Athlon College Football Pre-Spring 1-128 Team Rankings
excerpts:
53. Southern Miss
Reason for Hope: The Golden Eagles took a big step forward last year. A strong core returns for new coach Jay Hopson, including quarterback Nick Mullens and running back Ito Smith.
Reason for Concern: Will the coaching transition present any challenges? Prolific receivers Mike Thomas and Casey Martin have expired their eligibility.
58. Missouri
Reason for Hope: Barry Odom was a rising star as a coordinator and is familiar with the job after working under Gary Pinkel from 2004-05, 2009-11 and 2015. Despite a lackluster offense, the defense ranked as one of the best in the SEC. That shouldn’t change in 2016 with defensive end Charles Harris, tackle Terry Beckner and linebacker Michael Scherer returning.
Reason for Concern: The offense. The Tigers managed only 13.6 points a game last year. Big question marks are in place for new coordinator Josh Heupel. The offensive line is very thin, and quarterback Drew Lock needs more help from the supporting cast. Will the defense carry the team until the offense is ready to take a step forward?
61. Vanderbilt
Reason for Hope: The Commodores made strides on defense last season after coach Derek Mason took over the play-calling. Seven starters are back in 2016, including standout linebacker Zach Cunningham. Running back Ralph Webb and quarterback Kyle Shurmur are promising pieces to build around on offense. The offensive line should get a boost with the return of tackle Andrew Jelks from injury.
Reason for Concern: The offense should be better. But by how much? Is Shurmur a year away from taking the next step? The Commodores have to do better in the turnover department (minus-eight last year).
68. Marshall
Reason for Hope: Quarterback Chase Litton is a rising star (23 TDs, 8 INTs as a freshman in 2015). The Thundering Herd have a schedule advantage in the race to win the East Division, as WKU and MTSU visit Huntington.
Reason for Concern: The top two receivers from 2015 are gone, and the defense suffered a few heavy losses at each level.
69. WKU
Reason for Hope: Coach Jeff Brohm is one of the best in Conference USA, and the Hilltoppers have a strong supporting cast for the new starting quarterback. Running back Leon Allen missed most of 2015 due to injury but was awarded an additional year of eligibility.
Reason for Concern: Brandon Doughty leaves big shoes to fill at quarterback. How quickly can Brohm settle the quarterback battle? Both starting cornerbacks and standout linebacker Nick Holt depart WKU.
73. Middle Tennessee
Reason for Hope: Quarterback Brent Stockstill and receiver Richie James are back after prolific freshman seasons.
Reason for Concern: There are big losses on defense, including linebacker T.T. Barber and safety Kevin Byard.
excerpts:
53. Southern Miss
Reason for Hope: The Golden Eagles took a big step forward last year. A strong core returns for new coach Jay Hopson, including quarterback Nick Mullens and running back Ito Smith.
Reason for Concern: Will the coaching transition present any challenges? Prolific receivers Mike Thomas and Casey Martin have expired their eligibility.
58. Missouri
Reason for Hope: Barry Odom was a rising star as a coordinator and is familiar with the job after working under Gary Pinkel from 2004-05, 2009-11 and 2015. Despite a lackluster offense, the defense ranked as one of the best in the SEC. That shouldn’t change in 2016 with defensive end Charles Harris, tackle Terry Beckner and linebacker Michael Scherer returning.
Reason for Concern: The offense. The Tigers managed only 13.6 points a game last year. Big question marks are in place for new coordinator Josh Heupel. The offensive line is very thin, and quarterback Drew Lock needs more help from the supporting cast. Will the defense carry the team until the offense is ready to take a step forward?
61. Vanderbilt
Reason for Hope: The Commodores made strides on defense last season after coach Derek Mason took over the play-calling. Seven starters are back in 2016, including standout linebacker Zach Cunningham. Running back Ralph Webb and quarterback Kyle Shurmur are promising pieces to build around on offense. The offensive line should get a boost with the return of tackle Andrew Jelks from injury.
Reason for Concern: The offense should be better. But by how much? Is Shurmur a year away from taking the next step? The Commodores have to do better in the turnover department (minus-eight last year).
68. Marshall
Reason for Hope: Quarterback Chase Litton is a rising star (23 TDs, 8 INTs as a freshman in 2015). The Thundering Herd have a schedule advantage in the race to win the East Division, as WKU and MTSU visit Huntington.
Reason for Concern: The top two receivers from 2015 are gone, and the defense suffered a few heavy losses at each level.
69. WKU
Reason for Hope: Coach Jeff Brohm is one of the best in Conference USA, and the Hilltoppers have a strong supporting cast for the new starting quarterback. Running back Leon Allen missed most of 2015 due to injury but was awarded an additional year of eligibility.
Reason for Concern: Brandon Doughty leaves big shoes to fill at quarterback. How quickly can Brohm settle the quarterback battle? Both starting cornerbacks and standout linebacker Nick Holt depart WKU.
73. Middle Tennessee
Reason for Hope: Quarterback Brent Stockstill and receiver Richie James are back after prolific freshman seasons.
Reason for Concern: There are big losses on defense, including linebacker T.T. Barber and safety Kevin Byard.
