ESPN's WAY too early top 25
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ESPN's WAY too early top 25
http://espn.go.com/college-football/sto ... rogs-surge
2 BYU opponents are listed:
15. Michigan State Spartans
2015 record: 12-2, 7-1 Big Ten
Returning starters: 3 offense, 6 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: QB Connor Cook, WR Aaron Burbridge, C Jack Allen, G Donovan Clark, OT Jack Conklin, DE Shilique Calhoun, DT Joel Heath DE Lawrence Thomas, LB Darien Harris
Post-spring outlook: The Spartans have been as steady as any FBS program during the past three seasons, winning two Big Ten championships and 36 games. But Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio faces a major rebuilding job this coming season, having to replace quarterback Connor Cook, a three-year starter, and three starting offensive linemen. Fifth-year senior Tyler O'Connor will finally get his chance to start at quarterback. The offensive line remains in flux, with projected starting left tackle Dennis Finley still making his way back from a broken leg. The back seven of the defense remains largely in place, and sophomore tackle Malik McDowell looks like a budding All-American.
22. UCLA Bruins
2015 record: 8-5, 5-4 Pac-12
Returning starters: 5 offense, 9 defense, 0 special teams
Key losses: RB Paul Perkins, WR Jordan Payton, C Jake Brendel, OT Caleb Benenoch, NT Kenny Clark, LB Aaron Wallace
Post-spring outlook: The Bruins unveiled a new offense under new coordinator Kennedy Polamalu this spring. Sophomore quarterback Josh Rosen is lining up under center, instead of the shotgun, and UCLA is expected to utilize a fullback and tight end a lot more this coming season. The Bruins lost their top three receivers from 2015, and converted cornerback Ishmael Adams and early enrollee Theo Howard looked like they might be able to help right away. The Bruins also have to replace three interior offensive linemen. With nine starters coming back on defense, the offense might have some time to adjust to its new scheme.
2 BYU opponents are listed:
15. Michigan State Spartans
2015 record: 12-2, 7-1 Big Ten
Returning starters: 3 offense, 6 defense, 2 special teams
Key losses: QB Connor Cook, WR Aaron Burbridge, C Jack Allen, G Donovan Clark, OT Jack Conklin, DE Shilique Calhoun, DT Joel Heath DE Lawrence Thomas, LB Darien Harris
Post-spring outlook: The Spartans have been as steady as any FBS program during the past three seasons, winning two Big Ten championships and 36 games. But Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio faces a major rebuilding job this coming season, having to replace quarterback Connor Cook, a three-year starter, and three starting offensive linemen. Fifth-year senior Tyler O'Connor will finally get his chance to start at quarterback. The offensive line remains in flux, with projected starting left tackle Dennis Finley still making his way back from a broken leg. The back seven of the defense remains largely in place, and sophomore tackle Malik McDowell looks like a budding All-American.
22. UCLA Bruins
2015 record: 8-5, 5-4 Pac-12
Returning starters: 5 offense, 9 defense, 0 special teams
Key losses: RB Paul Perkins, WR Jordan Payton, C Jake Brendel, OT Caleb Benenoch, NT Kenny Clark, LB Aaron Wallace
Post-spring outlook: The Bruins unveiled a new offense under new coordinator Kennedy Polamalu this spring. Sophomore quarterback Josh Rosen is lining up under center, instead of the shotgun, and UCLA is expected to utilize a fullback and tight end a lot more this coming season. The Bruins lost their top three receivers from 2015, and converted cornerback Ishmael Adams and early enrollee Theo Howard looked like they might be able to help right away. The Bruins also have to replace three interior offensive linemen. With nine starters coming back on defense, the offense might have some time to adjust to its new scheme.