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Biggest offseason question for each college football team in the Way-Too-Early Top 25
Posted on 2/18/21 at 7:15 pm
Posted on 2/18/21 at 7:15 pm
2. Alabama Crimson Tide: Who replaces the offensive stars?
A big part of what made Alabama's offense so great a season ago was the unexpected return of Najee Harris, Alex Leatherwood and DeVonta Smith for their senior seasons. And, well, now they're all gone and what remains is a relatively inexperienced group. Three-fifths of the offensive line were seniors who need to be replaced, along with fifth-year senior tight end Miller Forristall. Replacing a fourth-year junior (Mac Jones) at quarterback is a true sophomore, Bryce Young. Throw in a new offensive coordinator (Bill O'Brien), a new offensive line coach (Doug Marrone) and a new running backs coach (Robert Gillespie) and that's a heck of a learning curve to account for. -- Alex Scarborough
4. Georgia Bulldogs: Can they take the final step toward elite status?
For the past decade, it has been Alabama and Clemson. Getting into the playoff has been a good accomplishment for anyone, but it has been pretty clear that doesn't add up to great odds at winning a national title, or in many cases even playing a competitive game. Georgia came close in 2018 against Alabama before Tua Tagovailoa and DeVonta Smith cemented themselves in college football history. In 2021, the Bulldogs open against Clemson before running through their SEC slate. The offense should be in a much better spot with JT Daniels, and defensively, should be able to reload despite a significant amount of talent departing. If they're able to come out with one loss at the end of the season, perhaps Georgia finally breaks through. -- Harry Lyles Jr.
6. Texas A&M Aggies: What is life without Kellen Mond like?
For the first time since 2017, someone not named Kellen Mond will line up at quarterback for the Aggies. Mond's reliability has allowed Jimbo Fisher to stock his QB room with hand-picked recruits in Haynes King, Zach Calzada and Eli Stowers. Calzada and King have both seen extremely limited action, but only King appeared in games in 2020, attempting just four passes. The 6-3, 200-pound sophomore is the likely starter. He'll have an extremely dependable running attack behind him, but the Aggies' wide receivers didn't play much of a featured role last season. In a season where the Aggies are bona fide contenders, King will have to get up to speed quickly. -- Dave Wilson
16. Florida Gators: How does Dan Mullen replace lots of offensive starpower?
Aside from solving well-documented problems on defense, much of the focus will be on the offense, with Kyle Trask and offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson both gone. With Trask behind center in 2020, the offense flourished -- and he ended up as a Heisman Trophy finalist. Now that he is on to the NFL, backup Emory Jones is set to take over at quarterback after three years waiting his turn. He is different than Trask -- most notably he is a dual-threat quarterback -- so the offense is bound to look different. In addition, the Gators will also have to replace tight end Kyle Pitts, and receivers Kadarius Toney and Trevon Grimes -- their top three receivers from a year ago. -- Andrea Adelson
18. Ole Miss Rebels: Can they fix the defense?
Few teams were more fun to watch on offense last season than Ole Miss, which ranked third nationally in total offense (555.5 yards per game) and 14th nationally in scoring offense (39.2 points per game). But the Rebels were as bad on defense as they were good on offense. They gave up more than 40 points in five of their 10 games and ranked 126th out of 127 FBS teams in total defense. Lane Kiffin, entering his second season as coach, has pushed hard to upgrade the talent on defense. He knows as well as anyone that you can't make a living winning 50-something to 40-something in every game. Maryland grad transfer Chance Campbell should help at linebacker, and where Ole Miss really needs to get better is in the defensive line. That's where coveted junior college tackles Isaiah Iton and Jamond Gordon come in, not to mention Tywone Malone, ESPN's No. 5-ranked high school tackle nationally. Having safety Otis Reese for an entire season will also help. His transfer waiver wasn't cleared until late in the year last season. -- Chris Low
20. LSU Tigers: Did Ed Orgeron get the coaching staff right this time?
The question that faces LSU this offseason is the same it faced last offseason: Will Ed Orgeron surround himself with a winning coaching staff? Granted, the dismantling of the 2019 Tigers staff was a result of winning a national championship, whereas the 2020 Tigers barely managed to finish at .500, but the result was the same as a slew of coordinators and assistants left or were shown the door. Orgeron is clearly trying to recreate the magic of 2019 by hiring Joe Brady disciples Jake Peetz and DJ Mangas to lead the offense, while former Dave Aranda assistant Daronte Jones was tabbed to serve as offensive coordinator. On paper, they make much more sense than the decision last offseason to bring in Bo Pelini and Scott Linehan, but only time will tell if Orgeron pulled the right levers this go-around. -- Scarborough
LINK
A big part of what made Alabama's offense so great a season ago was the unexpected return of Najee Harris, Alex Leatherwood and DeVonta Smith for their senior seasons. And, well, now they're all gone and what remains is a relatively inexperienced group. Three-fifths of the offensive line were seniors who need to be replaced, along with fifth-year senior tight end Miller Forristall. Replacing a fourth-year junior (Mac Jones) at quarterback is a true sophomore, Bryce Young. Throw in a new offensive coordinator (Bill O'Brien), a new offensive line coach (Doug Marrone) and a new running backs coach (Robert Gillespie) and that's a heck of a learning curve to account for. -- Alex Scarborough
