Week 2: Two more Big Ten teams take the field, while the top match ups take place out West involving Pac 12 teams

Two more games involving Big Ten programs kickoff Week 1 of the 2018 College Football season on Friday night, as games kicked off in Minneapolis and West Lafayette on Thurday night involving three B1G teams.

2018 Season Trailer. Leave the jersey in a better place.
#HEAVE pic.twitter.com/16AwI3GDJh

— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) August 31, 2018

#9 Michigan State (10-3 in '17) kicks off the 12th season under Mark Dantonio, as Utah State (6-7) comes to East Lansing, after opening at Wisconsin in 2018. Over in Madison, the #8 Wisconsin Badgers (13-1) kickoff 2018 against Western Kentucky (6-7) on Friday night

The Wisconsin Badgers went undefeated for the first time in
the regular season last year, in program history. Can they
hit higher heights in the 2018 College Football season?

• #35 Northwestern 31, #36 Purdue 27, as both team relied on two quarterbacks in a competitive game, where the Boilermakers fell behind by 14 points on two occasions, the second time leading to the difference in the game.
• Minnesota 48, New Mexico State 10, as Golden Gophers true freshman QB Zack Annexstad made his debut as the #1 quarterback. Can he whether a 12 game schedule appears to be the first question, after the experience in Game 1?

Friday, August 31st
Syracuse at Western Michigan	5:00 pm	CBSSN
Army at Duke	6:00 pm	ESPNU
Utah State at #9 Michigan State	6:00 pm	BTN
#45 San Diego State at #12 Stanford	8:00 pm	FS1
Western Kentucky at #8 Wisconsin	8:00 pm	ESPN
Colorado vs. Colorado State (Denver)	8:30 pm	CBSSN
The 2018 College Football Season kicked on Thursday ....
Monmouth at Eastern Michigan	5:30 pm	$espn+ Video
Portland State at Nevada	8:00 pm	MWC Video

Preseason has ended: Bring on the 2018 Big Ten Football

So, who do we like in the Big Ten pecking order, as we kickoff the 2018 College Football Season begins tonight?

All five returning starters are back for the 2018 UW Badgers,
who have won 3 out of 4 West divisions, since 2014 and the
kickoff of the College Football Playoff. Can they win the B1G?

• #1 Wisconsin (13-1) - the loaded offense and 34-7 over the past 3 seasons under HC Paul Chryst makes the Badgers the team to beat in the West and a likely participant in Indianapolis in 2018 ....

Junior QB 14 Brian Lewerke leads the MSU Spartans and
the hope to pull the rope back into Indianapolis, after missing
last season. Behind UW, who have been to five Big Ten Title
games. The Spartans have been to three themselves.

• #2 Michigan State (10-3) - HC Mark Dantonio returns 19 starters from last year and a favorable schedule, with key games coming to East Lansing in 2018 ....

Member of the Ohio State of Trustees resigned over the light
punishment given to Urban Meyer in light of the August news
unfolding in Columbus, leading to the suspension of Meyer
and athletic direction Gene Smith. Meyer loses 3 games in 2018.

• #3 Ohio State (12-2) - the off the field issues surround HC Urban Meyer's program should likely knock the Buckeyes lower, but we shall see how the football plays out in 2018 ....

The Penn State Nittany Lions return senior QB Trace McSorley, but some top
play-makers have moved onto the NFL and new players will need to step up
at RB, WR and TE for the 2018 College Football season.

• #4 Penn State (12-2) - the Nittany Lions are seeking to get back to the Big Ten title game, after falling short last year. New players will have to step up and HC James Franklin will have his third OC, since arriving in State College, in 2014.

Junior Ole Miss QB transfer 2 Shea Patterson will engineer the
4th season of Michigan football under HC Jim Harbaugh, as
the Wolverines travel to South Bend, to face Notre Dame.

• #5 Michigan (8-5) - the Wolverines fell short last season and were the only Big Ten bowl team, out of eight bowl participants, to lose their bowl match up. The defense should be strong, but how will the offense step up in 2018 ....

Northwestern senior QB 18 Clayton Thorson is coming off knee
surgery and is questionable for the B1G season opener tonight.

• #6 Winner of Northwestern (10-3) @ Purdue (7-6) - the Wildcats beat the Boilermakers 23-13 last season, it appears more and more likely junior QB T.J. Green will have to lead his team into West Lafayette for a program known for slow starts lately under HC Pat Fitzgerald ....



It's about that time! To Fight For Iowa | #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/2s6cXSIIsC

— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) August 30, 2018



• #7 Iowa (8-5) - the Hawkeyes are seeking to get back in the West division title position, after back to back seasons falling short against the Badgers and Wildcats. How much has Iowa's offense, defense and special teams improved this off season, as the Hawkeyes enter the 20th season under HC Kirk Ferentz?

The Boilermakers have two QBs coming off injuries. Tonight,
the QB jerseys stay off and the 2018 starter will make his debut
for the 2nd season of Purdue football under Jeff Brohm. Will
it be senior 11 David Blough or junior 2 Elijah Sindelar at QB?

• #8 Loser of Northwestern (10-3) @ Purdue (7-6) - the Boilermakers only return four defensive starters from last season, so how fast can they get out of the blocks, after a strong first season under Jeff Brohm, know mostly for offense?

New HC Scott Frost returns to Nebraska in 2018. A place back
 in 1997, where he lead the Dr. Tom Osborne to the Cornhuskers last
co-national championship, shared with the Michigan Wolverines.

• #9 Nebraska (4-8) - the Huskers will open the 2018 season, with a true freshman at QB, with an offense, with talent in the skill positions, but questions in the trenches and with zero Blackshirts to pass out Day 1 ....

The Indiana Hoosiers head to Florida to kickoff the 2018 College
Football season at Florida International (8-5).

• #10 Indiana (5-7) - the Hoosiers enter the second straight season under HC Tom Allen, who continues to lead the IU defensive unit, as well.

Like Nebraska and Minnesota, Rutgers will ask a true freshman,
QB 8 Artur Sikowski, to lead the Scarlet Knights offense in 2018.

• #11 Rutgers (4-8) - the Scarlet Knights enter the third season under HC Chris Ash, who will have his third offensive coordinator to lead the offense. How will Rutgers step up in the trenches, when they get into Big Ten play?

This was supposed to be D.J. Durkin's third season at the helm
of the Maryland Terrapins. But, following the release of a player's
autopsy, the media found underlying questions of abuse in the
Maryland football program. Durkin hasn't been fired, but members
of the strength and conditioning program are gone and plenty of ???  

• #12 Maryland (4-8) - the Terrapins turn to first-year offensive coordinator Matt Canada to lead the program, as D.J. Dirkin remains on administrative leave. Injuries hampered the quarterback position last season, as five players took the position. Can this team weather the storm in 2018?

Year 0 is in the books, as HC P.J. Fleck and the Minnesota Golden
Gophers open 2018 against New Mexico State (0-1 in '18,
7-6 in '17) in TCF Bank Stadium tonight. Row the boat ....

• #13 Minnesota (5-7) - the Golden Gophers will be the third B1G program turning to a true freshman quarterback to run their offense. The Gophers should be more physically ready to compete in 2018.

Coming off a 2-10 season, is Lovie Smith on the hot seat entering this year? pic.twitter.com/4ZmM4dAkDh

— Outside The Lines (@OTLonESPN) August 30, 2018

• #14 Illinois (2-10) - the Fighting Irish enter 2018 coming off a ten game losing streak, as HC Lovie Smith brings in a new offensive coordinator and the spread offense, last played at Arizona and Michigan, as Rod Smith returns to B1G to serve under HC Lovie Smith.

Season opener approaches for Northern Illinois - Iowa game

Iowa City, IA -- The Iowa Hawkeyes (8-5 in '17) will host  the Northern Illinois Huskies (8-5 in '17) out of the West division of the Mid American Conference on Saturday afternoon, at Kinnick Stadium. The 2:30 PM kickoff will be televised on the Big Ten Network.

