Predicting the Top 25 Offenses in College Football in 2017 (Bleacher Report)

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College football has become an offense-dominated sport thanks to a vast collection of uptempo attacks. Pro-style systems still have value, but flashy numbers pop up all over the country.

Most units expected to grab the nation's attention in 2017 return their starting quarterback. That's not a requirement to be considered one of the 25 best as the season approaches, but it typically doesn't hurt to bring back a familiar gunslinger.

Rather than projecting the sheer volume of yardage, we're also factoring in efficiency with yards per snap as a means to adjust for pace. The rankings are also adjusted for competition.

We're breaking down the most notable pieces of each top 25 offense, focusing on a combination of the quarterback, running backs, receiving corps, offensive line and coaching.

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23. LSU Tigers

What makes them dangerous: LSU has exciting players. Now, the offense has a coordinator in Matt Canada ready to unleash them. Most importantly, though, Derrius Guice is the SEC's two-time reigning leader in yards per carry. The Tigers will rely on the ground game, and there aren't many better options in the country.

Room for improvement: While the offensive line is undergoing some transition and shuffling, LSU's wild card is Danny Etling. Against four ranked teams, the Purdue transfer's completion percentage dropped 10 points and he tossed just three touchdowns.

2017 projection: Total yardage assuredly will not be the Tigers' forte, but Canada conducted a quietly efficient Pitt attack last season, and he has superior talent in Baton Rouge. As long as LSU settles the offensive line, it'll be a tough matchup in the SEC.

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20. Missouri Tigers

What makes them dangerous: "Everyone is back" can be an oversimplification. In Missouri's case, however, the offense is almost entirely intact. Drew Lock is a two-year starter at QB, Damarea Crockett and Ish Witter each rushed for at least 750 yards last season and J'Mon Moore highlights a receiving corps that returns its top four producers plus Nate Brown, who missed 2016.

Room for improvement: While that continuity is important, the pressure is on Lock to improve against SEC competition. His 23 touchdowns look respectable, but 10 came against Eastern Michigan and Delaware State. In eight conference games, Lock threw 10 scores compared to 10 interceptions.

2017 projection: Missouri ought to sweep its nonconference slate, which will provide four excellent chances for Lock and Co. to pad their stats. Avoiding both Alabama and LSU in the crossover games will also boost the experienced Tigers.

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19. Alabama Crimson Tide

What makes them dangerous: Good luck finding a deeper stable of running backs. Bo Scarbrough excelled down the stretch, surging past Damien Harris—a 1,000-yard rusher—on the depth chart. Then there's Josh Jacobs, B.J. Emmons and Najee Harris fighting for the final carries. Oh, and Jalen Hurts can run, too.

Room for improvement: Hurts spent most of 2016 throwing behind or near the line of scrimmage. Alabama still found ways to create big plays, but it usually wasn't because of vertical passing. Hurts showed off seemingly improved accuracy in the spring game, though the exhibition isn't necessarily a sign of the future.

2017 projection: Led by sophomore Jonah Williams, the offensive line has four returning players. Hurts will still have a chance to display his progression as a passer, but the Crimson Tide have little reason not to focus on controlling the ground.

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17. Auburn Tigers

What makes them dangerous: Auburn has an established one-two punch in the backfield and up front. Kamryn Pettway ran for 1,224 yards and seven touchdowns despite battling injuries, and Kerryon Johnson collected 895 yards and 11 scores. The junior duo will run behind a couple of bruisers in Braden Smith and Darius James, who will also be protecting Jarrett Stidham.

Room for improvement: Though the passing game as a whole must improve, the Tigers brought in Chip Lindsey as offensive coordinator and Stidham to take over at QB. Sean White offered toughness and accuracy, but he rarely commanded the field through the air. Granted, Stidham doesn't automatically cure the passing game. No returning wideout had more than 300 yards last year.

2017 projection: Get ready for a more diverse Auburn offense. The team simply didn't force the ball downfield in 2016, but Stidham and an older receiving corps will be ready to stretch the defense. That should lead to even more success for Pettway, Johnson and the nation's No. 6 rushing attack from a year ago.

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