4. Georgia Bulldogs: Can they take the final step toward elite status?
For the past decade, it has been Alabama and Clemson. Getting into the playoff has been a good accomplishment for anyone, but it has been pretty clear that doesn't add up to great odds at winning a national title, or in many cases even playing a competitive game. Georgia came close in 2018 against Alabama before Tua Tagovailoa and DeVonta Smith cemented themselves in college football history. In 2021, the Bulldogs open against Clemson before running through their SEC slate. The offense should be in a much better spot with JT Daniels, and defensively, should be able to reload despite a significant amount of talent departing. If they're able to come out with one loss at the end of the season, perhaps Georgia finally breaks through. -- Harry Lyles Jr.
6. Texas A&M Aggies: What is life without Kellen Mond like?
For the first time since 2017, someone not named Kellen Mond will line up at quarterback for the Aggies. Mond's reliability has allowed Jimbo Fisher to stock his QB room with hand-picked recruits in Haynes King, Zach Calzada and Eli Stowers. Calzada and King have both seen extremely limited action, but only King appeared in games in 2020, attempting just four passes. The 6-3, 200-pound sophomore is the likely starter. He'll have an extremely dependable running attack behind him, but the Aggies' wide receivers didn't play much of a featured role last season. In a season where the Aggies are bona fide contenders, King will have to get up to speed quickly. -- Dave Wilson
16. Florida Gators: How does Dan Mullen replace lots of offensive starpower?
Aside from solving well-documented problems on defense, much of the focus will be on the offense, with Kyle Trask and offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson both gone. With Trask behind center in 2020, the offense flourished -- and he ended up as a Heisman Trophy finalist. Now that he is on to the NFL, backup Emory Jones is set to take over at quarterback after three years waiting his turn. He is different than Trask -- most notably he is a dual-threat quarterback -- so the offense is bound to look different. In addition, the Gators will also have to replace tight end Kyle Pitts, and receivers Kadarius Toney and Trevon Grimes -- their top three receivers from a year ago. -- Andrea Adelson
18. Ole Miss Rebels: Can they fix the defense?
Few teams were more fun to watch on offense last season than Ole Miss, which ranked third nationally in total offense (555.5 yards per game) and 14th nationally in scoring offense (39.2 points per game). But the Rebels were as bad on defense as they were good on offense. They gave up more than 40 points in five of their 10 games and ranked 126th out of 127 FBS teams in total defense. Lane Kiffin, entering his second season as coach, has pushed hard to upgrade the talent on defense. He knows as well as anyone that you can't make a living winning 50-something to 40-something in every game. Maryland grad transfer Chance Campbell should help at linebacker, and where Ole Miss really needs to get better is in the defensive line. That's where coveted junior college tackles Isaiah Iton and Jamond Gordon come in, not to mention Tywone Malone, ESPN's No. 5-ranked high school tackle nationally. Having safety Otis Reese for an entire season will also help. His transfer waiver wasn't cleared until late in the year last season. -- Chris Low
20. LSU Tigers: Did Ed Orgeron get the coaching staff right this time?
The question that faces LSU this offseason is the same it faced last offseason: Will Ed Orgeron surround himself with a winning coaching staff? Granted, the dismantling of the 2019 Tigers staff was a result of winning a national championship, whereas the 2020 Tigers barely managed to finish at .500, but the result was the same as a slew of coordinators and assistants left or were shown the door. Orgeron is clearly trying to recreate the magic of 2019 by hiring Joe Brady disciples Jake Peetz and DJ Mangas to lead the offense, while former Dave Aranda assistant Daronte Jones was tabbed to serve as offensive coordinator. On paper, they make much more sense than the decision last offseason to bring in Bo Pelini and Scott Linehan, but only time will tell if Orgeron pulled the right levers this go-around. -- Scarborough
LINK
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Posted on 2/18/21 at 7:26 pm to TigerLunatik
quote:
Joe Brady disciples Jake Peetz and DJ Mangas to lead the offense, while former Dave Aranda assistant Daronte Jones was tabbed to serve as offensive coordinator.
That’s a bold strategy cotton
Posted on 2/18/21 at 7:32 pm to texag7
Pretty much going all in. Word from practice according to Stingley's dad is that the defense is communicating like never before. Stingley Jr says that everyone is communicating the checks and that it's super loud. Boutte even commented that they really were communicating this year. We'll see if is translates to the field, but that seems like it's headed in the right direction.
Orgeron says that Peetz has brought the Brady offense back to a T and that Peetz is a master at the RPO game. But, Orgeron all said that the defense last year was better than at any time in '19. That's a wait and see for me.
