troy, Georgia Southern, Arkansas State, ULM

SUN BELT PROJECTED STANDINGS
EAST
1 Appalachian State (9-4, 6-2)

2 Troy (8-4, 6-2)

3 Georgia Southern (6-6, 4-4)

4 Georgia State (4-8, 3-5)

5 Coastal Carolina (2-10, 1-7) 
WEST

1 Arkansas State (11-2, 7-1)

2 ULM (6-6, 5-3)

3 Louisiana (6-6, 4-4)

4 South Alabama (4-8, 3-5)

5 Texas State (3-9, 1-7) 
SUN BELT CHAMPIONSHIP

Arkansas State over Appalachian State

ALL-SUN BELT TEAM

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE

QB Justice Hansen/Arkansas State

RB Jalin Moore/Appalachian State

RBTrey Ragas/Louisiana

WR Penny Hart/Georgia State

WR Justin McInnis/Arkansas State

WR Deondre Douglas/Troy

TE  Collin Reed/Appalachian State

OL Victor Johnson/Appalachian State

OL Lanard Bonner/Arkansas State

OL Deontae Crumitie/Troy

OL Jacob Still/Arkansas State

OL Tristan Crowder/Troy

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE

DL Joe Dillon/Louisiana

DL Logan Hunt/Georgia Southen

DL Ronheem Bingham/Arkansas State

DL Myquan Stout/Appalachian State

LB Anthony Flory/Appalachian State

LB Bryan London/Texas State

LB Michael Shaw/Georgia State

LB Tron Folsom/Troy

DB Blace Brown/Troy

DB Clifton Duck/Appalachian State

DB Tae Hayes/Appalachian State

DB Justin Clifton/Arkansas State

FIRST TEAM SPECIALISTS

 K Gavin Patterson/South Alabama

 P  Corliss Waitman/South Alabama

KR Marcus Green/ULM

PR Thomas Hennigan/Appalachian State

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE

QB Caleb Evans/ULM

RB Warren Wand/Arkansas State

RB Wesley Fields/Georgia Southern

WR Malcolm Williams/Coastal Carolina

WR Marcus Green/ULM

WR Jamarius Way/South Alabama

TE  Chase Rogers/Louisiana

OL Kevin Dotson/Louisiana

OL Kirk Kelly/Troy

OL Aaron Brewer/Texas State

OL Curtis Rainey/Georgia Southern

OL Shamarious Gilmore/Georgia State

SECOND TEAM DEFENSE

DL Trevon Sanders/Troy

DL Marterious Allen/Georgia State

DL Tyree Turner/South Alabama

DL Mason Husmann/ULM

LB Hunter Reese/Troy

LB Frankie Griffin/Texas State

LB Bull Barge/South Alabama

LB Silas Kelly/Coastal Carolina

DB Monquavion Brinson/Georgia Southern

DB Cedarius Rookard/Troy

DB BJ Edmonds/Arkansas State

DB Nigel Lawrence/South Alabama

SECOND TEAM SPECIALISTS

 K  Tyler Bass/Georgia Southern

 P   Cody Grace/Arkansas State

KR Marcus Jones/Troy

PR Marcus Green/ULM

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Justice Hansen/Arkansas State

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Clifton Duck/Appalachian State

COACH OF THE YEAR: Blake Anderson/Arkansas State

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: CB Kendall Johnson/Louisiana

College Football 2018 Conference Previews -- MWC

MOUNTAIN WEST CONFERENCE

OVERVIEW

Boise State's Bryan Harsin (Mountain West Connection)

The more things change, the more they stay the same -- at least that's the case in the Mountain West in 2018.

The league is better top to bottom than it's been in quite some time, but the usual suspects are sitting at the top of the heap this year, and that probably isn't going to change any time soon. While Boise State and San Diego State are still top dogs in their divisions, the improvement of Wyoming, Utah State and Fresno State could make for some potentially tasty matchups this season.

Boise State still rules the Mountain roost, and has enough talent and experience to make a real push to be the Group of Five rep for a New Year's Six bowl game. Quarterback Brett Rypien is back for his senior season, which means the offense is in good hands. While he didn't throw a ton of touchdowns last year (16), he also was steady with the ball and didn't turn it over much (6 INTs). With Boise's best receivers gone, look for more emphasis on the ground game -- which should suit Alexander Mattison just fine. The junior ran for over 1,000 yards and found the end zone a dozen times in 2017, and should be in line for even bigger things this year. Defense should once again be the Broncos calling card. After allowing just under 23 points per game last year, the defense could be ready to take off thanks to playmakers at every level. End Curtis Weaver, linebacker Tyson Maeva and defensive backs Tyler Horton and Kekoa Nawahine are all stars and should be the leaders of a powerful stop unit. If anyone is going to rival Boise for top defensive honors, it will be Wyoming. The Cowboys are starting to look like Craig Bohl's North Dakota State teams did. It will be tough to equal last year's stellar 17.5 ppg allowed, but it could happen, especially with star linemen Curtis Granderson and Youhanna Ghaifan, linebacker and leading tackler Logan Wilson (119 tackles, 7 TFL) and safety Andrew Wingard (114 tackles, 7 TFL, 5 INT) all returning. The offense could be potent if a quarterback is found. Utah State brings back one of the most experienced teams in the nation, including all five offensive linemen. Wideout Ron'Quavion Tarver and tight end Dax Raymond are stars and should help a passing game that was stagnant at times a year ago. The defense returns nine and could rival the 2014 group which allowed less than 20 points per contest. It might be a mistake to overlook Mike Bobo's Colorado State squad, especially if Washington transfer KJ Carta-Samuels plays up to expectation at quarterback. He has great weapons in Olabisi Johnson and Preston Williams, and an emerging backfield star in Izzy Matthews. Toughness on defense is a question after CSU allowed over 5.0 yards per carry to opponents last season, though first year DC John Jancek has gotten results at every stop.

The West has some depth, but San Diego State and Fresno State are clearly the best of the lot. The Aztecs return seven on offense, notably quarterback Christian Chapman (13-4 TD-INT) and an intact offensive line, which has a pair of stars in guard Keith Ismael and tackle Tyler Roemer. Running back Juwan Washington appears to be next in the SDSU running back line after scoring seven times and averaging 6.0 ypc a year ago in relief of all-world Rashaad Penny. The defense returns seven of its top 10 tacklers from a group that held foes to 20.2 ppg. Linebackers Ronley Lakalaka and Parker Baldwin will pace the unit. Vying with the Aztecs for divisional supremacy is Fresno State, which brings back 15 starters from a team that won double digit games for the first time since 2013. Marcus McMaryion is a confident leader at quarterback and just might have the best receiving corps in the league at his disposal. KeeSean Johnson eclipsed 1,000 yards and scored eight times last year, and he's joined by Jamire Jordan and former Oklahoma pass catcher Michiah Quick. If the Bulldogs can find more explosiveness and consistency in their run game they should be a handful. The defense was a revelation last year, allowing 17.9 points a year after giving up nearly 31 per game. The loss of DC Orlondo Steinauer to the CFL could be a blow as he devised schemes that would shift at the snap and confuse opponents. Taking over DC duties is Bert Watts, and he'll have some talent to work with, notably a linebacker group led by junior Jeffrey Allison, who emerged as a tackling machine (126) a year ago. Corner Jaron Bryant can play sticky man-to-man, and his mates in the secondary are all athletic and quick. Back to back games with Boise State and San Diego State will determine the Bulldogs' fate. Nevada is right on the fringe of breaking through but will ultimately fall short due to shortcomings on defense, though linebacker Malik Reed is a keeper. The pitch and catch combo of Ty Gangi to McLane Mannix will be one of the most lethal in the league. UNLV is also improving and could break through with a potent offense led by quarterback Armani Rodgers and running back Lexington Thomas.

