Link: http://www.foxsports.com/college-fo...016-michigan-state-nebraska-washington-051016
Michigan State
Yes, the Spartans lost their starting quarterback in Connor Cook and stud pass rusher Shilique Calhoun, but Michigan State is a perennial powerhouse that always seems to wind up near the top. Mark Dantonio has worked wonders with this program, and the talent is still there despite several losses from last year's team. Tyler O'Connor is a fifth-year senior who should see a fairly smooth transition to a starting role with LJ Scott there to hand the ball off to.
Nebraska
The Cornhuskers have flown somewhat under the radar in the Big Ten despite finishing in the Top 25 in each of the past five seasons. Quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. has been somewhat inconsistent, but he has the tools to be a great dual-threat weapon on offense. Last season, he threw for 3,030 yards and rushed for 400 more, totaling 29 touchdowns to 16 interceptions. And if he and the rest of his squad can close out games unlike a year ago -- Nebraska lost six one-score games -- they'll be in good shape.
Washington
Since coming over from Boise State, head coach Chris Petersen has led the Huskies to back-to-back winning records. Washington also upset the likes of USC and Washington State a year ago, doing so in the midst of a 7-6 season led by true freshmen at quarterback and running back. Now with Jake Browning and Myles Gaskin gaining a year of experience under their belts, Washington is poised for a breakout season in the Pac-12.
Iowa
The Hawkeyes burst onto the scene last season in the Big Ten despite being tabbed as an overrated squad. C.J. Beathard is one of the best signal callers in the conference and has a stellar defense to limit opponents when the offense doesn't put up big numbers. Desmond King is a future first-round pick at cornerback and is a top cover guy in all of college football.
Auburn
Expectations were sky high for Auburn last season, mainly due to the raw talent of quarterback Jeremy Johnson. The Tigers were ranked as high as No. 6 but only dropped from that preseason ranking, finishing outside the Top 25 at season's end. The team's success rides heavily on Johnson and the defense's ability to make key stops in the SEC. It won't be easy for the Tigers to climb the ranks in the daunting conference, but it's certainly possible.
Michigan State
Yes, the Spartans lost their starting quarterback in Connor Cook and stud pass rusher Shilique Calhoun, but Michigan State is a perennial powerhouse that always seems to wind up near the top. Mark Dantonio has worked wonders with this program, and the talent is still there despite several losses from last year's team. Tyler O'Connor is a fifth-year senior who should see a fairly smooth transition to a starting role with LJ Scott there to hand the ball off to.
Nebraska
The Cornhuskers have flown somewhat under the radar in the Big Ten despite finishing in the Top 25 in each of the past five seasons. Quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. has been somewhat inconsistent, but he has the tools to be a great dual-threat weapon on offense. Last season, he threw for 3,030 yards and rushed for 400 more, totaling 29 touchdowns to 16 interceptions. And if he and the rest of his squad can close out games unlike a year ago -- Nebraska lost six one-score games -- they'll be in good shape.
Washington
Since coming over from Boise State, head coach Chris Petersen has led the Huskies to back-to-back winning records. Washington also upset the likes of USC and Washington State a year ago, doing so in the midst of a 7-6 season led by true freshmen at quarterback and running back. Now with Jake Browning and Myles Gaskin gaining a year of experience under their belts, Washington is poised for a breakout season in the Pac-12.
Iowa
The Hawkeyes burst onto the scene last season in the Big Ten despite being tabbed as an overrated squad. C.J. Beathard is one of the best signal callers in the conference and has a stellar defense to limit opponents when the offense doesn't put up big numbers. Desmond King is a future first-round pick at cornerback and is a top cover guy in all of college football.
Auburn
Expectations were sky high for Auburn last season, mainly due to the raw talent of quarterback Jeremy Johnson. The Tigers were ranked as high as No. 6 but only dropped from that preseason ranking, finishing outside the Top 25 at season's end. The team's success rides heavily on Johnson and the defense's ability to make key stops in the SEC. It won't be easy for the Tigers to climb the ranks in the daunting conference, but it's certainly possible.
