 |
| The 150th Anniversary of NCAA College Football. |
The
2019 College Football season celebrates the
150th anniversary of the collegiate sport. In 1869, the first game played was
Princeton vs. Rutgers.
Last year,
Clemson was the first national champion to finish with 15 wins in a season. The first
College Football Playoff champion to finish undefeated.
There have been five College Football Playoff champions, since 2014.
Clemson and
Alabama have combined for four of those titles, with each program winning two.
Ohio State won the inaugural title in 2014, but the Big Ten has failed to score a single point, since that first season of the Playoff.
The Big Ten Conference has been shutout of participation the past two seasons, as Iowa in 2017, then Purdue last year, brought down Ohio State.
Only ten programs have played in the
College Football Playoff over the past five seasons, since its inception.
Three of the five title games have seen Alabama and Clemson meet, with the Tigers winning two of those three title games.
Alabama has played in all five. Clemson four, Oklahoma three, but OU has yet to win a game. Ohio State two, but has missed two straight seasons, as mentioned.
Single season participants have been:
- Notre Dame,
- Georgia,
- Washington,
- Michigan State,
- Oregon,
- Florida State
- Only the Bulldogs and Ducks have been title game participants
- Losing to Alabama and Ohio State in 2017 and 2014, respectively
 |
| FBS Football |
Will we get another repeat champion in 2019?
The 2019 season will be the 130th anniversary for the Iowa Hawkeyes, who finished last season, in the Top 25, with a win over Mississippi State in the Outback Bowl.
 |
Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz is the only FBS coach, who was at the same school,
since 1999. Ferentz enters his 21st season in 2019, surpassing Hayden Fry at Iowa. |
Head coach Kirk Ferentz enters his 21st season as head coach at Iowa. Since 1999, he has lead
Iowa Hawkeyes. He is the Dean of College Football coaches and the lone coach, who has been at the same program for the past twenty straight seasons.
Here's CIDsports 2019 preseason list of Top 30+ College Football teams.
We have added a little wrinkle in 2019:
1.)
Clemson (15-0) - Dabo Swinney enters his 12th season at the helm, with 55-4 record, since 2015. QB Trevor Lawrence was the first true freshman to lead a program to a College Football Playoff title, last year.
The target will be on the Tigers in 2019!
2.)
Alabama (14-1) - Nick Saban is 67-6, since the College Football Playoff began, as he enters his 13th season in Tuscaloosa. Junior QB Tua Tagovailoa came off the bench as a freshman to win the last title for the
Crimson Tide. They should be all in to get back to the Playoff for the sixth straight season!
There are really only two consensus preseason candidates for #1 heading into 2019 College Football season. The defending champion has earned that position, but no program has won back to back titles, yet, so the Crimson Tide are viewed by many still, as the program to beat in 2019!
So, who are the next 28 plus programs for 2019?
3.)
Oklahoma (24-4), the past two seasons under coach Lincoln Riley entering his third season. So, despite zero wins in the College Football Playoff,
the Sooners will have QB Jalen Hurts, transfer from Alabama, to lead the program in 2019. Could we see a third straight Sooner QB win a third straight Heisman Trophy in 2019? Can Hurts lead his second program to a College Football Playoff?
4.)
Georgia (32-10), the past three seasons, under Kirby Smart. QB Jake Fromm enters his junior season, after leading his his team to a title game, as a true freshman, in 2017. Last year,
the Bulldogs came up short, losing three games.
5.)
LSU (10-3 last year), as Ed Orgeron enters his fourth season, 25-9 overall. Second year starting QB Joe Burrow, the former Buckeye, looks to get
the Tigers into the College Playoff picture in 2019.
6.)
Notre Dame (44-20), entering the 10th season under Brian Kelly, as
the Fighting Irish went 13-1 last year. Notre Dame fell 30-3 in the semifinals to Clemson. Senior QB Ian Book is back leading the Fighting Irish into the new season!