RISING: Nevada
FALLING: Air Force
BOWL TEAMS (6): Boise State, Wyoming, Utah State, Colorado State, San Diego State, Fresno State

MWC PROJECTED STANDINGS
MOUNTAIN
1 Boise State (12-1, 7-1)
2 Wyoming (8-4, 6-2)
3 Utah State (7-5, 5-3)
4 Colorado State (6-6, 5-3)
5 Air Force (4-8, 3-5)
6 New Mexico (2-10, 0-8)

WEST
1 San Diego State (10-3, 7-1)
2 Fresno State (8-4, 6-2)
3 Nevada (6-6, 4-4)
4 UNLV (5-7, 3-5)
5 San Jose State (2-10, 1-7)
6 Hawaii (2-11, 1-7) 
MWC CHAMPIONSHIP
Boise State over San Diego State

ALL-MWC TEAM

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
QB Brett Rypien/Boise State

RB Lexington Thomas/UNLV

RB Alexander Mattison/Boise State

WR KeeSean Johnson/Fresno State

WR McLane Mannix/Nevada

WR Preston Williams/Colorado State

TE  Dax Raymond/Utah State

OL Ezra Cleveland/Boise State

OL Aaron Jenkins/New Mexico

OL Keith Ismael/San Diego State

OL Quin Ficklin/Utah State

OL Micah St Andrew/Fresno State

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DL Carl Granderson/Wyoming

DL Curtis Weaver/Boise State

DL Youhanna Ghaifan/Wyoming

DL David Moa/Boise State

LB Malik Reed/Nevada

LB Jeffrey Allison/Fresno State

LB Logan Wilson/Wyoming

LB Jahlani Tavai/Hawaii

DB Andrew Wingard/Wyoming

DB Ron Smith/San Diego State

DB Jaron Bryant/Fresno State

DB Tariq Thompson/San Diego State

FIRST TEAM SPECIALISTS

 K  Dominik Eberle/Utah State

 P  Ryan Stonehouse/Colorado State

KR Tyler Hall/Wyoming

PR Avery Williams/Boise State

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
QB Marcus McMaryion/Fresno State

RB Juwan Washington/San Diego State

RB Izzy Matthews/Colorado State

WR John Ursua/Hawaii

WR Olabisi Johnson/Colorado State

WR Ron'Quavion Tarver/Utah State

TE  Kahale Warring/San Diego State

OL Tyler Roemer/San Diego State

OL Nathan Jacobson/UNLV

OL Netane Muti/Fresno State

OL John Molchon/Boise State

OL Sean Krepsz/Nevada

SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
DL Noble Hall/San Diego State

DL Durrant Miles/Boise State

DL Christopher Unga/Utah State

DL Richard King/Colorado State

LB Ronley Lakalaka/San Diego State

LB Tyson Maeva/Boise State

LB George Helmuth/Fresno State

LB Josh Watson/Colorado State

DB Tyler Horton/Boise State

DB Dameon Baber/Nevada

DB Gaje Ferguson/Utah State

DB Kekoa Nawahine/Boise State

SECOND TEAM SPECIALISTS:
 K  Bryce Crawford/San Jose State

 P  Aaron Dalton/Utah State

KR Elijah Lilly/New Mexico

PR Austin Conway/Wyoming

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Brett Rypien/Boise State

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jeffrey Allison/Fresno State

COACH OF THE YEAR: Matt Wells/Utah State

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: QB KJ Carta-Samuels/Colorado State 

College Football 2018 Conference Previews -- MAC

MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE

OVERVIEW

Northern Illinois' Sutton Smith (STLToday.com

In most of the recent history, the MAC has had one team that has stood head and shoulder above the crowd, the one that followers knew was going to win the league crown. So the fact that there's some intrigue is a welcome change.

Both the East and West divisions should be two team affairs, led by mostly familiar faces.

Ohio had the most potent offense in the conference a year ago and returns most of its talent, so it wouldn't be a shock to see the Bobcats once again lead the way on offense. Quarterback Nathan Rourke is as fine a dual threat as you'll find, and he's helped by a veteran offensive line and running back AJ Ouelette. Ohio has been pretty steady on defense under head coach Frank Solich, and this year should be no diffferent. If the Bobcats are to be unseated, Buffalo will be the team to do it. Lance Leipold's Bulls could challenge Ohio for the MAC's most potent offense, and will certainly show the way in the passing game thanks to rifle-armed quarterback Tyree Jackson, who has NFL scouts watching. Wideout Anthony Johnson is one of the most dangerous pass-catchers in America, and tight end Tyler Mabry should see an increased role this season after catching 24 passes a year ago. Buffalo has already turned out one great linebacker named Khalil -- Mack, who has become a star for the Oakland Raiders -- and this year has another, Hodge, who made an eye-popping 154 stops a year ago and is the heart and soul of a defense that cut its scoring down by nearly eight points. Should Buffalo achieve to its potential, Leipold will have his first winning season, and the first at the school since 2013. Miami and Akron each have a couple of standouts, but not enough to seriously challenge for the division crown.

In the West, Northern Illinois will reclaim supremacy after two seasons of near misses. The Huskies have the league's best stop unit, led by pass rush terror Sutton Smith (14 sack, 15.5 TFL), a solid linebacker corp and a secondary led by former Notre Dame star Mykelti Williams (73 tackles, 6 PBU). NIU gets Ohio and Toledo at home, adding an extra advantage, and will be tested by a non-league slate of Iowa, Utah and Florida State. The offense should once again be solid after four straight years of decline thanks to eight returning starters. Toledo lost highly decorated quarterback Logan Woodside to graduation, which leaves questions about the position. Whoever wins the spot will have the league's best pass-catching group at his disposal -- Diontae Johnson, Cody Thompson and Jon'Vea Johnson, each of whom have had a season with 10 touchdown catches. Now that all are healthy, that means trouble for opposing defenses. The Rockets won't be quite as good on D as they were last year due to the loss of four of their top five tacklers, which could mean quite a few shootouts. Western Michigan disappointed last year, largely due to an ungodly spate of injuries. No fewer than 21 players suffered season-ending injuries, including the entire running back and receiving corps, as well as the starting quarterback. Presumably healthy, the Broncos should be a more competitive group. Quarterback Jon Wassink put up excellent numbers before getting hurt (64.2%, 14 TD, 4 INT), and he'll operate behind a veteran offensive line that was one of the few groups to stay healthy in 2017. Former Michigan wideout Drake Harris could emerge as a favorite target, and running back Jamauri Bogan should contend for all-league honors after averaging over five yards per carry last season. The defense was dealt a blow when corner Sam Beal declared for the supplemental draft, so it could be tough to improve on last year's 29 ppg allowed figure. The scoreboard in Waldo Stadium should light up often in 2018.