Orgeron says that Peetz has brought the Brady offense back to a T and that Peetz is a master at the RPO game. But, Orgeron all said that the defense last year was better than at any time in '19. That's a wait and see for me.
Posted on 2/18/21 at 7:35 pm to TigerLunatik
quote:
while former Dave Aranda assistant Daronte Jones was tabbed to serve as offensive coordinator
Ummmmm
Posted on 2/18/21 at 7:37 pm to CatsGoneWild
There's always a few mistakes in these articles. I can't believe that they do proof read and edit more than they do. The Advocate sports page in BR is litter with mistakes everday.
Posted on 2/18/21 at 9:09 pm to TigerLunatik
quote:
Word from practice according to Stingley's dad is that the defense is communicating like never before.
That's good news for LSU if true, but as many on here like to point out - what are they supposed to say? "Man, this new coach blows donkey balls?"
Still though, I can understand the hope that it pulls together after last year's defense (and the first half of 2019)
Posted on 2/18/21 at 9:16 pm to TigerLunatik
quote:
18. Ole Miss Rebels: Can they fix the defense?
quote:
20. LSU Tigers: Did Ed Orgeron get the coaching staff right this time?
This post was edited on 2/18/21 at 9:16 pm
Posted on 2/18/21 at 9:23 pm to skrayper
quote:
what are they supposed to say? "Man, this new coach blows donkey balls?"
I think what makes this a little different is that this was from an interview with Stingley's dad and he was relaying what Stingley Jr and Boutte told him. This isn't a player being asked a direct question from someone in the media. His dad could have just deflected if his son had said something that wasn't positive.
Posted on 2/18/21 at 9:24 pm to TigerLunatik
I'm sure those are the questions keeping these teams' head coaches up at night. It's like some shitty algorithm poofed these out.
Posted on 2/18/21 at 9:26 pm to TigerLunatik
quote:
Stingley's dad is that the defense is communicating like never before. Stingley Jr says that everyone is communicating the checks and that it's super loud. Boutte even commented that they really were communicating this year. We'll see if is translates to the field, but that seems like it's headed in the right direction.
Has LSU spring practice started? Seems early.
Otherwise this sounds like illegal football activities in an out of season, undeclared period.
Posted on 2/18/21 at 9:29 pm to TigerLunatik
quote:
Word from practice according to Stingley's dad is that the defense is communicating like never before. Stingley Jr says that everyone is communicating the checks and that it's super loud. Boutte even commented that they really were communicating this year.
No one is practicing right now.
Posted on 2/18/21 at 9:32 pm to TideSaint
It's called football school. They are allowed to have walkthroughs with no pads and no ball.
Posted on 2/18/21 at 9:33 pm to TigerLunatik
Well damn.
LSU is definitely going to win the West now. They have the best "football school."
LSU is definitely going to win the West now. They have the best "football school."
Posted on 2/18/21 at 9:37 pm to TideSaint
There's always at least one in these threads twisting words into oblivion when they're proven to be wrong.
This post was edited on 2/18/21 at 9:38 pm
Posted on 2/18/21 at 9:40 pm to TigerLunatik
quote:
There's always at least one in these threads twisting words into oblivion when they're proven to be wrong.
I'm not twisting anything.
You're posting claims of unbelievable improvement in LSU's program, not me.
Posted on 2/18/21 at 9:42 pm to TideSaint
I never said that LSU was going to have a better season in '21 much less win the West. The thread is about what each team needs to improve on in the off-season. I posted what was said on radio to attempt to get better.
You incorrectly tried to say that the players can't practice then threw out the hyperbole when you realized you were wrong.
You incorrectly tried to say that the players can't practice then threw out the hyperbole when you realized you were wrong.
This post was edited on 2/18/21 at 9:44 pm
Posted on 2/18/21 at 9:44 pm to TigerLunatik
quote:
You incorrectly tried to say that the players can't practice
They can't.
quote:
You incorrectly tried to say that the players can't practice then threw out the hyperbole when you realized you were wrong.
It's called sarcasm, champ.
LSU isn't practicing shite right now.
This post was edited on 2/18/21 at 9:50 pm
Posted on 2/18/21 at 9:45 pm to TigerLunatik
quote:
football school
Unless my memory is fuzzy, game film review (which is countable and limited) in the off season is allowed, but no offensive/defensive physical simulation or active on field walk-through allowed until the official spring practice period.
Posted on 2/18/21 at 9:48 pm to Che Boludo
quote:
Unless my memory is fuzzy, game film review (which is countable and limited) in the off season is allowed, but no offensive/defensive physical simulation or active on field walk-through allowed until the official spring practice period.
You are correct.
His claims are fricking ludicrous fan fiction.
Posted on 2/18/21 at 9:49 pm to Che Boludo
According to radio hosts here LSU is on the practice field with no helmets, pads or ball and they are doing walkthroughs.
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