NIU all-American junior DE Sutton Smith
provided some bulletin board material for
the upcoming game scheduled Saturday
in Iowa City, between the Huskies and the
Hawkeyes. Iowa posted it in preparation for
Saturday's season opener for both teams.

The Hawkeyes are coming into the game off a two game win streak, where Iowa defeated Nebraska 56-14 and pulled out their first bowl win, since 2010, with a 27-20 defeat of Boston College (7-6 in '17) in the Pinstripe Bowl

Like Iowa, Northern Illinois defeated Nebraska 21-17 last season. The Huskies opened the season against Boston College, in a home game, losing 23-20.

It is the first meeting between the two teams, since the 2013 season opener, when Northern Illinois defeated Iowa 30-27. Of course, none of the players on both rosters played in that contest. But, both coaches did.

Northern Illinois head coach Rod Carey won his first game, as coach, against Iowa, back in 2013. He is entering his 6th season leading the Huskies, with a 44-24 record.

For Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, the season opener against Northern Illinois could push him to his 144th career win, which would pass Hayden Fry in career wins at Iowa. Ferentz is entering his 20th season, with a mark of 143-97. His first win at Iowa was a 24-0 win over Northern Illinois, back during his first season in 1999.

On defense, NIU is lead by all-American DE, junior 15 Sutton
Smith. The former high school RB, lead the Huskies with 14
sacks, 15.5 tfl and 3 pbu. He shared some choice words heading
into the season opener with Iowa.

Northern Illinois hopes to continue their tradition of competitive games against Big Ten opponents. Coach Carey is 4-1 against Big Ten opponents, since picking up the first career win over the Hawkeyes.

Phil Steele ranks the Huskies defensive unit, the 19th unit, in the nation, according to his 2018 College Football preview magazine. The Hawkeyes rank 20th, in the same category.

Both head coaches pride themselves in line play, on both sides of the football.

NIU returns all five starting offensive linemen for 2018,
including senior LT 73 Max Scharping. Iowa OL coach Tim
Polasek was on the NIU staff in 2013, when they recruited
the future four year starter. Scharping was a redshirt in 2014.

The Huskies offensive line is rated 37th according to Phil Steele. They are lead by all-MAC left tackle, senior Max Scharping. The Huskies return all five starters from last year's offensive line.

Both Iowa and NIU will have new starters at all three linebacker positions in 2018.

Both teams are missing players heading into the season opener.  Iowa has suspended both starting offensive tackles and two defensive tackles for the opener.

This will certainly get the attention of the Huskies heading into the showdown at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Northern Illinois will be without #1 wide receiver and their starting TE, due to a suspension and injury, respectively. Four true freshmen are listed on the two deep, including WR Leon Payne, who is expected to start. Payne participated in spring drills and has earned the attention of the coaching staff.

NIU sophomore QB 15 Marcus Childers was the MAC 2017
Freshman of the Year. He returns to lead the Huskies offense
into Kinnick Stadium on Saturday. Childers rushed for 473 yards
and passed for 1674 yards in 7 starts at QB. He was 16-5 throwing.

Last season, QB Marcus Childers threw a 67 yard TD pass to former ISU WR Jauan Wesley against Duke in the Quick Lane Bowl. The Huskies lost their final two games of 2017, including a 36-14 loss against the Blue Devils in the bowl game.

Wesley is a reserve wide receiver, who transferred in 2016. While at Iowa State, Wesley played in the 2015 Cy-Hawk game against Iowa. Wesley lead all Iowa State receivers against Iowa, with 4 catches for 76 yards, including a 29 yard TD catch and another catch for 37 yards. The Hawkeyes won 31-17 in Ames.

     

Iowa OL coach Tim Polasek and WR coach Kelton Copeland were both previously on the NIU staff.

Over the past five seasons, after three straight MAC title games appearances under Coach Carey, Northern Illinois finished 5-7 and 8-5 the past two seasons. Iowa defeated Wyoming 24-3 in last year's opener. Two seasons ago, Northern Illinois opened the season at Wyoming, losing a 3 OT 40-34 game.

Iowa is 6-1 against Northern Illinois in Kinnick Stadium over the years. The other two games were played in Soldier Field in Chicago.

PFF rates NIU DE Sutton Smith the #4 player in College Football.
He is the highest graded player on the Northern Illinois roster
last year. He will be a focal point of the scouting report, when
Iowa lines up on offense. The Hawkeyes will be starting two players
at tackle, who have never started a college football game. One will be
making his first college appearance, as a redshirt freshman.

Iowa is 16-1 in season openers since 2001, with the lone loss, in 2013, against the Huskies, as mentioned.

Overall: Iowa leads 8-1
In Chicago: Iowa leads 2-0
In Iowa City: Iowa leads 6-1
Streak: NIU, 1
First Meeting: September 20, 1985: Iowa 48, NIU 20 (Kinnick)
Last Meeting: August 31, 2013: NIU 30, Iowa 27 (Kinnick)

Series History
9/21/1985: Iowa 48, NIU 20 (Kinnick)
9/20/1986: Iowa 57, NIU 3 (Kinnick)
9/28/1991: Iowa 58, NIU 7 (Kinnick)
10/6/1993: Iowa 54, NIU 20 (Kinnick)
9/18/1999: Iowa 24, NIU 0 (Kinnick)
10/28/2006: Iowa 24, NIU 14 (Kinnick)
9/1/2007: Iowa 16, NIU 3 (Soldier Field)
9/1/2012: Iowa 18, NIU 17 (Soldier Field)
8/31/2013: NIU 30, Iowa 27 (Kinnick)

Iowa's Kinnick Stadium will host the season opener on September 1st. The
north end zone project will be completed for the 2019 season, but seating will
be provided, as the Hawkeyes see back to back seasons of new looks at Kinnick.

Week 1 - College Football kicks off on Thursday Night

The #1 question surrounding #35 Northwestern is whether senior
QB 18 Clayton Thorson will be able to start in the Big Ten opener
@ #36 Purdue on Thursday night? A 7 PM kickoff on ESPN.

Three Big Ten teams kick off the 2018 season of College Football on Thursday night, including a B1G East showdown in West Lafayette, between #35 Northwestern @ #36 Purdue. The Wildcats took care of business in Evanston last season, 23-13 against the Boilermakers.

Sun Times Preview of Northwestern-Purdue

In Minneapolis, Minnesota opens up the season against New Mexico State (0-1), who opened last Saturday at home, in a 29-7 loss against Wyoming. New Mexico State finished 2017, with a 7-6 record, while the Golden Gophers were 5-7 in the debut of head coach P.J. Fleck.

New Mexico State @ Minnesota with a 6 PM start on the Big Ten Network.

Thursday, August 30th
New Mexico State (0-1) at Minnesota	6:00 pm	BTN
#23 UCF at UConn	6:00 pm	ESPNU
CCSU at Ball State	6:00 pm	$espn+ Video
Kennesaw State at Georgia State	6:00 pm	$espn+ Video
Missouri State at #22 Oklahoma State	7:00 pm	FS1
#35 Northwestern at #36 Purdue	7:00 pm	ESPN
Wake Forest at Tulane	7:00 pm	CBSSN
Weber State at #33 Utah	7:00 pm	PAC-12 Network
Savannah State at UAB	7:00 pm	$espn+ Video
Southeastern Louisiana at Louisiana Monroe	7:00 pm	$espn+ Video
2018 College Football Season
Northwestern State at # Texas A&M	7:30 pm	SEC Network
Portland State at Nevada	8:00 pm	MWC Video
UC Davis at San Jose State	9:00 pm	No TV

Texas A&M kicks off the Jimbo Fisher era on Thursday night in College Station.
After eight seasons at Florida State, Fisher brings a 83-23 record to A&M.
Northwestern State (4-7 in FCS) is the opening game opponent this season.