RISING: Buffalo
FALLING: Central Michigan
BOWL TEAMS (5):  Ohio, Buffalo, Northern Illinois, Toledo, Western  Michigan

MAC PROJECTED STANDINGS
EAST
1 Ohio (8-5, 7-1)
2 Buffalo (8-4, 6-2)
3 Miami (5-7, 5-3)
4 Akron (4-8, 3-5)
5 Bowling Green (3-9, 2-6)
6 Kent State (1-11, 0-8) 
WEST

1 Northern Illinois (10-3, 8-0)

2 Toledo (9-3, 7-1)

3 Western Michigan (7-5, 5-3)

4 Eastern Michigan (3-9, 2-6)

5 Central Michigan (3-9, 2-6)

6 Ball State (2-10, 1-7) 
MAC CHAMPIONSHIP

Northern Illinois over Ohio

ALL-MAC TEAM

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
QB Tyree Jackson/Buffalo

RB James Gilbert/Ball State

RB AJ Ouelette/Ohio

WR Anthony Johnson/Buffalo

WR Diontae Johnson/Toledo

WR James Gardner/Miami

TE  Tyler Mabry/Buffalo

OL Max Scharping/Northern Illinois

OL John Keenoy/Western Michigan

OL Joe Lowery/Ohio

OL James O'Hagan/Buffalo

OL Jimmy Leatiota/Eastern Michigan 
FIRST TEAM DEFENSE

DL Sutton Smith/Northern Illinois

DL Maxx Crosby/Eastern Michigan

DL Jamal Davis/Akron

DL Jeremiah Harris/Eastern Michigan

LB Ulysees Gilbert/Akron

LB Khalil Hodge/Buffalo

LB Malik Fountain/Central Michigan

LB Jim Jones/Kent State

DB Javon Hagan/Ohio

DB Sean Bunting/Central Michigan

DB Vince Calhoun/Eastern Michigan

DB Mykelti Williams/Northern Illinois 
FIRST TEAM SPECIALISTS

 K  Jameson Vest/Toledo P  Derek Adams/Kent State
KR Malik Dunner/Ball State
PR  Papi White/Ohio

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
QB Nathan Rourke/Ohio
RB Jonathan Ward/Central Michigan
RB Jamauri Bogan/Western Michigan
WR Cody Thompson/Toledo
WR Scott Miller/Bowling Green
WR Papi White/Ohio
TE  Mitchell Brinkman/Northern Illinois
OL Luke Juriga/Western Michigan
OL Joe Anderson/Ohio
OL Bryce Harris/Toledo
OL Luke Shively/Northern Illinois
OL Jordan Rigg/Miami
SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
DL Chuck Harris/Buffalo
DL Kyle Junior/Bowling Green
DL Mike Danna/Central Michigan
DL Nate Trawick/Miami
LB Junior McMullen/Miami
LB Kyle Pugh/Northern Illinois
LB Evan Croutch/Ohio
LB Josh Corcoran/Northern Illinois
DB Alvin Davis/Akron
DB Jalen Fox/Ohio
DB Kyron Brown/Akron
DB Montre Gregory/Bowling Green
SECOND TEAM SPECIALISTS
 K  Louie Zervos/Ohio
 P  Kyle Kramer/Miami
KR Diontae Johnson/Toledo
PR Denzel McKinley-Lewis/Toledo

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Tyree Jackson/Buffalo
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Sutton Smith/Northern Illinois
COACH OF THE YEAR: Lance Leipold/Buffalo
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: OT Antwan Reed/Western Michigan

College Football 2018 Conference Previews -- CUSA

CONFERENCE USA

OVERVIEW

FAU's Lane Kiffin (Yardbarker.com)

When you play in a Group of 5 conference, sometimes you need to take drastic measures to stay in the headlines. Florida Atlantic coach Lane Kiffin knows a thing or two about that, and he did his level best to stay relevant -- meeting up with former 2 Live Crew frontman Luther "Uncle Luke" Campbell, getting coaches from Ohio State and Michigan to attend a prospects camp at FAU, tweeted at Kanye West and showed support for former boss Nick Saban and Alabama with some #rolltide tweets. Busy man, that Lane. Yet he still manages to find a way to coach, and he's got a team that could emerge as the darling of this year's season.

Most people know about the offensive trickery and speed Kiffin loves, but he's happiest when he sees running back Devin Singletary toting the rock. And why not? Singletary had 32 touchdowns and over 1900 yards a year ago, and could emerge as a Heisman candidate this year with a big game in the opener against Oklahoma. But it isn't only Singletary. Receiver Willie Wright and tight end Harrison Bryant are both vital parts of the passing game, and should help whomever wins the quarterback job. The Owls return 10 to a defense that allowed just under 23 points per game last year, led by tackling machine Azeez Al-Shaair (147 tackles) and a pair of big-time corners in Shelton Lewis and Jalen Young. FAU's chief rival in the East will be Marshall, which gets the services of strong-armed Wagner transfer Alex Thomson at quarterback. He has a deep stable of backs behind him, and wideout Tyre Brady is one of the best under-the-radar talents in the country. Defensively, the Herd has a playmaker at every level -- DL Ryan Bee, LB Chase Hancock and DB Malik Gant. They will try to be as good as last year's unit, which allowed just 19.9 points per game and held five foes to 10 points or fewer. Middle Tennessee endured a season of what-could-have-beens as quarterback Brent Stockstill missed six games with injury, and the receiving corps had some crucial missed games as well. A committee ground game will keep defenses honest while Stockstill looks early and often for Ty Lee, who emerged last year after Richie James was injured. A good defense returns nine starters, most notably linebacker Khalil Brooks, who disrupted defenses with his tackling ability and a nose for pressuring the quaterback. Safety Jovante Moffatt is a good one, and brings experience to a talented secondary. Old Dominion couldn't get it going offensively last year, averaging just under 21 points per game but return nine starters, including dual threat quarterback Steven Williams. If Williams gets a bit more consistent with his passing the offense could take flight. The Monarchs have a couple of studs on defense in Miles Fox and Oshane Ximines, who form the best D-line combo in the league.

Louisiana Tech took a step back last season while breaking in a new quarterback, but return eight offensive starters and get the nod in the West. J'mar Smith is a solid dual threat who improved as the season progressed, and he has one of the best targets in America in receiver Teddy Veal. The defense is led by pro-ready defensive Jaylon Ferguson, who has a high motor and a great burst off the ball. Often the subject of double-teams, Ferguson impacts the game in ways that don't always show up on the stat sheet. Cornerback Amik Robertson is everywhere -- tackling (62), hitting behind the line of scrimmage (5.5 TFL), breaking up passes (6) and picking them off, too (5). North Texas exploded onto the scene last year, winning nine games and averaging 35 points per contest -- thanks in large part to the quarterback friendly offense of coach Seth Littrell and the quick release and accurate arm of Mason Fine. All three top receivers caught over 45 passes, and the line returns four starters. Defense was a problem, so Littrell mined the JUCO scene for help. The Mean Green play an aggressive, gambling D that allows big plays, but seem to have better talent this year. Linebacker EJ Ejiya is a burgeoning star. How Bill Clark didn't win national coach of the year honors after guiding a program back from the dead to eight victories is one of life's great mysteries. He has UAB poised for another solid year thanks to the return of 10 offensive starters. Chief among them is quarterback AJ Erdely, who is an excellent passer (60.7%, 16 TDs) and sneaky runner (13 TDs). Running back Spencer Brown was a revelation as a freshman (1329 yards, 10 TDs) and should only get better behind a line that returns four starters. The defense is led by end Garrett Marino and safety Broderick Thomas, who has the size and quickness to keep up with the league's top wideouts. Southern Miss is looking for a fourth straight winning campaign, but will have to do it with a rebuilt offense. Quarterback is in the hands of Kwadra Griggs, who was a bit erratic (55.8%) but smart with the ball (16-2 ratio). Linebacker Racheem Boothe leads the way, and the return from injury of Picasso Nelson should help that group.