7.)
Washington (47-21), the past five seasons under Chris Peterson, will call on junior QB Jacob Eason, a transfer from Georgia, who has headed back home to the Pacific Northwest to lead the Huskies in 2019.
The Huskies won the Pac 12 last season, but came up short 28-23, as Ohio State's Urban Meyer won his first and final Rose Bowl to close out his college coaching career.
 |
Ohio State turns the reigns of head coach over to former OC Ryan Day, who was
3-0 as interim coach in 2018, while Urban Meyer sat out the first three games. |
8.)
Ohio State (13-1), with new head coach Ryan Day leading the team to the first three wins last season, while Meyer was suspended.
The Buckeyes will welcome a new era, asking Georgia transfer QB Justin Fields, a true sophomore, to step up and lead the offense. Two new defensive coordinators, Greg Mattison and Jeff Hafley, will welcome nine starters back on the defensive side of the ball in 2019.
9.)
Auburn (8-5), last year under seven year coach Gus Malzahn, vs.
Oregon (9-4), in Mario Cristobal's first full season in Eugene, as head coach,
the winner likely comes in at #9 for 2019, as the two programs kickoff the season in Arlington in Week 1.
The Tigers will have a new QB for 2019, as redshirt freshman Joey Gatewood and true freshman Bo Nix compete for the #1 position. While,
the Ducks are lead again by senior QB Jason Herbert, while the Tigers first year OC Kenny Dillingham will need a new QB to step up in 2019 and run the show?
 |
| Jim Harbaugh enters his fifth season, as Michigan head coach, at his alma mater. |
10.)
Michigan (38-14), entering the fifth campaign under Jim Harbaugh, the Wolverines have senior QB Shea Patterson back, after transferring from Ole Miss. First year OC Josh Gattis is back in the Big Ten, now handling the Wolverines offense, after a season at Alabama. Harbaugh, as a QB for Hall of Fame coach Bo Schembechler, back in the mid-1980s, it took him five seasons to win a B1G title, so can the offense combined with DC Doc Brown, in his fourth season in Ann Arbor, pull the right strings,
facing the challenging 2019 schedule? Harbaugh was only 10-3 last season. The majority of the Big Ten media is picking the Wolverines in 2019. But, Harbaugh is only 1-9 in Top 10 games over past four seasons.
11.)
Texas (10-4),
the Longhorns had their first double digit win season, since 2009 last year. Will third year coach Tom Herman be a one year wonder? Will junior QB Sam Ehlinger and the Longhorns, who only return three defensive starters build on winning on four of the last five games, including 28-21 Sugar Bowl win over Georgia from last season?
 |
Injuries impacted Michigan State in 2018, especially on offense. Mark Dantonio
shuffled around his offensive staff duties, as they seek to rebound from a 7-6 season. |
12.)
Michigan State (43-22), under Mark Dantonio over past five years, 107-51 over 12 years.
The Spartans return nine starters on offense, including senior QB Brian Lewerke, eight defensive starters and both kickers coming off an injured plagued 7-6 season in 2018.
13.)
Florida (10-3), in Dan Mullen's first season in Tallahassee, vs.
Miami-FL (7-6), as first year Manny Diaz takes over the Hurricanes,
winner open Week 0 in Orlando. The Gators return eight starters on defense and junior QB Feleipe Franks looks to make his 22nd start leading the offense. While the Hurricanes turn redshirt freshman QB Jarren Williams over Ohio State sophomore transfer Tate Martell. OC Dan Enos is in from Alabama, after one year, as QB coach. Diaz was the DC the past three seasons for Miami and grew up in the City.
 |
Iowa is lead at QB by senior Nate Stanley, who has thrown for
52 touchdowns in his 26 starts for OC Brian Ferentz. |
14.) Iowa (9-4), the Hawkeyes enter 2019, like many College Football programs with questions? QB Nate Stanley, like Ricky Stanzi, who began the decade as a senior; is seeking to lead the Hawkeyes to three straight bowl wins, as a starter. But, what about another trip to Indianapolis? Stanley is making his 27th start and he has thrown for 52 touchdowns in his two year career, as a starter.