How Cidsports would rank the Top programs heading into 2018?

Best four for this year's College Football Playoff in 2018

• Alabama
• Clemson
• Georgia
• Washington

Cidsports Top 45 heading into the 2018 College Football Season

• #1 Clemson (12-2) 
• #2 Alabama (13-1)
• #3 Georgia (13-2) 
• #4 Oklahoma (12-2)
• #5 Washington (10-3) vs. #6 Auburn (10-4)
• #7 Ohio State (12-2)
• #8 Wisconsin (13-1)
• #9 Michigan State (10-3)
• #10 Penn State (11-2)
• #11 Miami-FL (10-3)
• #12 Stanford (9-5) 
• #14 Michigan (8-5) @ #13 Notre Dame (10-3) 
• #15 USC (11-3)
• #16 TCU (11-3)
• #17 LSU (9-4)
• #18 Mississippi State (9-4)
• #20 Virginia Tech (9-4) @ #19 Florida State (7-6)
• #21 Boise State (10-3)
• #22 Oklahoma State (10-3)
• #23 UCF (13-0)
• #24 Iowa (8-5)
• #25 FAU (11-3)
• #26 Texas (7-6)
• #27 West Virginia (7-6)
• #28 South Carolina (9-4)
• #29 Oregon (7-6)
• #30 North Carolina State (9-4)
• #31 Iowa State (8-5)
• #32 Boston College (7-6)
• #33 Utah (7-6)
• #34 Kansas State (8-5)
• #35 Northwestern (10-3) @ #36 Purdue (7-6)
• #37 Arizona (7-6)
• #38 Houston (7-5)
• #39 Memphis (10-3)
• #40 Troy (11-2)
• #41 Florida (4-7)
• #42 Kentucky (7-6)
• #43 Arkansas State (7-5)
• #44 Fresno State (10-4)
• #45 San Diego State (10-3)

At this point, heading into 2018, who are the top teams and who should we project for the College Football Playoff?