RISING: UAB 
FALLING: FIU
BOWL TEAMS (8):  FAU, Marshall, Middle Tennessee, Old Dominion, Louisiana Tech, North Texas, UAB, Southern Miss

CONFERENCE USA PROJECTED STANDINGS
EAST
1 FAU (11-2, 7-1)

2 Marshall (8-4, 6-2)

3 Middle Tennessee (7-5, 5-3)

4 Old Dominion (7-5, 4-4)

5 FIU (4-8, 3-5)

6 Western Kentucky (4-8, 2-6)

7 Charlotte (2-10, 1-7) 
WEST

1 Louisiana Tech (8-5, 6-2)

2 North Texas (8-4, 6-2)

3 UAB (8-4, 5-3)

4 Southern Miss (7-5, 5-3)

5 UTSA (6-6, 5-3)

6 UTEP (2-10, 1-7)

7 Rice (1-11, 0-8) 
CUSA CHAMPIONSHIP

FAU over Louisiana Tech

ALL-CUSA TEAM
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
QB Mason Fine/North Texas
RB Devin Singletary/FAU
RB Spencer Brown/UAB
WR Tyre Brady/Marshall
WR Teddy Veal/Louisiana Tech
WR Ty Lee/Middle Tennessee
TE  Harrison Bryant/FAU
OL Chandler Brewer/Middle Tennessee
OL O'Shea Dugas/Louisiana Tech
OL Levi Brown/Marshall
OL Reggie Bain/FAU
OL James Davis/UAB
FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DL Oshane Ximines/Old Dominion
DL Jaylon Ferguson/Louisiana Tech
DL Ryan Bee/Marshall
DL Anthony Johnson/FIU
LB Chase Hancock/Marshall
LB Azeez Al-Shaair/FAU
LB Khalil Brooks/Middle Tennessee
LB Josiah Tauaefa/UTSA
DB Shelton Lewis/FAU
DB Malik Gant/Marshall
DB Amik Robertson/Louisiana Tech
DB Jalen Young/FAU
FIRST TEAM SPECIALISTS
 K  Parker Shaunfield/Southern Miss
 P  Yannis Routsis/UTSA
KR Isaiah Harper/Old Dominion
PR Andre Wilson/UAB

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
QB Brent Stockstill/Middle Tennessee
RB Tyler King/Marshall
RB Jeremy Cox/Old Dominion
WR Jovon Durante/FAU
WR Jalen Guyton/North Texas
WR Lucky Jackson/Western Kentucky
TE  Kelvin Smith/North Texas
OL Nate Davis/Charlotte
OL Ty Pollard/Southern Miss
OL Isaac Weaver/Old Dominion
OL Rishard Cook/UAB
OL D'Antne Demery/FIU
SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
DL Miles Fox/Old Dominion
DL Hunter Snyder/FAU
DL Roderick Young/North Texas
DL Kevin Strong/UTSA
LB Fermin Silva/FIU
LB EJ Eliya/North Texas
LB Rashad Smith/FAU
LB Jeff Gemmel/Charlotte
DB Kiy Hester/FIU
DB Jovante Moffatt/Middle Tennessee
DB Chris Jackson/Marshall
DB Broderick Thomas/UAB
SECOND TEAM SPECIALISTS
 K  Jared Sackett/UTSA   
 P   Jack Fox/Rice
KR Keion Davis/Marshall
PR Darrell Brown/Old Dominion

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Devin Singletary/FAU
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jaylon Ferguson/Louisiana Tech
COACH OF THE YEAR: Bill Clark/UAB
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: QB Alex Thomson/Marshall

College Football 2018 Conference Previews -- AAC

AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

OVERVIEW

UCF's Josh Heupel

The overriding storyline for the American Athletic Conference is just how long the wins can keep coming for UCF. The Knights went undefeated last season and staked their own claim to a national championship, and enter this season with the nation's longest current win streak. Quarterback McKenzie Milton is back to pilot the offense, but it won't be business as usual due to some pretty substantial losses.

UCF lost top receiver Tre'Quan Smith and tight end Jordan Akins, as well as top defenders Shaquem Griffin and Mike Hughes. As good as they were, the defense was barely mediocre in 2017, and it's hard to believe it will get better when your best players are gone. Pat Jasinski should be the defensive leader from his linebacker spot, and Milton's job will be made a bit easier by the presence of lightning-quick running back Adrian Killins Jr. The schedule includes a trips to Memphis and USF, plus a home date with Lane Kiffin's FAU Owls that should be marquee viewing. USF lost a generational player in quarterback Quinton Flowers, but could shift into more of a passing team with ex-Alabama/Arizona State quarterback Blake Barnett at the helm. Tall and blessed with a big arm, Barnett has a veteran receiving corps and one of the best tight ends in the league in Mitchell Wilcox. The Bulls defense was stout a year ago and returns five starters. Defense was a bit of an issue for Temple, which allowed nearly 26 points per game, its highest total since 2013. A solid linebacker corps and a standout safety in Delvon Randall should mean improvement for an aggressive group that was 13th nationally in tackles for loss. The offense is led by quarterback Frank Nutile, who has a solid group of weapons at his disposal, led by receiver Isaiah Wright.

Memphis lost the lethal pitch and catch duo of Riley Ferguson to Anthony Miller, but returns a great running game with Darrell Henderson and Patrick Taylor splitting carries and doing damage. Brady White comes in from Arizona State to play quarterback, and receiver/return man extraordinaire Tony Pollard is back to terrorize foes. The defense needs to get better, and may thanks to eight returning starters. A disappointing seven-win season was not what Houston expected last year, but the offense went south early and never recovered. With the job now his, D'Eriq King should be able to operate the offense smoothly. He has untested weapons around him, though Utah grad transfer Raelon Singleton is a good one. Defense is where the Cougars could be one of the best in the league, as manchild Ed Oliver is back for his junior -- and final -- season in H-Town. The secondary is experienced and gains the services of Ole Miss transfer Deontay Anderson, a former prep All-American. A week two showdown at home against Arizona should be very interesting. Navy won fewer than eight games for the first time since 2011, and a lot of that was due to injury. Quarterback was hit especially hard as three different starters took the field for the Middies. Malcolm Perry is the clear starter and averaged nearly nine yards per tote last year. Last year's starter Zach Abey moves to receiver. The defense improved a lot from 2016, and nose guard Jackson Pittman is one of the better interior players in the conference. If one team is going to make a move this year it could be Tulane, which has made steady progress under coach Willie Fritz. The Green Wave have gone from winning three games the season before his arrival to five last year, and two of the Wave's seven losses were decided by two (Navy) and one (Cincinnati) point. Quarterback Jonathan Banks is one of the better dual threats in the nation, but needs to get more accurate with his passing. Running back Corey Dauphine and wideout Terren Encalade could be ready to breakout, and the line returns four starters. The defense must get better, and true freshman Jeffery Johnson (once an Alabama commit) could help bring down a 5.4 yards against rushing average. Tulane last went to a bowl game in 2013, and hasn't won one since 2002.

RISING: Tulane
FALLING: SMU
BOWL TEAMS (7): UCF, USF, Temple, Memphis, Houston, Navy, Tulane

AAC PROJECTED STANDINGS
EAST
1 UCF (10-3, 7-1)
2 USF (8-4, 5-3)