15.) Texas A&M (9-4), the Aggies enter Year 2 under Jimbo Fisher. Week 2, the Aggies travel to face the defending National Champion Clemson, after hosting them last season. Junior QB Kellen Mond will make his 22nd start in 2019.
16.)
Utah (9-5),
the Utes return both senior Tyler Huntley and sophomore Jason Shelley, who both split QB starts 9-5 last year. Kyle Whittingham enters 15th season at the helm.
 |
| Penn State coach James Franklin enters his sixth season, at the helm in State College. |
17.)
Penn State (9-4), have been lead by James Franklin for five seasons, 45-21 overall, as
the Nittany Lions best two seasons were under former OC Joe Moorhead, who lead Mississippi State last year. Sophomore QB Sean Clifford, who played in four games, will need to replace three year starter Trace McSorley, so Franklin and his staff have their work cut out for him in 2019.
 |
Northwestern Pat Fitzgerald lead his alma mater to their first Big Ten West
division title in 2018. The Wildcats could be salty again on defense and the
offense may show improvement, under Clemson transfer QB Hunter Johnson. |
18.)
Northwestern (9-5) @
Stanford (9-4)
winner as Pat Fitzgerald and David Shaw kickoff season, in the return game, from the 2015 season. Fitzgerald is 41-24 and Shaw is 48-19 each over the past five seasons, as Fitz enters 14th season and Shaw enters his ninth season, respectively at helm.
The Wildcats will ask sophomore redshirt transfer from Clemson, Hunter Johnson, to make his first career start at QB, while junior QB KJ Costello will make his 21st college start for the
Stanford Cardinal.
19.)
TCU (7-6),
the Horned Frogs, enter their 19th season under Gary Patterson, who is highly respected coach in the Big 12. The final two QBs are K-State graduate transfer Alex Delton and #1 recruit, true freshman Max Duggan out of the State of Iowa.
 |
Iowa State coach Matt Campbell is only 19-19 overall. Cyclone fans are
quite excited, after back to back 8-5 seasons in Ames. |
20.)
Iowa State (8-5),
the Cyclones open the fourth season under Matt Campbell (19-19 overall). Sophomore QB Brook Purdy is a foundation to much of the excitement heading into the 2019 season for the Cyclones. Week 3, the Cy-Hawk Game between cross-state rival Iowa could be a Top 25 showdown for the first time in series history, as the Hawkeyes arrive in Ames.
21.)
Boise State (10-3) vs.
Florida State (5-7)
winner in Week 1 game in Jacksonville to kickoff 2019! Bryan Harsin is 52-15 entering his sixth season, as sophomore Chase Cord is favorite to step into QB position in 2019 for departed Brett Rypien, who was 37-12, as a starter for
the Broncos. Willie Taggert enters Year 2 at the helm at
Florida State, with first year OC Kendal Briles, who will have sophomore James Blackman and Wisconsin transfer Alex Hornibrook.
22.)
UCF (12-1),
the Knights have had back to back undefeated regular seasons. First under Scott Frost, who left after two seasons for his alma mater, Nebraska. Then, last year, under first year head coach Josh Heupel, who came over from Missouri as a OC/QB coach. Notre Dame QB transfer Brandon Winbush will likely lead the 2019 offense, with McKenzie Milton, out due to injury. Sophomore Darriel Mack is back, as well.
 |
| Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst brings a 42-12 record into his fifth season. |
23.)
Wisconsin (8-5) @
USF (7-6)
winner as Paul Chryst enters Year 5 for the Badgers (42-12 overall) and Charlie Strong (17-8 overall) enters Year 3 for the Bulls.