2018 Preseason AP Top 25 Poll vs. Cidsports

1. Alabama (13-1) (1) - the Crimson Tide have won two CFP in three seasons, so they are a natural pick. But, how often do teams win national titles in back to back years in college football? Open 2018: vs. Louisville in Orlando. 
2. Clemson (12-2) (4) - the Tigers have played in 3 straight CFP and have one title. This team has all the makings of the team to beat in 2018. Open 2018: vs. Furman, before a road trip @ Texas A&M in Week 2. 
3. Georgia (13-2) (2) - the Bulldogs won 4 of the last 5, losing to Alabama 26-23 in OT, in the National Title Game. Open 2018: vs. Austin Peay, then open SEC East @ South Carolina in Week 2.
4. Wisconsin (13-1) (6) - the Badgers are coming off a program first 12-0 regular season and a 34-24 win over Miami-FL in the Orange Bowl, as HC Paul Chryst enters Year 3. Open 2018: vs. Western Kentucky (6-7) on Friday night in Madison.
5. Ohio State (12-2) (5) - the Buckeyes enter 2018, with a huge off the field distraction, with the firing of an assistant coach and the 3 game suspension of HC Urban Meyer. Open 2018: vs. Oregon State (1-11), followed by the B1G home opener vs. Rutgers, then a neutral site game vs. TCU in Arlington, in Week 2 and 3.
6. Washington (10-3) (16) - the Huskies split 2 of the final 4 games of the season last year. The 3 losses were @ ASU, @ Stanford and vs. Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl. Open 2018: vs. Auburn in Atlanta, which is very important for the Huskies, as they seek to get back into the CFP picture, after winning the Pac 12 in 2016 and making the playoff!
7. Oklahoma (12-2) (3) - the Sooners won 8 straight games, including Big 12 title game, before a 54-48 OT loss against Georgia in the Rose Bowl, in Lincoln Riley's first season as HC. Open 2018: vs. FAU, then host UCLA (6-7) in Week 2.
8. Miami-FL (10-3) (13) - the Hurricane enter 2018, coming off 3 straight losses @ Pittsburgh, vs. Clemson in the ACC title game, then vs. Wisconsin in the Orange Bowl. HC Mark Richt enters Year 3 at his alma mater returning 14 starters from last season. Open 2018: vs. LSU in Arlington on Sunday night. OVERRATED
9. Auburn (10-4) (10) - the Tigers are coming off the SEC division title last year, but lost games @ Clemson, @ LSU, against Georgia in the SEC title game, then vs. UCF in the Peach Bowl. Open 2018: vs. Washington in Atlanta.
10. Penn State (11-2) (8) - the Nittany Lions won 4 straight games to finish last season, including a 35-28 win over Washington in the Fiesta Bowl. HC James Franklin enters Year 5, but he will have a new OC, but senior QB TRace McSorley is back, who lead the team to the 2016 Big Ten title. Open 2018: vs. Appalachian State (9-4), followed by road trip to rival Pittsburgh (5-7) in Week 2, where Panthers beat Nittany Lions 42-39 in '16.
11. Michigan State (10-3) (15) - the Spartans return 19 starters from last year's team, which rebounded from a 3-9 season the previous season. HC Mark Dantonio enters his 12th season in East Lansing. Open 2018: vs. Utah State (6-7) on Friday night, then @ Arizona State (7-6) in Week 2, which could be a trap game for the Spartans in the desert night?
12. Notre Dame (10-3) (11) - the Fighting Irish lost vs. Georgia, @ Miami-FL and @ Stanford last season. HC Brian Kelly enters Year 9, with 15 starters back. Open 2018: vs. Michigan, who resume series (2002-2014) and test in a season opener for the Kelly era.
13. Stanford (9-5) (20) - the Cardinal lost 5 games last season @ USC, @ San Diego State, @ Washington State, vs. USC in the Pac 12 title game, then 39-37 loss to TCU in the Alamo Bowl. Open 2018: vs. San Diego State on Friday night, then open Pac 12 play vs. USC at home, as well.
14. Michigan (8-5) (NV) - the Wolverines lost to MSU, @ PSU, @ UW and OSU, before the bowl loss vs. South Carolina last season, including 3 straight to finish last year. HC Jim Harbaugh opens his 4th season 0-6 vs. OSU and MSU. Open 2018: @ Notre Dame, resuming the series, since 2014, when the Wolverines lost 31-0 in South Bend. 
15. USC (11-3) ( (12) - the Trojans @ Washington State, @ Notre Dame and 24-7 to Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl last year. HC Clay Helton enters 4th Year, with true freshman QB J.T. Daniels listed as the starter. Open 2018: vs. UNLV, then back to back road games @ Stanford and @ Texas in Week 2 and 3.
16. TCU (11-3) (9) - the Horned Frogs rebounded in Gary Patterson's 17th season, after a 6-7 mark the previous year. Only losses were @ Iowa State and two games against OU. Open 2018: vs. Southern and only return 11 starters from last season.
17. West Virginia (7-6) (NV) - big jump coming off 3 straight losses to Texas, OU & Utah. Lost to VA Tech to open 2017, and @ TCU and Oklahoma State, so all good programs heading into 2018. Open 2018: vs. Tennessee in Charlotte - don't see the initial ranking. OVERRATED
18. Mississippi State (9-4) (19) - the Bulldogs open 2018, with a new HC in Joe Moorhead, former Penn State OC. The Bulldogs won 2 of the final 4 games last year. Open 2018: vs. S.F. Austin, before road trip @ Kansas State in Week 2.
19. Florida State (7-6) (NV) - enter season with a 4 game winning streak against one P5, rival Florida, to finish 2017; welcome new HC Willie Taggert back the the 'Sunshine' state. Open 2018: Labor Day ACC home showdown vs. Virginia Tech.
20. Virginia Tech (9-4) (24) - the Hokies lost to Clemson, @ Miami-FL, @ Georgia Tech and a 30-21 loss against Oklahoma State in the Gaming World Bowl to close out last season. Open 2018: @ Florida State on Monday night.
21. UCF (13-0) (6) - the Knights closed out last season with a strong finish and win in the Peach Bowl over Auburn, then HC Scott Frost and staff left for Nebraska. New HC. Josh Heupel has 6 starters back on both sides of ball, after completing two seasons as Missouri's OC. Open 2018: @ Connecticut on Thursday night to kickoff AAC play and the new season. Two games vs. P5 opponents come @ UNC Week 3 and vs. Pittsburgh in Week 5.
22. Boise State (10-3) (22) - the Broncos lost @ Washington State, against Virginia and @ Fresno State, before winning a MWC title game against Fresno State 17-14. Open 2018: @ Troy, in the home and home, where the Broncos opened last year with a 24-13 win.
23. Texas (7-6) (NV) - the Longhorns open Year 2 under HC Tom Herman, after losses against Maryland, in opener, @ USC, vs. Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, @ TCU, Texas Tech. They pulled off a 33-16 win over Missouri in the Texas Bowl to close out last year. Open 2018: @ Maryland, who upset the Longhorns last year, in Austin, 51-41.
24. Oregon (7-6) (NV) - the Ducks opened the HC Mario Cristoral era, with a 38-28 loss against Boise State in the Las Vegas Bowl. The Ducks lost 5 Pac 12 games last year, @ ASU, Washington State, @ Stanford, @ UCLA and @ Washington. Open 2018: vs. Bowling Green (2-10), then Portland State (0-11 in FCS) and San Jose State (2-11) in Week 2-3. Maybe they shouldn't be considered for a Top 25 position, until they open Pac 12 play vs. Stanford in Week 4 at home? OVERRATED
25. LSU (9-4) (18) - the Tigers lost @ Mississippi State and vs. Troy, then won 6 of the last 8 games, with losses to Alabama and Notre Dame to close out 2017. Open 2018: vs. Miami-FL in Arlington.
26. South Carolina (9-4) (27) - the Gamecocks enter 2018 coming off a 26-19 win over Michigan in the Outback Bowl. Open 2018: vs. Coastal Carolina, before hosting defending SEC champion Georgia in the SEC East opener in Week 2.
27. Florida (4-7) (NV) - the Gators welcome back former OC Dan Mullen, who moves in as HC, after 9 seasons at Mississippi State. Open 2018: vs. Charleston Southern, then SEC East home opener against Kentucky in Week 2.
28. Utah (7-6) (NV) - the Utes enter Year 14 under HC Kyle Whittingham, with back to back wins last year, including a 30-14 win over West Virginia, in the Heart of Dallas Bowl. Open 2018: vs. Weber State on Thursday night, before a Week 2 game @ Northern Illinois.
29. Oklahoma State (10-3) (14) - the Cowboys lost to TCU, Oklahoma and Kansas State all at home last year, but finished strong with a 30-21 win over Virginia Tech in Camping World Bowl. Open 2018: vs. Missouri State, then South Alabama and Boise State at home in Week 2 and 3.
30. FAU (11-3) (30) - the Owls lost the opening two games last year against Navy and @ Wisconsin, then Game 4 @ Buffalo, but rolled through the C-USA undefeated, then beat Akron 50-3 in Boca Raton. Open 2018: @ Oklahoma, as HC Lane Kiffin enters Year 2 at the helm.
31. Arizona (7-6) (NV) - lost 4 of last 5 games to close out 2017; welcome new HC Kevin Sumlin. Open 2018: vs. BYU (4-9) - former staff lost in the 2016 opener against Cougars. OVERRATED
32. North Carolina State (9-4) (23) - the Wolfpack opened with a loss against South Carolina, then lost @ Notre Dame, Clemson and @ Wake Forest, then beat Arizona State 52-31 in the Sun Bowl. Open 2018: vs. James Madison, then Georgia Tech and West Virginia in Week 2 and 3 at home.
33. Texas A&M (NV) - the Aggies begin a new era under HC Jimbo Fisher, who moves over from Florida State. The Aggies lost back to back games to close out last year. Open 2018: vs. Northwestern State on Thursday night, then host Clemson in a SEC-ACC showdown in College Station in Week 2.
34. Boston College (7-6) (NV) - the Eagles have hit the 7-6 mark in 4 of 5 seasons under HC Steve Addazio, losing last year to Wake Forest, Notre Dame, @ Clemson, Virginia Tech, North Carolina State and vs. Iowa 27-20 in the Pinstripe Bowl. Open 2018: vs. Massachusetts, before Holy Cross, @ Wake Forest and @ Purdue, in Week 2-4.
35. Northwestern (10-3) (17) - the Wildcats are coming off back to back bowl wins in program history, as HC Pat Fitzgerald enters Year 13 in Evanston. Open 2018: @ Purdue (7-6) in a rare Big Ten opener for each team. The major question for the Wildcats is the health of senior QB Clayton Thorson, who is coming off surgery from a knee injury.
36. Kansas State (8-5) (NV) - have won 5 of the last 6 games w/ P5 opponents to finish 2017. Open 2018: vs. FCS, South Dakota, then a non-conference home showdown against Mississippi State.
37. Iowa State (8-5) (28) - the Cyclones has a breakout 2nd season under HC Matt Campbell, but lost vs. Iowa in OT, vs. Texas, @ West Virginia, vs. Oklahoma State and @ Kansas State. The Cyclones rebounded to beat Memphis 21-20 in the Liberty Bowl to close out the season last year.
38. Houston (7-5) (NV) - the Cougars lost @ UTSA, Texas State, @ Tulsa, Memphis and @ Tulane in the regular season, before losing 33-27 against Fresno State in the Hawaii Bowl. Open 2018: @ Rice, before vs. Arizona and @ Texas Tech in Week 2 and 3.
39. Memphis (10-3) (25) - the Tigers lost @ UCF twice, then lost 21-20 against Iowa State in the Liberty Bowl finish last season. Open 2018: vs. Mercer, then @ Navy in Week 2.
40. Troy (11-2) (31) - the Trojans lost @ Boise State and South Alabama last season, then beat North Texas 50-30 in the New Orleans Bowl to finish off the season. Open 2018: vs. Boise State, then Florida A&M and @ Nebraska in Week 2 and 3.
41. Iowa (8-5) (34) - the Hawkeyes are coming off their first bowl win, since 2010, with 27-20 victory over Boston College, in the Pinstripe Bowl. Open 2018: vs. Northern Illinois (8-5) at Kinnick Stadium. 
42. Kentucky (7-6) (NV) - the Wildcats finished last year on a 3 game losing streak, as HC Mark Stoops enters Year 6 at the helm. Open 2018: vs. Central Michigan (8-5) in the home opener, before the SEC road opener @ Florida in Week 2.
43. Arkansas State (7-5) (NV) - the Red Wolves lost @ Nebraska, @ SMU, @ South Alabama, vs. Troy, then lost 35-30 to Middle Tennessee in Camellia Bowl. Open 2018: vs. SE Missouri, then @ Alabama to square off with the defending national champs.
44. Fresno State (10-4) (32) - the Bulldogs lost @ Alabama, @ Washington, vs. UNLV and vs. Boise State in the MWC title game to kickoff HC Jeff Tedford's first season at the helm. The Bulldogs closed out the season with a 33-27 win over Houston. Open 2018: vs. Idaho, then @ Minnesota and @ UCLA in Week 2 and 3.