3 Temple (7-5, 5-3)

4 Cincinnati (5-7, 4-4)

5 UConn (4-8, 2-6)

6 East Carolina (3-9, 1-7) 
WEST
1 Memphis (9-4, 6-2)

2 Houston (8-4, 5-3)

3 Navy (9-4, 4-4)

4 Tulane (6-6, 4-4)

5 SMU (5-7, 3-5)

6 Tulsa (4-8, 2-6) 
AAC CHAMPIONSHIP
UCF over Memphis

ALL-AAC TEAM

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE

QB McKenzie Milton/UCF

RB Darrell Henderson/Memphis

RB Adrian Killins/UCF

WR Trevon Brown/East Carolina

WR Dredrick Snelson/UCF

WR James Proche/SMU

TE Joey Magnifico/Memphis

OL Marcus Norman/USF

OL Wyatt Miller/UCF

OL Tyler Bowling/Tulsa

OL Chandler Miller/Tulsa

OL Jordan Johnson/UCF

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE

DL Ed Oliver/Houston

DL Cortez Broughton/Cincinnati

DL Greg Reaves/USF

DL Trysten Hill/UCF

LB Pat Jasinski/UCF

LB Shaun Bradley/Temple

LB Cooper Edmiston/Tulsa

LB Curtis Akins/Memphis

DB TJ Carter/Memphis

DB McKinley Whitfield/Tulsa

DB Delvon Randall/Temple

DB Kyle Gibson/UCF

FIRST TEAM SPECIALISTS

 K  Matthew Wright/UCF

 P   James Smith/Cincinnati

KR Tony Pollard/Memphis

PR Isaiah Wright/Temple

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE

QB Jonathan Banks/Tulane

RB Xavier Jones/SMU

RB Ryquell Armstead/Temple

WR Justin Hobbs/Tulsa

WR Tyre McCants/USF

WR Terren Encalade/Tulane

TE Mitchell Wilcox/USF

OL Trevon Tate/Memphis

OL Jon Spellacy/East Carolina

OL Andrew Wood/Navy

OL Drew Kyser/Memphis

OL Matt Hennessy/Temple

SECOND TEAM DEFENSE

DL O'Bryan Goodson/Memphis

DL Marquise Copeland/Cincinnati

DL Jeffery Johnson/Tulane

DL Jackson Pittman/Navy

LB Khalid McGee/USF

LB Emeke Egbule/Houston

LB Nico Sawtelle/USF

LB Aaron Ramseur/East Carolina

DB Ronnie Hoggins/USF

DB Mikial Onu/SMU

DB Sean Williams/Navy

DB Donnie Lewis/Tulane

SECOND TEAM SPECIALISTS

  K Caden Novikoff/Houston

  P  Thomas Bennett/Tulsa

KR Jordan Swann/UConn

PR John Williams/Memphis

 

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: McKenzie Milton/UCF

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Ed Oliver/Houston

COACH OF THE YEAR: Ken Niumatalolo/Navy

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: DL Jeffery Johnson/Tulane

College Football 2018 Conference Previews -- SEC

SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE

OVERVIEW

Alabama's Nick Saban (Gridiron Now)

Nearly half of the SEC teams enter 2018 with new football coaches, but the discussion is still about the one at the top, and the one chasing him.

King Nick Saban and Alabama won yet another national championship, though not without some frantic late heroics, over the man who wants to be king, Georgia's Kirby Smart. Those two are recruiting lights out, and look like they could be at the top of their respective divisions for the foreseeable future. Other programs paid handsomely and are taking a shot at upsetting the apple cart, but it remains to be seen whether the two benchmark programs can be stopped.

Saban's Crimson Tide lost a bunch of talent to the NFL, as usual, yet has the replacments on hand to barely miss a beat -- as usual. There is some mystery at quarterback as neither veteran Jalen Hurts nor title game savior Tua Tagovailoa won the job in the spring. Saban wasn't tipping his hand over the summer, though fans seem to be solidly behind Tua. The usual Bama strengths will be on display -- a mammoth offensive line, a powerful multi-pronged run game (led by Damien Harris) and a defense that has all-world talent seemingly everywhere. Even the rebuild secondary isn't causing a ton of worry in Tuscaloosa. One of the new coaches is Mississippi State boss Joe Moorhead, who comes to Starkville after serving as Penn State's offensive coordinator. His innovative, quick tempo offense seems tailor-made for Bulldogs quarterback Nick Fitzgerald, who should be fully recovered from an ankle injury by the start of the season. MSU has a ton of defensive talent and could surprise nationally. Auburn has been up and down under Gus Malzahn, winning 10 games after three seasons of single-digit victories. Jarrett Stidham is back to light up SEC defenses, and the Tigers defensive line will make yards and points hard to come by. Texas A&M went out and got its man in ex-Florida State boss Jimbo Fisher, but he may have a tough first year as there are offensive questions, notably at quarterback and receiver. Sophomore wideout Jhamon Ausbon could be a big-time weapon. LSU has the same old coach in Ed Orgeron but got an upgrade at quarterback when Joe Burrow came in as a graduate transfer from Ohio State. The offense is young, but the defense has talent and should be able to reach its potential with linebacker Devin White and cornerback Greedy Williams showing the way.

Smart has Georgia poised for a repeat in the East, and even after losing backs Nick Chubb and Sony Michel and all-world linebacker Roquan Smith, there isn't much of a dropoff. Jake Fromm returns at quarterback, and will hand off early and often to D'Andre Swift and a boatland of talented backups. The defense might take a small step back as it rebuilds the linebacker corps, but Tyler Clark is an anchor up front. Florida has a new-yet-old coach in Dan Mullen, who comes over from Mississippi State. His first order of business will be to find a quarterback -- the spring solved nothing, though many felt unheralded Kyle Trask had a lead over incumbent Feleipe Franks and hotshot freshman Emory Jones. There is a lot of talent at the skill positions and a veteran offensive line. The defense returns nearly everyone and is especially good up front and in the secondary. South Carolina hopes that the return of stellar wideout Deebo Samuel gives a jolt to an offense that averaged just 24 points per game a year ago. The running game is unproven but has potential, and the defense has experience and playmaking ability, forcing 36 turnovers. Missouri surprised a year after winning just four games, and returns Drew Lock, one of the best passers in the country. He has a veteran receiving corps but may feel growing pains as new coordinator Derek Dooley takes over. Dooley will incorporate snaps from under center so there could be a learning curve. The defense could be surprisingly good, with linebackers Terez Hall and Cale Garrett.

RISING: Mississippi State
FALLING: Ole Miss
BOWL TEAMS (8): Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Missouri, Alabama, Mississippi State, Auburn, Texas A&M, LSU

SEC PROJECTED STANDINGS
EAST

1 Georgia (12-1, 8-0)

2 Florida (8-4, 5-3)

3 South Carolina (8-4, 5-3)

4 Missouri (7-5, 3-5)

5 Kentucky (5-7, 2-6)

6 Tennessee (5-7, 2-6)

7 Vanderbilt (4-8, 1-7) 
WEST

1 Alabama (13-0, 8-0)
2 Mississippi State (10-2, 6-2)
3 Auburn (9-3, 6-2)
4 Texas A&M (7-5, 4-4)
5 LSU (6-6, 3-5)
6 Ole Miss (5-7, 1-7)
7 Arkansas (5-7, 1-7) 
SEC CHAMPIONSHIP

Alabama over Georgia

ALL-SEC TEAM

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
QB Jarrett Stidham/Auburn
RB Damien Harris/Alabama

RB D'Andre Swift/Georgia

WR AJ Brown/Ole Miss

WR Deebo Samuel/South Carolina

WR DK Metcalf/Ole Miss

TE  Albert Okwuegbunam/Missouri

OT Jonah Williams/Alabama

OT Greg Little/Ole Miss

OG Hjalte Froholdt/Arkansas

OG Ben Cleveland/Georgia

 C   Ross Pierschbacher/Alabama 
FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DE Raekwon Davis/Alabama

DE Montez Sweat/Mississippi State

DT Jeffery Simmons/Mississippi State

DT Terry Beckner/Missouri

LB Devin White/LSU

LB Mack Wilson/Alabama

LB David Reese/Florida

LB Tyrel Dodson/Texas A&M

CB Greedy Williams/LSU

CB DeAndre Baker/Georgia

 S  Mark McLaurin/Mississippi State

 S  Mike Edwards/Kentucky
 FIRST TEAM SPECIALISTS
 K Rodrigo Blankenship/Georgia
 P Corey Fatony/Missouri
KR Deebo Samuel/South Carolina
PR Mecole Hardman/Georgia

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
QB Drew Lock/Missouri

RB Benny Snell/Kentucky

RB Aeris Williams/Mississippi State

WR Bryan Edwards/South Carolina

WR Emmanuel Hall/Missouri

WR Ryan Davis/Auburn

TE  CJ Conrad/Kentucky

OT Andrew Thomas/Georgia

OT Martez Ivey/Florida

OG Zack Bailey/South Carolina

OG Bunchy Stallings/Kentucky

 C   Lamont Gaillard/Georgia 
SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
DE Josh Allen/Kentucky

DE Isaiah Buggs/Alabama

DT Tyler Clark/Georgia

DT Derrick Brown/Auburn

LB De'Jon Harris/Arkansas

LB D'Andre Walker/Georgia

LB Deshaun Davis/Auburn

LB Terez Hall/Missouri

CB Chauncey Gardner-Johnson/Florida

CB CJ Henderson/Florida

 S  Grant Delpit/LSU

 S  JR Reed/Georgia 
SECOND TEAM SPECIALISTS
 K Daniel LaCamera/Texas A&M
 P  Tommy Townsend/Florida
KR De'Vion Warren/Arkansas
PR Richaud Floyd/Missouri

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jarrett Stidham/Auburn
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Devin White/LSU
COACH OF THE YEAR: Joe Moorhead/Mississippi State
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: CB Saivion Smith/Alabama

College Football 2018 Conference Previews -- Pac-12

PAC-12

OVERVIEW

Washington's Chris Petersen (Saturday Down South)

The Pac-12 is a Power 5 conference by name, but based on last season there are many who wonder whether it should be. The conference failed to place a team in the College Football Playoff, and while it seemed to have strength by getting nine teams to bowl games, it went 1-8 in said games. That certainly isn't the way a conference that claims to be elite performs, especially when the lights are brightest.