The Badgers return a part-time starter at QB Jack Coan, with true freshman Graham Mertz, a likely option, in relief.
The Bulls return senior QB Blake Burnett, who made one start in 2016 at Alabama, later transferring in from Arizona State.
24.)
UCLA (3-9) @
Cincinnati (11-2)
winner as the season opener heads to the Midwest in 2019.
The Bruins enter the second season under Chip Kelly with sophomore QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson looking to make his ninth start under center. Luke Fickel for
the Bearcats enters his third campaign with a 15-10 record. Sophomore QB Desmond Ridder has 12 starts under his belt.
25.)
Fresno State (12-2) vs.
USC (5-7)
winner, as
the Bulldogs enter third season under Jeff Tedford (22-6) and Clay Helton (32-17) enters fifth season for Trojans. Senior QB Jorge Reyna is favorite to start in 2019 for Fresno, who should be solid up front in defensive line.
The Trojans turn again to sophomore QB JT Daniels making his 12th start in 2019.
26.)
Mississippi State (8-5),
the Bulldogs enter their second season under Joe Moorhead with only four starters back on one of the nation's best defenses. A new QB will need to step up as Penn State grad transfer Tommy Stevens or junior Keytaon Thompson provide different options for the Bulldogs in 2019.
27.)
Virginia (8-5),
the Cavaliers enter their fourth season under Bronco Mendenhall (16-22 overall) coming off a 28-0 bowl win over South Carolina (7-6) in the Belk Bowl. Senior Bryce Perkins is a former JC transfer, beginning his college journey at Arizona State, where he did not play. He threw 25 touchdowns last year making his debut in Charlottesville.
28.)
Virginia Tech (6-7) @
Boston College (7-5)
winner, as
Hokies travel for the ACC season opener, entering Justin Fuente's fourth season at 25-15. Junior QB Ryan Willis will make 21st college start, after 10 at KU and 10 last year for Hokies. For BC, Steve Addazio enters seventh season at 38-38, so some
Eagles fans are a little restless? Junior QB Anthony Brown will make his 23rd start to kickoff 2019.
29.)
Missouri (8-5), the Tigers enter the fourth season under Barry Odom, 19-19 overall. Clemson transfer, senior Kelly Bryant will take over the reigns at QB. The Tigers will be ineligible for bowl and the Playoff in 2019. So, a role of spoiler in the SEC will be on
the Tigers minds.
 |
| Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck enters his third season, with positive expectations. |
30.)
Minnesota (7-6),
the Golden Gophers are only 12-13 overall entering the third season under PJ Fleck, though some are projecting a breakout year in the B1G West. Sophomore QB Tanner Morgan will make his seven start and was 4-2, as a starter, including wins over IU, Purdue, @ Wisconsin (program's first in 15 games) and bowl win over Georgia Tech.
Need to Win a key game first, like many above:
#1)
Nebraska (4-8),
the Huskers travel to
Colorado (5-7), who will be under first year coach Mel Tucker, in Week 2. The Huskers have lost eight of last ten on road, and haven't won since their inaugural season in the Big Ten on the road in the non-conference.
 |
Hype, expectations and excitement are at record highs lately in Lincoln, as head
coach Scott Frost enters his second season. The Huskers are coming off back to back
4-8 seasons, but the Big Ten media likes them to win the Big Ten West in 2019. |
The
B1G media have picked the Huskers in the West, under second year coach Scott Frost the front-runner for the B1G West division. Sophomore QB Adrian Martinez will make his 12th start in 2019 and is fueling much of the excitement. The road trips this season are at Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, Purdue and Maryland. Those last two road wins were at Illinois and Purdue in 2017.