Not Rated heading into 2018:

• South Florida (10-2) (21) - the Bulls lost two games in the regular season against Houston, then finished league play with a loss @ UCF, then finish with a 38-34 win over Texas Tech in the Birmingham Bowl to win second straight bowl game and finish on a high note. Open 2018: vs. Elon, followed by P5 match ups against Georgia Tech, then a road trip against 
• Washington State (9-4) (26) - the Cougars open Year 7 under HC Mike Leach and have lost back to back bowl games against Big Ten competition. After 3 non-winning seasons the first 3 seasons, the Cougars have won at least 8 wins the past 3 seasons. Open 2018: @ Wyoming (8-6 last year, 1-0, after opening 2018 @ New Mexico State), so this could be a tough start for the Cougars?
• Army (10-3) (29) - the Black Knights lost @ Ohio State and @ Tulane in back to back weeks, then @ North Texas, before beating Navy and San Diego State to close out the season last year. Open 2018: @ Duke to kick off the new college football season!
• San Diego State (10-3) (33) - the Aztecs lost back to back conference games against Boise State and Fresno State, failing to defend the back to back MWC titles. The Aztecs lost to Army 42-35 in the Armed Forces Bowl to close out the season. Open 2018: @ Stanford, before games vs. Sacramento State and Arizona State in Week 2 and 3.

Who are the most prominent programs around the FBS conferences heading into 2018?

American Athletic Conference

1. UCF (13-0) in the East
2. Memphis (10-3) in the West

• USF (10-2) and Temple (7-6) are 2-3 in West
• Could one of the them sneak up on UCF, with HC Scott Frost at Nebraska now and former Missouri OC Josh Heupel now head coach for the Knights?
• Houston (7-5) hopes to sneak into the conversation in the West

Atlantic Coast Conference

1. Clemson (12-2) in the Atlantic
2. Miami-FL (10-3) in the Coastal

• both Clemson and Miami-FL are consensus picks in 2018 in the ACC  
• could they repeat again in 2018?
• Notre Dame (10-3) is the Top independent again in 2018 and continues to play five ACC teams 

Big Ten Conference

1. Wisconsin (13-1) in the West
2. Ohio State (12-2) in the East

• No one is picking Michigan (8-5) to win the East outright, but they are expected to be in hunt
• Michigan State (10-3) and Penn State (11-2) could sneak into the East again
• Northwestern (10-3) is picked 3rd ahead of Iowa (8-5), but one site has the Wildcats in the West

Big 12 Conference

1. Oklahoma (12-2)

• Texas (7-6) is picked to be the team to knock out the Sooners in 2018, if anyone does it
• TCU (11-3) is next in line in the Big 12 race in 2018, after playing in the title game last year

Conference USA

1. Florida Atlantic (11-3) in the East
2. North Texas (9-5) in the West

• Marshall (8-5) is the best candidate to challenge FAU in the East
• Louisiana Tech (7-6) and UAB (8-5) are 2-3 in the West pecking order, top challengers to North Texas

Mid American Conference

1. Ohio U (9-4) in the East
2. Northern Illinois (8-5) in the West

• Miami-OH (5-7) and Buffalo (6-6) are 2-3 in the East pecking order, top challenges to Ohio U
• Toledo (11-3) won the West last season and is the best candidate to give NIU a challenge

Mountain West Conference

1. Boise State (11-3) in the Mountain
2. Fresno State (10-4) in the West
3. San Diego State (10-3) in the West

• No real contenders beyond the Top 3 according the experts in the MWC in 2018

Pacific 12 Conference

1. Washington (10-3) in the North
2. USC (11-3) in the South

• Arizona (7-6) could be a surprise in the South, despite new HC Kevin Sumlin
• Stanford (9-5) won the North last season, but Washington is a consensus pick in 2018

Southeastern Conference

1. Alabama (13-1) in the West
2. Georgia (13-2) in the East

• Alabama is a consensus pick in the West, despite Auburn (10-4) knocking them off in 2017
• Florida (4-7) and South Carolina (9-4) are tied for 2nd in the East pecking order, top challenges to Georgia in 2018

Sun Belt Conference

1. Arkansas State (7-5) in the West
2. Appalachian State (9-4) in the East
3. Troy (11-2) in the East

• The Sun Belt finally joins the other conferences with a conference title game this season
• Louisiana Monroe (4-8) is the best candidate in the West to sneak up on Arkansas State

Who are the teams trending for the College Football Playoff for 2018?

There are the obvious picks heading into the 2018 College Football season:

1. Clemson
2. Alabama 

They have been there before and some are picking them to make a return in 2018:

1. Ohio State 
2. Georgia 
3. Washington
4. Oklahoma
5. Michigan State

Been there before, but not likely yet, in 2018:

1. Florida State - one site likes them at #5 according to Stassen Composite
2. Oregon - #18 was as good as it gets heading into 2018 ....

So, who could be the new guys to make the College Football Playoff in 2018:

1. Wisconsin
2. Auburn
3. Michigan
4. Penn State

There are eleven programs trending, as being in the College Football Playoff conversation for 2018. One too many?

Is anyone missing from the discussion in 2018?

• 2014, Baylor just missed
• 2015, Iowa just missed
• 2016, Penn State just missed
• 2017, Ohio State just missed
• 2018, who will be next?

Often, it has been the Big Ten that just missed in the College Football Playoff. The SEC was the first conference to land two teams, and both teams played in last year's title game.

How do the All-Time AP Top 25 Teams look heading into 2018?

The All-Time AP Top 25   

How are the top rated programs of all-time performing heading into 2018?

            AP All-Time Rank, Team Points Top 20 Top 10 Top 5 1st 2nd (2017 final rating)