But that's why each season is a reboot, a chance to regain lost respect. And while the Pac-12 may not necessarily be better overall, it does have a legitimate shot at reaching the sport's Final Four in 2018 -- thanks to Washington. Chris Petersen's Huskies are loaded with experience and talent, boasting as many as 10 potential all-league selections. Many teams would love to have a quarterback as productive as Jake Browning, but fans in Seattle are oddly ambivalent about the senior. He likely won't be throwing as much this season as he has workhorse runner Myles Gaskin back to tote the mail, and future star Salvon Ahmed in relief. The line has experience, and the defense is led by the nation's top secondary, notably cornerback Byron Murphy and safety Taylor Rapp. An opening game with Auburn will set the course for the Huskies season. The biggest challenge in the North will be Stanford, which hopes to have Heisman favorite Bryce Love healthy all-season. He played with a nagging ankle injury yet still gained over 2,000 yards, and should once again be the focal point of the offense. The defense was not good last year but should be better with experience. Oregon played hard for interim coach Mario Cristobal in last year's Las Vegas Bowl, so much so that the school made him full-time coach after Willie Taggart bolted for Florida State. Cristobal has a premier talent in quarterback Jake Herbert, and a defense rife with talent and overseen by coordinator Jim Leavitt, who may be as important a piece of the puzzle as Cristobal. Justin Wilcox made California more competitive last season and could take the next step, to a bowl game. The offense is very good, led by quarterback Ross Bowers and underrated runner Patrick Laird, and will need to win games as the defense is in rebuild mode.

USC lost a host of front-line stars -- most notably quarterback Sam Darnold, running back Ronald Jones II and receiver Deontay Burnett -- but still has as much star power as anyone. Stephen Carr should be an able replacement for Jones in the backfield, and new signal-caller JT Daniels' job will be made easier behind an experienced offensive line. The defense is feast or famine, just as often giving up big plays as blowing up plays. Linebacker Cameron Smith is a standout. Utah is one of those programs that never gets headlines but simply wins. Last year's seven wins was the fewest for the Utes since 2013, and it should be better with one of the most experienced teams in the conference. Zack Moss is an underappreciated talent at running back, while the defense is paced by pass-rush terror Bradlee Anae and corner Julian Blackmon. It will be interesting to see how Arizona does under first-year coach Kevin Sumlin. His teams typically do well out of the box before growing stagnant, but as long as Khalil Tate is around to run the offense there shouldn't be too many worries. The defense has upgraded in talent, with sophomores Kylan Wilborn and Colin Schooler proving to be revelations last year. Getting Oregon and USC at home will help the Wildcats quest for a South Division crown. UCLA also has a new coach, albeit one with a slightly higher profile, in Chip Kelly. After four years away from the college game, Kelly is back, seemingly reinvigorated. He has a very young team, which allows him start with a blank slate. His trademark tempo and read option could take a while to master, which means the Bruins might run the ball a bit more. The defense was abysmal last season but should be better with a healthy Jaelan Phillips, who moves from end to linebacker. Darnay Holmes and Nate Meadors are a solid corner combo.

RISING: California
FALLING: Washington State
BOWL TEAMS (8): Washington, Stanford, Oregon, California, USC, Utah, Arizona, UCLA

PAC-12 PROJECTED STANDINGS
NORTH
1 Washington (13-0, 9-0)
2 Stanford (9-3, 6-3)
3 Oregon (9-3, 6-3)
4 California (7-5, 4-5)
5 Washington State (4-8, 2-7)
6 Oregon State (1-11, 0-9)

SOUTH

1 USC (9-4, 7-2)

2 Utah (9-3, 6-3)

3 Arizona (8-4, 5-4)

4 UCLA (6-6, 4-5)

5 Colorado (5-7, 3-6)

6 Arizona State (3-9, 2-7)

PAC-12 CHAMPIONSHIP

Washington over USC

  
ALL-PAC 12 TEAM
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
QB Jake Browning/Washington
RB Bryce Love/Stanford
RB Miles Gaskin/Washington
WR N'Keal Harry/Arizona State
WR Tyler Vaughns/USC
WR JJ Arceaga-Whiteside/Stanford
TE  Caleb Wilson/UCLA
OT Trey Adams/Washington
OT Walker Little/Stanford
OG Nate Herbig/Stanford
OG Calvin Throckmorton/Oregon
 C   Toa Lobendahn/USC
FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DE Kylan Wilborn/Arizona
DE Jalen Jelks/Oregon
DT Greg Gaines/Washington
DT Christian Rector/USC
LB Troy Dye/Oregon
LB Cameron Smith/USC
LB Bobby Okereke/Stanford
LB Colin Schooler/Arizona
CB Byron Murphy/Washington
CB Iman Marshall/USC
 S   Taylor Rapp/Washington
 S   Evan Worthington/Colorado
FIRST TEAM SPECIALISTS
 K  Matt Gay/Utah
 P   Mitch Wishnowsky/Utah
KR Darnay Holmes/UCLA
PR  Dillon Mitchell/Oregon

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
QB Khalil Tate/Arizona
RB Stephen Carr/USC
RB Zack Moss/Utah
WR Dillon Mitchell/Oregon
WR Shun Brown/Arizona
WR Laviska Shenault/Colorado
TE  Hunter Bryant/Washington
OT Kaleb McGary/Washington
OT Austin Jackson/USC
OG Luke Wattenberg/Washington
OG Tim Lynott/Colorado
 C   Jake Hanson/Oregon
SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
DE Bradlee Anae/Utah
DE Nnamdi Oguayo/Washington State
DT Renell Wren/Arizona State
DT Javier Edwards/Colorado
LB Jahad Woods/Washington State
LB Jaelen Phillips/UCLA
LB Ben Burr-Kirven/Washington
LB Rick Gamboa/Colorado
CB Alijah Holder/Stanford
CB Lorenzo Burns/Arizona
 S   Jalen Thompson/Washington State
 S   Marvell Tell/USC
SECOND TEAM SPECIALISTS
 K  Jet Toner/Stanford
 P  Alex Kinney/Colorado
KR Cameron Scarlett/Stanford
PR Vic Wharton/California

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Bryce Love/Stanford
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Troy Dye/Oregon
COACH OF THE YEAR: Chris Petersen/Washington
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: QB JT Daniels/USC

College Football 2018 Conference Previews -- Big 12

BIG 12

OVERVIEW

West Virginia's Dana Holgorsen (Ray Carlin USAToday)

The storyline this year in the Big 12 is quarterback -- who is and isn't around.
The top selection is West Virginia, because quarterback Will Grier returns. Grier has run Dana Holgorsen's offense almost perfectly in his time in Morgantown, and wants to exit stage left with a Big 12 championship ring. A deep receiving corps is led by David Sills V, whose 18 touchdowns were the best in the country in 2017. Gary Stills led the team in catches and TJ Simmons and Marcus Simms add to the riches. An upgraded defense could give him just that, though truth be told defense in the Big 12 only has to be adequate, not great. Oklahoma made last year's College Football Playoff thanks in large part to Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield. A savvy, deadly accurate passer, Mayfield played with a huge chip on his shoulder, becoming maybe the best walk-on quarterback to ever play college football -- if not the most decorated. While many in Boomer Sooner land think that the wheels will hum with the same precision in 2018, that will be nearly impossible. You see, Kyler Murray isn't Mayfield -- he's a better runner and better athlete, but not a better passer. So it's reasonable to wonder how he will react when the Sooners are faced with adversity on third-and-a-million. Mayfield would improvise and, more often than not, get the job done. With Murray we just don't know. The defense has talent and speed, but also some holes, most notably against the pass.

