SparkE3

Out of all of the conference realignment changes in college football, the AAC (American Athletic Conference) has seen its fair share of big moves. UCF, Cincinnati, and Houston, arguably the three biggest teams in the conference, have all bid farewell as they move over to the Big-12. But the American responded quickly by adding six newcomers into the fold - North Texas, Rice, UAB, UTSA, FAU, and Charlotte - to help boost the league's membership to 14 teams.

Even with numerous changes for the conference, it seems the top-2 teams to beat are going to be Tulane and UTSA. Both teams combined for a total of 23 wins in the 2022 season. After winning the Cotton Bowl against USC last year, the Green Wave look to try and replicate their historic run of 2022, while the UTSA Roadrunners hope that a concrete defense and a returning Frank Harris at QB will be enough to push them over-the-top and get them to one of college football's biggest bowl games. Second tier teams for the AAC include SMU, FAU, and Memphis for 2023.

How does ATFS project the American Athletic Conference for the 2023 campaign? Jakub Dodson predicts and ranks all 14 teams in the AAC for this fall:

- - -

#### **AAC 2023 PREDICTIONS**

##### **1.) Tulane**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 7-1**

**2022 Overall Record: 12-2**

 
**Biggest Question****: Can they repeat?**

 
**The Green Wave will certainly be tested with early match-ups consisting of South Alabama and Ole Miss, but the biggest match-up of the year for them will be a visiting UTSA in late November. They get one of the top signal callers in the country returning in QB Michael Pratt (3488 total yards; 34 total scores in 2022), but lose RB Tyjae Spears (1581 rushing yards) to the NFL Draft.**
 
##### **2.) UTSA**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 8-0 (C-USA)**

**2022 Overall Record: 11-3**

 
**Biggest Question:** **New Year’s Six bowl this fall?**

**With a returning star QB in Frank Harris (333.2 total yards per game) and 16 additional returning starters, the Roadrunners should, in theory, be vying for a coveted New Year’s Six bowl game this year. The only potential bump in the way of that success, is how they transition to new signal-caller Justin Burke.**

 
##### **3.) SMU**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 5-3**

**2022 Overall Record: 7-6**

 
**Biggest Question:** **Will the defense be ready?**

**Up and down the board, this SMU offense, on paper, is (and likely will be) going to push both Tulane and UTSA for a AAC title game spot this year. The defense, however, let up 33.8 points per game last year. HC Rhett Lashlee and DC Scott Symons have their hands full this year in what could be a potential fantastic season...or go horribly bad (there’s not much room between).**

 
##### **4.) Memphis**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 3-5**

**2022 Overall Record: 7-6**

 
**Biggest Question:** **Can they reach the next level?**

**The Tigers are 11-13 in conference play in the past three seasons under HC Ryan Silverfield, but have managed to reach a bowl game in each of those seasons. The changing team membership of the AAC should work in Memphis' favor in 2023, especially with HC Silverfield returning one of the league's top QBs in Seth Henigan (3,571 yards and 22 TDs). Old Dominion transfer Blake Watson is a big-time pickup for the backfield, but Henigan's WR corps needs a couple of transfers to step up right away with the departure of the team's top four targets from 2022. Five starters return from a defense that fared well on a per-play basis (5.3) but allowed too many points a contest (29.3).**

 
##### **5.) FAU**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 4-4 (C-USA)**

**2022 Overall Record: 5-7**

 
**Biggest Question:** **Will it be a smooth transition for new HC Tom Herman?**

**All of the pieces are in place for FAU to surprise a lot of people this year. A huge pick-up in signal-caller Casey Thompson (formerly with Nebraska and Texas) will provide a significant addition to an already stacked (in AAC terms) backfield. The WR corps needs to find its identity this year and the defense must improve from a below-average 6.03 yards a snap in 2022.**

 
##### **6.) East Carolina**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 4-4**

**2022 Overall Record: 8-5**

 
**Biggest Question:** **Who’s going to step up?**

**Coming off of their best season under HC Mike Houston (8-5), the Pirates have a tremendously tough task ahead of the 2023 season. Losing QB Holton Ahlers, RB Keaton Mitchell, and WRs Isaiah Winstead and C.J. Johnson are huge blows to an offense that averaged 32.5 points a contest last season. Only a single starter is returning for the offensive line. The QB battle between Mason Garcia and Alex Flinn still isn’t very clear, but signs that Garcia will start week 1 are starting to show. The Pirates will likely have to lean on their six returning defensive starters early this season as the offense molds itself into a cohesive unit.**