1. Oklahoma 890.5 55 41 32 6 4 (#3 in '17) - the Sooners (12-2) are coming off their second CFP appearance in four years of the CFP. HC Lincoln Riley will have a lot of work ahead, with #1 NFL draft choice QB Baker Mayfield absent. Riley and his coaching staff return 6 offensive starters, 6 defensive starters and senior PK/P Austin Seibert back in 2018. Stassen Composite has OU trending at #8 in the country and #1 in the Big 12 again. Last national title: 2000, under Bobby Stoops!
2. Alabama 888 55 43 26 12 3 (#1 in #17) - the Crimson Tide (13-1) are the defending national champion. HC Nick Saban has taken each team to the College Football Playoff, since its inception in 2014. The Tide return 7 starters on offense, including both QBs, but only 3 on defense and will have new kickers on special teams in 2018. A new year for  The schedule again is favorable for the defending champions, who have won 2 of  4. Stassen Composite has Bama trending as the #2 team, now. They did not win the SEC West in '17, but they are projected to win it back in '18. The past decade has been impressive with ten Top 10 finishes and five national championships for Coach Saban! 
3. Ohio State 881 56 37 26 5 7 (#5 in #17) - the Buckeyes (12-2) began August, with an announcement that HC Urban Meyer was placed on administrative leave, due to the circumstances surrounding the firing of assistant coach Zach Smith, and his domestic abuse allocations. The Buckeyes co-OC Ryan Day was named interim HC for camp. The coaching staff returns 7 offensive starters, but they will have to turn to sophomore QB Dwayne Haskins, 5 defensive starters and both their PK and punter. OSU have made two CFP appearance, winning the inaugural in 2014, but they were eliminated 31-0 in the 2016 semi-finals by Clemson. Stassen Composite  has the Buckeyes #3 heading into 2018 and the team to beat in the #1 in the Big Ten East, the #1 projected division in College Football. The Big Ten didn't send a team in 2017, after the Buckeyes lost another 31 point game, this time in the regular season 55-24 at Iowa!
4. Michigan 801 57 38 15 2 2 (not rated in '17) - Talk about a program under-performing, as hits Year 4 under HC Jim Harbaugh. The Wolverines (8-5) were the only Big Ten team that failed to win their bowl game in 2017. Seven teams pulled out wins in Big Ten bowls, but South Carolina defeated Michigan 33-28, knocking them completing out of Top 25 consideration. Harbaugh needs to find a new QB again. Like his first year, he turns to an immediate transfer, as Ole Miss QB Shea Patterson arrives in Ann Arbor. The coaching staff is working with 8 starters back on offense, 9 defensive starters from a unit that should be very strong, plus both kickers. Despite the under performance in 2017, Stassen Composite has the Wolverines trending #9 nationally, and #2 in the B1G East. Last national title: 1997, under Lloyd Carr!
5. Notre Dame 783.5 53 36 23 8 5 (#11 in '17) - the Fighting Irish (10-3) took care of business 21-17 over LSU to close out 2017, but the past BCS participant hasn't made it into the College Football Playoff, like Michigan, who will open in South Bend to kickoff the 2018 season! HC Brian Kelly returns 6 offensive starters, including junior QB Brandon Wimbush, 9 defensive starters and both specialty players. Stassen Composite has the Irish trending at #13. Last national title: 1988, under Lou Holtz!
6. USC 672 52 28 19 5 5 (#12 in '17) - the Trojans (11-3) have never reached the CFP and lost the Cotton Bowl 24-7 to #3 Ohio State. HC Clay Helton must replace their QB, but do return 7 offensive starters, 6 defensive starters and both kickers. Without QB Sam Darnold back, the Trojans are trending #15 in the Stassen Composite nationally, but still #1 in the Pac 12 South!
7. Nebraska 638 43 30 13 4 2 (not rated in '17) - the Huskers (4-8) last major bowl game was the 2001 BCS title game in the Rose Bowl, where they lost 37-14 to Miami-FL. Excitement is soaring, with the hiring of HC Scott Frost, the former Huskers' QB of the program's last national title team. Frost and his entire staff are coming off a 13-0 season at UCF in 2017. Frost and his staff return 7 offensive starters, with true freshman QB Adrian Martinez leading as the opening day starter for 2018. The Blackshirts have been silent for years in Lincoln. DC Erik Chinander, a former Iowa walk-on lineman has 8 defensive starters back and the punter back. No immediate Top 25 bounce back is projected and the Huskers are trending #5 in the B1G West by Stassen Composite. Last national title: 1997, under Dr. Tom Osborne!
8. Texas 626 42 26 10 3 2 (not rated in '17) - the Longhorns (7-6) welcomed HC Tom Herman last year, but the season got off to a slow start. A 51-41 loss in the season opener to Maryland (4-8) at home didn't set the tone for an immediate jump start. But, by season's end, the Longhorns did pick up a 33-16 win over Missouri (7-6) in the Texas Bowl. The coaching staff have 7 starters on offense back, including sophomore QB Sam Ehlinger; also 7 starters are back on defense, but the kickers will be new and likely young. The Longhorns are trending in the Stassen Composite #17 nationally and #2 in the Big 12, behind rival OU. The last BCS game was 2009. Last national title: 2005, under Mack Brown!
9. Tennessee 560 40 23 13 2 4 (not rated in '17) - the Volunteers (4-8) turn to Alabama's DC Jeremy Pruitt, as the new HC, his first head coaching job. This is a program that recruits well, but haven't had a double digit win season, in over a decade. The new coaching staff return 6 starters on offense, with Stanford graduate transfer QB Keller Chryst projected #1 at position; 6 starters on defense, including their placekicker. The Vols are trending in the Stassen Composite at #40 nationally and #6 in the SEC East, so it may be a slow start in 2018? Last national title: 1998, under Phillip Fulmer!
10. Penn State 558 41 26 14 2 3 (#8 in '17) - the Nittany Lions (11-2) won the Big Ten in 2016, but fell short in '17, with back to back losses on the road against Ohio State and Michigan State. They are coming off a 35-28 win in the Fiesta Bowl over Washington, as HC James Franklin will have senior QB Trace McSorley back. The offense returns 7 starters, including McShorley, but only 3 starters are back on defense, plus their punter, so their will be some adjustments, with RB Saquon Barkley, top TE, and #1, #3 WRs gone. The roster is at full-strength again, after the demise due to the fallout of Joe Pa and the Sandusky scandal in 2011. Stassen Composite has the Nittany Lions trending #12 nationally and #4 in the strong B1G East division. Last national title: 1986, under Joe Paterno! 
11. Florida State 533.5 30 19 17 3 2 (not rated in '17) - the Seminoles (7-6) have gone three straight season, without a birth in the CFP, making it in the first year of the FBS playoff system! A new era begins with HC Willie Taggert returning to Florida, after one season at Oregon. The Seminoles return 8 starters on offense, with junior QB Deondre Francois back; only 4 defensive starters back, plus punter. FSU is coming off a 42-13 Independence Bowl win over Southern Miss, and a two game win streak over Group of 5 programs to build on! The Stassen Composite has the Seminoles trending #18 nationally and #2 in the ACC Atlantic. Last national title: 2013, in the final BCS season, under Jimbo Fisher!
12. LSU 528 40 21 9 2 3 (#18 in '17) - the Tigers (9-4) enter Year 3 under HC Ed Oregeron, with one of the losses, a 24-21 loss vs. Troy (11-2) last year. They also fell to Notre Dame in the Citrus Bowl to close out  the season. The staff has a new OC and only 5 starters return on offense, 5 starters on defense, plus both kickers. QB has yet be decided, as junior Joe Burrow arrived this Summer from Ohio State and is in contention. Stassen Composite has the Tigers trending #20 nationally and #4 in the SEC West, so their is work ahead, if they wish to be in the mix nationally for the first time, since 2011. Last national title: 2007, under Les Miles!
13. Georgia 481.5 33 21 11 1 3 (#2 in '17) - the Bulldogs (13-2) are coming off the SEC title and runner-up in the College Football Playoff, with a 26-23 OT loss to fellow SEC brother, Alabama. HC Kirby Smart enters Year 3, with 8 starters back on offense, including sophomore QB Jake Fromm, but only 5 starters are back defensively, plus their PK junior Rodrigo Blankenship. The Tigers are trending #4 nationally and #1 in the SEC East in the Stassen Composite. Last national title: 1980, under Vince Dooley!
14. Auburn 467 35 19 9 2 2 (#10 in '17) - the Tigers (10-4) beat Alabama 26-14 to win the SEC West, but lost 28-7 in the SEC title game, then were upset 34-27 in the Peach Bowl to undefeated UCF (13-0). HC Gus Malzahn enters Year 6 and has not made the CFP, after their loss in the final BCS title game to FSU. The coaching staff returns 6 offensive starters, including junior QB Jarrett Stidham, 7 starters on defense, but will likely have new young kickers. The Tigers are trending #7 nationally #2 in the SEC West in the Stassen Composite. Last national title: 2010, under Gene Chizik!
15. Miami-FL 466 30 15 10 5 4 (#13 in '17) - the Hurricanes (10-3) enter the third season under Mark Richt, at his alma mater, coming off the first double digit season in over 10 seasons. Both coordinators return, with 7 starters back on offense, including senior QB Malik Rosier, and 7 starters on defense, plus punter. The Stassen Composite has the Hurricanes trending #10 nationally and #1 in the ACC Coastal division. Last national title: 2001.
16. Florida 449.5 28 17 11 3 1 (not rated in '17) - the Gators (4-7) welcome former OC Dan Mullen back to Gainsville, after nine seasons as HC at Mississippi State. The new HC has 10 starters back on offense, including sophomore QB Feleipe Franks; and 9 defensive starters, but new kickers and coordinator and staff. The Stassen Composite has the Gators trending #21 nationally and #2t in the SEC East division. Last national title: 2008, under Urban Meyer, while Mullen was OC!
17. Michigan State 389.5 27 17 9 1 4 (#15 in '17) - the Spartans (10-3) enter Year 12 under HC Mark Dantonio, who bounced back from a 3-9 season, coming off the Big Ten title and birth in the College Football Playoff in 2015. The Spartans beat Washington State 42-17 in the Holiday Bowl and return 16 Big Ten honorees, with 19 returning starters, with 10 on offense and 9 on defense. Junior QB Brain Lewerke returns along with both kickers. The Spartans are trending #11 nationally and #3 in the tough B1G East in the Stassen Composite. Last national title: 1966, under Duffy Daugherty!
18. UCLA 378 32 17 9 0 1 (not rated in '17) - the Bruins (6-7) dismissed Jim Mora and lost 35-17 to Kansas State (8-5) in the Cactus Bowl. New HC Chip Kelly returns the college game, after a 28-35 NFL record and previously four seasons in the Pac 12 at Oregon. The new coaching staff will need to groom a new QB, with 5 offensive starters back and 7 defensive starters, plus both kickers. The Stassen Composite has UCLA trending at #44t and #4 in the Pac 12 South. Last national title: 1954.
19. Clemson 348 27 11 5 2 2 (#4 in '17) - the Tigers (12-2) have either lost to Alabama or beat them in the College Football Playoff the past three seasons, going 1-2, with the title in 2016 in a 35-31 win over the Tide! HC Dabo Swinney enters his 11th season, with 7 offensive starters back, including senior QB Kelly Bryant, 8 defensive starters also return, plus both kickers. The Stassen Composite has the Tigers trending #1 nationally and #1 in the ACC Atlantic division, so another date with Alabama could occur again, if business is taken care of in 2018! Last national title: 2016, under Dabo!
20. Arkansas 328 28 14 4 0 1 (not rated in '17) - the Razorbacks (4-8) let coach Bret Bielema go after five seasons. HC Chad Morris arrives after leading SMU (7-6) to first bowl since 2012. The new staff will have to find a new QB, but they return 9 offensive starters, along with 8 defensive starters and both kickers. The Razorbacks haven't won double digit games, since back to back marks in 2010-11. Like the Cornhuskers in the Big Ten, the Razorbacks are not trending to open the season in the Top 25, and the Stassen Composite has them trending last in the SEC West division, after 1-7 last year. Last national title: 1964.
21. Wisconsin 313 21 14 3 0 1 (#7 in '17) - the Badgers (13-1) are entering Year 4 under HC Paul Chryst, who is 34-7 at Wisconsin, having won back to back B1G West divisions and leading his team to the first 12-0 regular season record in program history. The Badgers return 9 offensive starters, including junior QB Alex Hornibrook, and only 4 defensive starters to the #3 defense in the country from last season. Both kickers are back, but PK has been sidelined again. The Stassen Composite has the Badgers trending at #6 nationally and the consensus #1 in the B1G West division for 2018. Last national title: The highest team without a national title in the past!
22. Texas A&M 299.5 25 12 3 1 0 (not rated in '17) - the Aggies (7-6) let go of Kevin Sumlin, after six seasons, with only the first season with double digit wins at 11-2. HC Jimbo Fisher moves over from Florida State and inherits a Aggies team coming off a 55-52 loss to Wake Forest (8-5) in the Belk Bowl. The new staff return 8 offensive starters, including sophomore QB Nick Starkel, and 8 defensive starters, plus their PK. The Stassen Composite has the Aggies trending #30 nationally and #5 in the SEC West division. Last national title: 1939, under Homer H Norton!
23. Washington 293 22 11 6 0 2 (#16 in '17) - the Huskies (10-3) failed to repeat in 2017, after making their lone appearance in the College Football Playoff in 2016. The Huskies came up short against Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl, but they will look to rebound in HC Chris Petersen's fifth season at Washington. The coaching staff returns 8 offensive starters, including senior QB Jake Browning, entering his fourth season, as a starter. The defense returns 9 starters, plus their punter. The Stassen Composite is trending the Huskies #5 nationally and #1 in the Pac 12 North for 2018. Last national title: 1991, under Don James!
24. Ole Miss 282.5 23 12 4 0 2 (not rated in '17) - the Rebels (6-6) on the heals of scandal in 2017, leading to the dismissal of Hugh Freeze before the season, after five seasons at the helm. Interim coach Matt Luke was retained, after the season. He and his staff have 8 returning starters on offense, with part-time starting senior QB Jordan Ta'amu back; 7 starters back on defense. The Tigers are not getting any preseason love entering 2018. The Stassen Composite has Mississippi trending #6 in the SEC West division for 2018. The other all-time AP Top 25 program without a national title.
25. Iowa 276 22 14 3 0 1 (not rated in '17) - the Hawkeyes (8-5) won their first bowl game, since 2010, with a 27-20 win over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl. HC Kirk Ferentz enters his 20th season as dean of College Football again. His staff returns in tack and revamping the offensive staff before last season. The Hawkeyes return 7 offensive starters, including junior QB Nate Stanley, 5 defensive starters and both kickers. The Stassen Composite has the Hawkeyes trending #32t nationally and #2 in the B1G West division heading into 2018. Last national title: 1957, under Forest Evashevski!