 Texas has its own quarterback quandary -- sort of. Sam Ehlinger returns as the favorite, but Shane Buechele has had his moments. The Longhorns boast one of the better receiving corps in the conference and have an experienced offensive line, and the defense is snarling and should vie for top honors in the Big 12. Whether or not that's enough to finish in the top two remains to be seen. Gary Patterson led his TCU team to 11 wins last year but now has to rebuild in crucial places, most notably along the offensive line. New quarterback Shawn Robinson is a better passer than Kenny Hill and has the mobility to keep teams honest. He has excellent weapons in Jalen Reagor and KaVontae Turpin, and the defense will be its usual sturdy self.

Matt Campbell did a yeoman's job in his second season in Ames, leading the Cyclones to their first eight-win campaign since 2000. What he does for an encore depends on how the defensive leadership steps up. Gone is heart and soul linebacker Joel Lanning, and his place is -- who? Maybe linebacker Willie Harvey or talented cornerback Brian Peavy. The offense has the benefit of sixth-year quarterback Kyle Kempt, and physical running back David Montgomery. The schedule is tough, however. If Mike Gundy can get this year's Oklahoma State team to contend, they should just retire the coach of the year award. There is a ton to replace, including quarterback Mason Rudolph and receivers Marcell Ateman and James Washington. Hawaii transfer Dru Brown is the likely pick to run the offense. Kansas State is yet another team with an unsettled quarterback battle, featuring Alex Delton and Skylar Thompson -- Delton is the better runner, Thompson the better passer. So it will depend on what sort of identity Bill Snyder wants his offense to have. The good news is that the Wildcats have one of the most experienced offensive lines in the league, led by All-America candidate Dalton Risner at left tackle. The defense is almost completely new, so this could be one of those rare years where offense carries the day in Manhattan.

RISING: Baylor
FALLING: Oklahoma State
BOWL TEAMS (7): West Virginia, Oklahoma, Texas, TCU, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, Kansas State

BIG 12 PROJECTED STANDINGS
1 West Virginia (11-2, 7-2)
2 Oklahoma (10-3, 7-2)
3 Texas (9-3, 6-3)
4 TCU (8-4, 6-3)
5 Iowa State (7-5, 5-4)
6 Oklahoma State (7-5, 5-4)
7 Kansas State (6-6, 4-5)
8 Texas Tech (6-6, 3-6)
9 Baylor (5-7, 2-7)
10 Kansas (2-10, 0-9)
BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP 
West Virginia over Oklahoma

ALL-BIG 12 TEAM
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
QB Will Grier/West Virginia
RB Rodney Anderson/Oklahoma
RB David Montgomery/Iowa State
WR David Sills V/West Virginia
WR Marquise Brown/Oklahoma
WR Jalen Reagor/TCU
TE Chase Allen/Iowa State
OT Dalton Risner/Kansas State
OT Yodny Cajuste/West Virginia
OG Ben Powers/Oklahoma
OG Marcus Keyes/Oklahoma State
 C   Zach Shackleford/Texas
FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DE Ben Banogu/TCU
DE Jordan Brailford/Oklahoma State
DT Daniel Wise/Kansas
DT Ira Lewis/Baylor
LB David Long/West Virginia
LB Dakota Allen/Texas Tech
LB Joe Dineen/Kansas
LB Gary Johnson/Texas
CB Brian Peavy/Iowa State
CB Kris Boyd/Texas
 S   Dravon Henry-Askew/West Virginia
 S   Jah'Shawn Johnson/Texas Tech
FIRST TEAM SPECIALISTS
 K  Austin Seibert/Oklahoma
 P   Billy Kinney/West Virginia
KR KaVontae Turpin/TCU
PR  CeeDee Lamb/Oklahoma

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
QB Kyler Murray/Oklahoma
RB Justice Hill/Oklahoma State
RB Darius Anderson/TCU
WR CeeDee Lamb/Oklahoma
WR Gary Jennings/West Virginia
WR Collin Johnson/Texas
TE Grant Calcaterra/Oklahoma
OT Bobby Evans/Oklahoma
OT Anthony McKinney/TCU
OG Dru Samia/Oklahoma
OG Patrick Vahe/Texas
 C   Sam Tecklenburg/Baylor
SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
DE Breckyn Hager/Texas
DE Reggie Walker/Kansas State
DT Ross Blacklock/TCU
DT Marquise Overton/Oklahoma
LB Ty Summers/TCU
LB Kenneth Murray/Oklahoma
LB Marcel Spears/Iowa State
LB Caleb Kelly/Oklahoma
CB Duke Shelley/Kansas State
CB Grayland Arnold/Baylor
 S   Niko Small/TCU
 S   Denzel Goolsby/Kansas State
SECOND TEAM SPECIALISTS
 K  Gabriel Rui/Kansas
 P   Zach Sinor/Oklahoma State
KR Marcus Simms/West Virginia
PR  Steven Sims/Kansas

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Will Grier/West Virginia
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Ben Banogu/TCU
COACH OF THE YEAR: Dana Holgorsen/West Virginia
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: DB Brendan Radley-Hiles/Oklahoma

College Football 2018 -- FCS Report

Easton Stick (The Spokesman-Review)

Another year, another title -- or an expected title, anyway.

That's how the Bison of North Dakota State approach every football season. NDSU has won six of the last seven crowns, including last year, and once again appears to be the cream of the crop for FCS football. With quarterback Easton Stick guiding the offense and defensive end Greg Menard leading the way for a ferocious defense, the Bison look to be in good shape for a repeat.

But it won't be easy.

Eastern Washington wants to show that it is not to be forgotten after a rare season out of the playoff mix. Quarterback Gage Gubrud is one of the best in the country, and the Eagles welcome back their five leading tacklers from a season ago.

James Madison has been the biggest thorn in North Dakota State's side, winning it all in 2016 and making the championship game last year. A bevy of offensive weapons awaits whomever wins the quarterback job, and the defense is in fine shape with corners Rashad Robinson and Jimmy Moreland.

Samford is a relative newcomer to the upper reaches of the rankings, but should not be overlooked. With 11 starters back on offense -- including All-America quarterback Devlin Hodges -- the Bulldogs could be nearly impossible to stop. The defense should be improved with lineman Ahmad Gooden leading the way.