One Liners on other Power Five programs for 2019
- Ole Miss (5-7) - the Rebels enter Year 3 under Matt Luke with 3 starters back on offense and 10 starters back on defense
- Arkansas (2-10) - the Razorbacks enter Year 2 under Chad Morris, with 6 starters back on both sides of the football
- South Carolina (7-6) vs. North Carolina (2-9) in Charlotte, as Will Muschamp enters Year 4 for the Gamecocks against Mack Brown, back in coaching and back with the Tar Heels for 2019!
- Tennessee (5-7), as the Volunteers enter Year 2 under Jeremy Pruitt with 10 starters back on offense and 6 on defense in 2019
- Kentucky (10-3), as Wildcats look to rebuild with 6 starters back on offense, 4 on defense, as Mark Stoops enters Year 7 at the helm!
- Vanderbilt (6-7) - the Commodores return 7 starters on offense and 5 on defense for 2019 under Derek Mason, in his sixth season!
- Indiana (5-7) - the Hoosiers enter Year 3 under Tom Allen, with a new DC and OC, as 7 starters are back on both sides of the ball, including junior QB Peyton Ramsey, who may start?
- Maryland (5-7) - the Terrapins welcome back Mike Locksley, who was 1-5 in 2015, as an interim coach .... he will work with 5 starters back on each side of the football, and welcomes Virginia Tech transfer, junior QB Joshua Jackson to College Park!
- Rutgers (1-11) - the Scarlet Knights return 8 offensive and 5 defensive starters, including sophomore QB Artur Sitkowski, as head coach Chris Ash enters Year 4
- Purdue (6-7) - the Boilermakers enter Year 3 under Jeff Brohm, with junior QB Elijah Sindelar back off a medical redshirt .... he will have 3 offensive starters and 9 defensive starters back along side of him!
- Illinois (4-8) - the Fighting Illini enter Year 4 under Lovie Smith, as he takes over as DC, as well .... with a new QB needed, and 7 starters back on offense and 10 back on defense!
- Syracuse (10-3) - the Orange enter Year 4 under Dino Babers, as sophomore QB Tommy DeVito takes over, with 6 other starters on offense and 7 starters back on defense!
- North Carolina State (9-4) - the Wolfpack enter Year 7 under Dave Doeren with only 4 back on offense and 7 starters back on defense!
- Wake Forest (7-6) - the Demon Deacons enter Year 6 under Dave Clawson, with both junior QB Jamie Newman and sophomore QB Sam Hartman back after splitting starts last season .... 6 other starters are back on offense and 5 are back on defense!
- Louisville (2-10) - the Cardinals welcome Scott Satterfield as the new head coach, coming off a 47-16 record at Appalachian State .... junior QB Jawon "Puma" Pass is back, along with 5 other starters on offense and 10 back on defense!
- Pittsburgh (7-7) - the Panthers are coming off the Coastal division title in 2018, as Pat Narduzzi enters Year 5 at the helm, junior QB Kenny Pickett is back, along with 4 other offensive starters and 6 defense starters!
- Duke (8-5) - the Blue Devils enter Year 12 under David Cutcliffe, with 4 starters back on offense and 8 back on defense, as senior QB Quentin Harris takes over as the new starter
- Georgia Tech (7-6) - the Yellow Jackets welcome the Geoff Collins era to Atlanta, after two seasons at Temple .... 5 starters are back on offense and only 4 starters return on defense!
- Baylor (7-6) - the Bears enter Year 3 under Matt Rhule coming off a bowl game and win .... junior QB Charlie Brewer returns, with 7 other offensive starters back and 7 defensive starters back, as well
- Oklahoma State (7-6) - the Cowboys enter Year 15 under Mike Gundy, as redshirt freshman QB Spencer Sanders and senior Dru Brown battle for the QB position in 2019, as 7 starters return on offense and 5 on defense!
- Texas Tech (5-7) - the Red Raiders welcome Matt Wells in from Utah State, after compiling a 44-34 record in six seasons .... sophomore QB Alan Bowman is back, along with 6 other starters on offense and defense!
- Kansas State (5-7) -