Who were ranked to close out 2017, but not in the all-time AP Top 25?

• #6 UCF (13-0) - the Knights welcome HC Josh Heupel moving over from Missouri, where he was OC the past two seasons. In 2015, the program was 0-12, in George O'Leary's final season. Scott Frost took the program from 6-7 to 13-0 in his two seasons at the helm. The entire new staff return 6 starters on offense, including junior QB McKenzie Milton, and 6 defensive starters, plus both kickers. The Stassen Composite has the Knights trending #24t nationally and the consensus #1 in the AAC East division for 2018.
• #9 TCU (11-3) - the Horned Frogs enter Year 18 under HC Gary Patterson and a 39-37 win over Stanford in the Alamo Bowl. Only five starters are back offensive and they will need to find a new starter at QB. The defense returns 6 starters and their placekicker. The Stassen Composite has the Horned Frogs trending #19 nationally and #3 in the Big 12 for the 2018 season. Last national title: 1938, under Dutch Meyer!
• #13 Oklahoma State (10-3) - the Cowboys are entering their 14th season under HC Mike Gundy coming off a 30-21 win over Virginia Tech in the Camping World Bowl. QB Mason Rudolph and his top two receivers have departed, but 5 offensive starters and 7 defensive starters return, along with both kickers. The Stassen Composite has the Cowboys trending #26 and #4 in the Big 12 for 2018. 
• #17 Northwestern (10-3) - the Wildcats enter Year 13 under HC Pat Fitzgerald and have won back to back bowl games for the first time in program history, with a 24-23 win over Kentucky (7-6) in the Music City Bowl. The Wildcats have a question at QB, with senior Clayton Thorson coming off an ugly ACL injury in the bowl win last year. The Stassen Composite has the Wildcats trending #29 nationally and #3 in the B1G West heading into 2018.
• #19 Mississippi State (9-4) - the Bulldogs welcome former PSU OC Joe Moorhead, as their new head coach. MSU returns 9 starters on offesne, including senior QB Nick Fitzerald; 8 defensive starters and their sophomore PK. The Bulldogs are coming off a 31-27 win over Louisville in the Taxpayer Bowl. The Bulldogs are trending #16 in the Stassen Composite, #3 in the SEC West.
• #20 Stanford (9-5) - the Cardinal won the Pac 12 North division, losing the title game 31-28 to USC. Then, fell short in the Alamo Bowl to TCU 39-37. HC David Shaw enters Year 8, with 9 returning starters on offense, including sophomore QB KJ Costello; 6 starters on defense, including PK and punter. The Cardinal are trending #14 in the Stassen Composite and #2 in the Pac 12 North heading into 2018.
• #21 USF (10-2) - the Bulls are coming off a 38-34 win over Texas Tech in the Birmingham Bowl, their second straight over a P5 there. HC Charlie Strong enters Year 2, with 6 offensive starters returning and 5 defensive starters. Junior QB Blake Barnett arrives in Tampa, after stops at Bama and ASU. The Bulls are expected to fall back nationally outside the Stassen Composite heading into 2018, but #2 in the AAC East.
• #22 Boise State (11-3) - the Broncos are coming off a 38-28 win over Oregon in the Las Vegas Bowl, as HC Bryan Harsin enters Year 5 at the helm. The Broncos return 6 offensive starters, including senior QB Brett Rypien; 10 defensive starters and both kickers. The Broncos are trending #22 in the Stassen Composite and the consensus #1 in the MWC Mountain division, after defeating Fresno State 17-14 in last season's MWC title game.
• #23 North Carolina State (9-4) - the Wolfpack are coming off a 52-31 Sun Bowl win over Arizona State, as HC Dave Doeren enters Year 8 at the helm. The Wolfpack return 6 offensive starters, including senior QB Ryan Finley; but only 3 defensive starters and their punter. NC State is trending #36 in the Stassen Composite and #3 in the ACC Atlantic division in 2018.
• #24 Virginia Tech (9-4) - the Hokies are coming off a 30-21 loss to Oklahoma State in the Camping World Bowl. HC Justin Fuente enters Year 3 with 7 offensive starters back, including sophomore QB Joshua Jackson; only 5 back on defensive and their punter. The Hokies are trending #23 in the Stassen Composite and #2 in the ACC Coastal division for 2018.
• #25 Memphis (10-3) - the Tigers are coming off a 21-20 loss at home in the Liberty Bowl against Iowa State (8-5) to close out last season. HC Mike Norvell enters Year 3 at the helm, with 7 offensive starters back; 8 defensive starters and their PK. Junior, grad transfer Brady White from ASU is an option at QB. The Tigers are trending #39 in the Stassen Composite and #1 in the AAC West division for 2018. 