After a surprising run to the national quarterfinals, experienced Kennesaw State wants more. The Owls have the nation's top rushing attack, fueled by quarterback Chandler Burks and running backs Jake McKenzie, Darnell Holland and Shaquil Terry. The D is in the hands of linebacker Bryson Armstrong, who won last year's FCS National Freshman of the Year award.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL FOCUS 2018 FCS TOP 25

1 North Dakota State

2 Eastern Washington

3 James Madison

4 Samford

5 Kennesaw State

6 Sam Houston State

7 Jacksonville State

8 South Dakota State

9 New Hampshire

10 North Carolina A&T

11 Delaware

12 Illinois State

13 Youngstown State

14 Weber State

15 Wofford

16 Nicholls

17 Idaho

18 Northern Iowa

19 Furman

20 Yale

21 Elon

22 Austin Peay

23 Montana

24 Northern Arizona

25 UC Davis

  

COLLEGE FOOTBALL FOCUS 2018 FCS ALL-AMERICA TEAM

OFFENSE

QB Devlin Hodges/Samford

RB Dom Bragalone/Lehigh

RB Marquell Cartwright/North Carolina A&T

WR Keelan Doss/UC Davis

WR Davion Davis/Sam Houston State

WR Neil O’Connor/New Hampshire

TE  Lawayne Ross/McNeese

OL Daniel Cooney/San Diego

OL Larry Allen III/Harvard

OL Mitchell Watanabe/Sam Houston State

OL Tanner Volson/North Dakota State

OL Iosua Opeta/Weber State

DEFENSE

DL Greg Menard/North Dakota State

DL Ahmad Gooden/Samford

DL Randy Robinson/Jacksonville State

DL Miles Brown/Wofford

LB De’Arius Christman/Grambling State

LB Christian Rozeboom/South Dakota State

LB Troy Reeder/Delaware

LB Warren Messer/Elon

DB Rashad Robinson/James Madison

DB Marlon Bridges/Jacksonville State

DB Robbie Grimsley/North Dakota State

DB Mac McCain/North Carolina A&T

SPECIALISTS

 K Chase Vinatieri/South Dakota State

 P Alex Pechin/Bucknell

KR Juwan Petit-Frere/SE Louisiana

PR Justice Shelton-Mosley/Harvard

College Football 2018 Conference Previews -- Big Ten

BIG TEN

OVERVIEW

Ohio State's Urban Meyer (Larry Brown Sports)

 
 Fans of the Big Ten will be as thrilled and as mystified in 2018 as they would be by a great detective novel. There is a ton of intrigue and a mountain of uncertainty before settling for a somewhat expected ending.
  Ohio State won't cede its throne easily, though there is a bit of concern about a rebuilt secondary and a new man under center. Dwayne Haskins has the keys to the Buckeyes ride now, and the coaches are optimistic that he will give the passing game a dynamic addition. But look for OSU to ride its talented 1-2 tailback punch of JK Dobbins and Mike Weber to success. The defensive line is one of the best anywhere, and the schedule is mostly manageable. Penn State coach James Franklin has been a tireless recruiter in his time in State College, and that could finally pay off as he has his most talented team -- but a demanding schedule. With Trace McSorley, the league's best quarterback, showing the way, and an aggressive, athletic defense -- not to mention getting OSU, Michigan State and Wisconsin at home -- Penn State could be an outside threat for the College Football Playoff. Michigan needs to make hay now, and fortunately for Jim Harbaugh it's his most talented team. There may finally be a quarterback that can put pressure on a defense in Ole Miss transfer Shea Patterson. The defense will once again be lethal, with elite players at each level. Michigan State needs to become a bit more offensive minded it really want to challenge for East Division supremacy. Quarterback Brian Lewerke is an excellent field general but isn't asked to win games. That may change this year if the defense doesn't live up to expectations.
 It's still Wisconsin and all of the others in the West, but the gap is closing thanks to the infusion of new coaching blood at Nebraska (Scott Frost) and second-year bosses at Purdue (Jeff Brohm) and Minnesota (PJ Fleck). The Badgers feature, as usual, a mammoth offensive line and ground game led by Heisman candidate Jonathan Taylor. Wisconsin will grind foes into the ground and may be more deliberate this season as a typically stout defense returns just four starters. One of the old guard coaches -- Pat Fitzgerald -- has Northwestern primed as Wisconsin's biggest divisional threat. If quarterback Clayton Thorson is healthy after an ACL injury suffered in last year's bowl game, the Wildcats should be fast out of the gate. They open on the road with Purdue, so will need to be focused from the get-go. Iowa has its typical blue-collar team, though the combo of quarterback Nathan Stanley to tight end Noah Fant will be heard more than a few times this fall. The defense may drop just a notch as only six starters return. Purdue could be a better team this year but it might not be reflected in the record as it tackles Ohio State, Michigan State and Wisconsin, as well as a non-league test with Missouri. The offense returns nine but the defense has only four returnees, though linebacker Markus Bailey is an all-league talent. Frost's homecoming to Lincoln could be bumpy, but expect Nebraska to win a game it shouldn't -- and lose one it shouldn't. A quarterback back that will extend into fall camp isn't the best thing, but the defense should be good with eight starters back and new, more aggressive coordinator in Erik Chinander, Frost's DC at UCF.

RISING: Nebraska
FALLING: Minnesota
BOWL TEAMS (9): Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Northwestern, Iowa, Purdue, Nebraska

BIG TEN PROJECTED STANDINGS 
EAST
1 Ohio State (12-1, 8-1)
2 Penn State (10-2, 7-2)
3 Michigan (10-2, 7-2)
4 Michigan State (9-3, 6-3)

5 Maryland (6-6, 4-5)
6 Indiana (5-7, 3-6)
7 Rutgers (4-8, 1-8) 
WEST 
1 Wisconsin (10-3, 7-2)
2 Northwestern (8-4, 5-4)
3 Iowa (7-5, 4-5)
4 Purdue (6-6, 4-5)
5 Nebraska (6-6, 3-6)
6 Minnesota (5-7, 2-7)
7 Illinois (4-8, 2-7)

BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Ohio State over Wisconsin

ALL-BIG TEN TEAM
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
QB Trace McSorley/Penn State
RB Jonathan Taylor/Wisconsin
RB JK Dobbins/Ohio State
WR Stanley Morgan Jr/Nebraska
WR Felton Davis/Michigan State
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones/Michigan
TE Noah Fant/Iowa
OT David Edwards/Wisconsin
OT Michael Dieter/Wisconsin
OG Beau Benzschawel/Wisconsin
OG Michael Jordan/Ohio State
 C  Tyler Biadasz/Wisconsin
FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DE Nick Bosa/Ohio State
DE Rashan Gary/Michigan
DT Dre'Mont Jones/Ohio State
DT Aubrey Solomon/Michigan
LB TJ Edwards/Wisconsin
LB Devin Bush/Michigan
LB Paddy Fisher/Northwestern
LB Joe Bachie/Michigan State
CB Lavert Hill/Michigan
CB Justin Layne/Michigan State
 S  Jordan Fuller/Ohio State
 S  David Dowell/Michigan State
FIRST TEAM SPECIALISTS
 K  Rafael Gaglianone/Wisconsin
 P   Drue Chrisman/Ohio State
KR Parris Campbell/Ohio State
PR J-Shun Harris/Indiana

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
QB Brian Lewerke/Michigan State
RB Karan Higdon/Michigan
RB Miles Sanders/Penn State
WR JD Spielman/Nebraska
WR Binjimen Victor/Ohio State
WR Juwan Johnson/Penn State
TE Cole Herdman/Purdue
OT Ryan Bates/Penn State
OT Alaric Jackson/Iowa
OG David Beedle/Michigan State
OG Ben Bredeson/Michigan
 C  Kirk Barron/Purdue
SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
DE Chase Winovich/Michigan
DE Chase Young/Ohio State
DT Mick Stoltenberg/Nebraska
DT Jacob Robinson/Indiana
LB Khaleke Hudson/Michigan
LB Markus Bailey/Purdue
LB Thomas Barber/Minnesota
LB Koa Farmer/Penn State
CB David Long/Michigan
CB John Reid/Penn State
 S  Darnell Savage/Maryland
 S  Jacob Thieneman/Purdue
SECOND TEAM SPECIALISTS
 K  Quinn Nordin/Michigan
 P   Blake Gillikin/Penn State
KR Rodney Smith/Minnesota
PR DeAndre Thompkins/Penn State

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Trace McSorley/Penn State
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Nick Bosa/Ohio State
COACH OF THE YEAR: Pat Fitzgerald/Northwestern
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: LB Micah Parsons/Penn State