By the 360 Sports staff
College Football is back for the first time since January and it's going to be a season filled with excitement, upsets and the tradition of college football. What's in store this year? Read our preview to find out!
Spectacular Sophomores to keep your eye on
After his performance quarterbacking the Crimson Tide in the NCAA title win over Georgia, Tua Tagovailoa has gotten more offseason publicity than any other player despite the fact that he's only going into his sophomore year, which makes you wonder what other sophomores will be making waves this season?
1. J.K Dobbins, RB Ohio State- In his freshman season, Dobbins led the Buckeyes in rushing with 1,043 Yards and 7 TDs. He comes into 2018 as both a heisman candidate and key piece to an offense that lost star QB J.T Barrett.
2. Byron Murphy, CB Washington- Murphy is an important part of a defense that is compared to the Seattle Seahawks and nicknamed "The Legends of Doom". He totaled 2 interceptions plus a fumble recovery in 2017 and along with All-Pac-12 safety Taylor Rapp, Murphy and the Huskies D will carry the team through some of it's toughest games.
3. Jonathan Taylor, RB Wisconsin- He had a breakout game in the win over Florida Atlantic and never looked back. Also a heisman candidate, Taylor looks for a big season in a conference full of speedy and explosive backs like Karan Higdon (Michigan) and Mike Weber (Ohio State).
Games of the Year
Miami v.s LSU, Sept. 2- A Sunday night matchup in week 1 these two teams are looking for more than just a bowl win this season. The Hurricanes were so close to a CFB playoff appearance last year only to be upset by Pittsburgh. LSU and Ed Orgeron (Below), are determined to have a much better season in what could be Orgeron's final year in Baton Rouge.
Texas v.s Oklahoma Oct. 6- Always a huge rivalry and possibly the biggest game in the Big 12, the best offense and defense in the Big 12 are prepared to battle it out. Featuring an Oklahoma offense which has MLB draft pick Kyler Murray at QB and a Texas defense with experienced seniors Breckyn Hager and Kris Boyd, this is a game you won't want to miss. It should also be a preview of the Big 12 championship game.
Notre Dame v.s Stanford Sept.29- Earlier in this season than in the past, this game will be a test for both sides. Brandon Wimbush (803 rushing yards, 1,870 passing yards in 2017) won the starting QB gig and the Irish return an always experienced offensive line. The Cardinal on the other hand, have possibly the best running back in college football. Bryce Love (2,118 rush yards and 19 TDs in 2017) should lead the offense along with K.J Costello who returns following an injury last season. Not only is this always a good game, in 2018 it will be filled with experienced players like Love and Wimbush.
360 Sports All-American Team
Offense
QB- Trace McSorely, Penn State
RB- Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin
WR- David Sills, West Virginia
WR- Vic Wharton lll, California
AP- J.K Dobbins, Ohio State
TE- Kaden Smith, Stanford
OL- Micheal Deiter, Wisconsin
OL- Trey Adams, Washington
C- Toa Lobendahn, USC
OL-Mitch Hyatt, Clemson
OL- Dalton Risner, Kansas State
Defense
DL- Ed Oliver, Houston
DL- Dexter Lawerence, Clemson
DL-Clelin Ferrell, Clemson
DL- Nick Bosa, Ohio State
LB- Chase Winovich, Michigan
LB- Devin White, LSU
LB- T.J Edwards, Wisconsin
CB- Byron Murphy, Washington
CB- Julian Love, Notre Dame
S- Taylor Rapp, Washington
S- Andrew Wingard, Wyoming
Contributors Picks
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1OpozqFtmJiA6q_BRemodSxhVbMCWNVYxE2rjC0dO_D0/edit#gid=0
We hope you've enjoyed our preview! Make sure to read our "From the Sidelines: College Football" every Friday during the season. College Football is less than week away!
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