They made the inaugural College Football Playoff; but not Top 25 all-time!

• Oregon (7-6) - the Ducks were 13-2 in 2014 and played in the College Football title game, but they have fallen to a low of 4-8 in 2016. Last season, under HC Willie Taggert, they finished 7-5 in the regular season, only to lose Taggert to Florida State. Co-OC Mario Cristobal was named HC and DC Jim Leavitt was retained, but their debut was a 38-28 loss to Boise State in the Las Vegas Bowl. The new coaching staff will return 7 starters on offense, including junior QB Justin Herbert; 7 starters on defense, plus their punter. Stassen Composite has Oregon trending #24t nationally and #3 in the Pac 12 North. The Ducks were 3-2 in BCS era bowl games, but the program is seeking their first national title, after losing the first CFP title game in 2014!

Don't forget about our conference or our team in 2018!

• West Virginia (7-6) - the Mountaineers lost to Utah 30-14 in the Heart of Dallas Bowl to close out last season. HC Dana Holgorsen enters Year 8, with 7 offensive starters back, including senior QB Will Grier; 5 starters back on defense, along with both kickers. WVU is trending #27 in the Stassen Composite and #5 in the Big 12 for 2018.
• South Carolina (9-4) - the Gamecocks are coming off a 26-19 win over Michigan in the Outback Bowl. HC Will Muschamp returns 8 starters on offense, including junior QB Jake Bentley; 6 back on defense and both kickers. The Gamecocks are trending #28 in the Stassen Composite and #2t in the SEC East division for 2018.
• Missouri (7-6) - the Tigers are coming off a 33-16 loss to Texas in the Texas Bowl last year. HC Barry Odom is entering Year 3, with 9 starters back on offense, including senior QB Drew Lock; 7 starters back on defense and both kickers. The Tigers are trending #31 in the Stassen Composite and #4 in the SEC East division for 2018.
• Arizona (7-6) - the Wildcats are coming off a 38-35 loss against Purdue (7-6) in the Foster Farms Bowl. New HC Kevin Sumlin will have 7 starters back on offense for the Wildcats, including junior QB Khalil Tate; 9 starters back on defense and both kickers. The Wildcats are trending #32t in the Stassen Composite and #2 in the Pac 12 South division for 2018.
• Utah (7-6) - the Utes are coming off a 30-14 win in the Heart of Dallas Bowl over West Virginia last year. HC Kyle Whittingham is entering his 14th Year at the helm, with 8 starters back on offense, including junior QB Tyler Huntley; 6 starters back on defense and both kickers, who are among the best in the nation. The Utes are trending #34 in the Stassen Composite and #3 in the Pac 12 South division for 2018.
• Florida Atlantic (11-3) - the Owls are coming off a 50-3 win over Akron (7-7) in the Boca Raton Bowl last season. HC Lane Kiffin enters Year 2, with 5 starters back on offense and 10 defensive starters back. Kiffin hasn't determine his #1 QB yet heading into game against OU. FAU are trending #35 in the Stassen Composite and #1 in the C-USA East division for 2018.
• Georgia Tech (5-6) - the Yellow Jackets are coming off a losing season for the second time in three years, under HC Paul Johnson entering his 11th season. The Jackets return 8 starters on offense, including senior QB TeQuon Marshall; 5 starters back on defense and both kickers. GT is trending #37 in the Stassen Composite and #4 in the ACC Coastal division for 2018.
• Kansas State (8-5) - the Wildcats are coming off a 35-17 win over UCLA in the Cotton Bowl last season. HC Bill Snyder signed a five year extension this summer, as he enters the 10th straight season and 27th overall at the helm in Manhattan. The Wildcats return 8 starters on offense, including junior QB Alex Delton; 5 defensive starters are back. K-State is trending #38 in the Stassen Composite and #7 in the Big 12 for 2018.
• Duke (7-6) - the Blue Devils are coming off a 36-14 win over Northern Illinois (8-5) in the Quick Lane Bowl last season. HC David Cutcliffe enters Year 11, with 7 offensive starters back, including junior QB Daniel Jones; 8 starters back on defense and both kickers. The Blue Devils are trending #41 in the Stassen Composite and #3 in the ACC Coastal division for 2018.
• Louisville (8-5) - the Cardinals are coming off a 31-27 loss to Mississippi State in the Taxslayer Bowl last year. HC Bobby Petrino enters Year 9 at the helm, with 7 starters back on offense, both kickers, but only 4 starters back on defense. The Cardinals are trending #42 in the Stassen Composite and #4 in the ACC Atlantic division for 2018.
• Boston College (7-6) - the Eagles are coming off a 27-20 loss against Iowa in the Pinstripe Bowl last season. HC Steve Addazio enters Year 6, with 10 starters back, including sophomore QB Anthony Brown; 6 defensive starters back and their PK. The Eagles are trending #43 in the Stassen Composite and #5 in the ACC Atlantic division for 2018.
• Arkansas State (7-5) - the Red Wolves are coming off a 35-30 loss against Middle Tennessee (8-5) in the Camellia Bowl last season. HC Black Anderson enters Year 5, with 7 starters back on offense, including senior QB Justice Hansen; 5 back on defense and both kickers. The Red Wolves are trending #44t in the Stassen Composite and #1 in the Sun Belt West division for 2018.
• Texas Tech (6-7) - the Red Raiders are coming off a 38-34 loss to USF in the Birmingham Bowl last year. HC Kliff Kingsbury enters Year 6, with 6 starters back on offense, 10 starters back on defense and both kickers. The Red Raiders are trending #44t in the Stassen Composite and #8 in the Big 12 for 2018.
• Wake Forest (8-5) - the Demon Deacons are coming off a 55-52 win against Texas A&M in the Belk Bowl last season. HC Dave Clawson enters Year 5 at the helm, with 8 starters back on offense, 6 starters back on defense and their punter. The Demon Deacons are trending #47t in the Stassen Composite and #6 in the ACC Atlantic division for 2018.
• The top picks in the MAC in 2018 - Ohio U (9-4) in the East and Northern Illinois (8-5) in the West. HC Frank Solich is heading into his 14th season at Ohio, while HC Rod Carey is heading into Year 6 for NIU.

Nope, Iowa State is not trending in any preseason Top 25 ratings

• Iowa State (8-5) - the Cyclones are coming off a 21-20 win against Memphis in the Liberty Bowl last year. HC Matt Campbell enters Year 3, with 6 starters back on offense, including senior QB Kyle Kempt; 6 starters back on defense and their PK. The Cyclones are trending #6 in the Big 12 in 2018.