 
##### **7.) North Texas**

**2022 Conference Record: 6-2 (C-USA)**

**2022 Overall Record: 7-7**

 
**Biggest Question:** **Will the defense improve?**

**New coach Eric Morris is a Texas native, played his college ball at Texas Tech and spent time as a FCS head coach at Incarnate Word (from 2018-21). All of that experience, plus the ties to the Lone Star State, make the former Red Raider a perfect fit in Denton. The offense is certainly in good hands, but the upcoming season will live or die by the Mean Green defense. They gave up 6.1 yards a play and allowed nearly 200 yards (197.8 rushing yards a game) last season. New DC Matt Caponi does have eight returning starters, but will have key missing players not returning such as LB KD Davis.**

 
##### **8.) Temple**

**2022 Conference Record: 1-7**

**2022 Overall Record: 3-9**

 
##### **9.) Navy**

**2022 Conference Record: 4-4**

**2022 Overall Record: 4-8**

 
##### **10.) Tulsa**

**2022 Conference Record: 3-5**

**2022 Overall Record: 5-7**

 
##### **11.) UAB**

**2022 Conference Record: 4-4 (C-USA)**

**2022 Overall Record: 7-6**

 
 
##### **12.) Rice**

**2022 Conference Record: 3-5**

**2022 Overall Record: 5-8**

 
##### **13.) USF**

**2022 Conference Record: 0-8**

**2022 Overall Record: 1-11**

 
##### **14.) Charlotte**

**2022 Conference Record: 2-6**

**2022 Overall Record: 3-9**

***(article by Jakub Dodson of A Terrible Football Show)***

How does the AAC stack up this season?

A Terrible Football Show S3

American Athletic Conference Preseason Power Rankings

Realignment within the college football realm certainly hit Conference USA hard, as the conference lost three teams to the Sun Belt before 2022 and had six teams bow-out to the American Athletic Conference this offseason. The C-USA did send out invites, which were accepted, to two top FCS schools - Jacksonville State and Sam Houston - while Liberty and New Mexico State said bye-bye to FBS Independence and hello to the C-USA. With its fair share of turnover within the last couple of years, its not gonna be easy to get a solid read on this conference going into the 2023 campaign.

Even with the main topic for Conference USA being change, one single constant remains which is the dominance of Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers are Jakub Dodson's top pick to win C-USA, as HC Tyson Helton's unit is 18-10 over the last two seasons and was in a showdown for the conference title in 2021. For Liberty, Jamey Chadwell's arrival should help speed up the transition to the conference, while Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee, and New Mexico State should all be somewhere in the mix for bowl eligibility this coming postseason.

How does ATFS project Conference USA for the 2023 campaign? Jakub Dodson predicts and ranks all 14 teams in C-USA for this fall:

 
 
- - -

### **C-USA 2023 PREDICTIONS**
 
##### **1.) Western Kentucky**
 
 
**2022 Conference Record: 6-2**

**2022 Overall Record: 9-5**

 
**Biggest Question:** **N/A**

**With all of the conference changes, this conference is very difficult to predict, but one thing should be concrete…the Hilltoppers should easily win the conference title this season. Even with a new OC (Drew Hollingshead; formerly with Mississippi State), I wouldn’t expect Western Kentucky’s high-flying offense to skip a beat considering QB Austin Reed and WR Malachi Corely are returning. Defense has a few holes to fill since only four starters are returning, but DE JaQues Evans returns and should captain the D-line to the top of the stat boards.**

 
##### **2.) Liberty**

**2022 Conference Record: N/A (IND)**

**2022 Overall Record: 8-5**

 
**Biggest Question:**  **How long will the transition take?**

**There’s a new sheriff in town at HC. Coming from Coastal Carolina, Jamey Chadwell will look to inject his offensive mindset into this unit  in hopes that a major drop in production is prevented. A solid amount of transfers will help fill the ranks on the O-line and both the RB and WR rooms. The biggest question mark on the offense, however, is the empty starting position at QB which is still in a battle between, presumably, Seniors Johnathon Bennett and Trey Lowe. The defense was hit the worst by offseason losses at every single level which will make replicating last seasons’ 4.96 yards a play allowed tough for new DC Skylor Magee (Coastal Carolina).**

 
##### **3.) Middle Tennessee**

**2022 Conference Record: 4-4**

**2022 Overall Record: 8-5**

**Biggest Question:**  **Will the program stability lead to a title?**

**HC Rick Stockstill has led the Blue Raiders seven bowl games out of the last 10 years. Considering the conference has experienced drastic changes over the offseason, Middle Tennessee’s stability and track record of above average success should place them into the mix for a conference title game berth. They receive nine starters returning on defense that, just last season, allowed 6.1 yards per play which should take a step forward. With the defense squared away, this should allow focus to be more centered on the offensive side of the ball. Will they be able to recoup from losing quite a few WRs and QB Chase Cunningham?**

 
##### **4.) New Mexico State**
 
**2022 Conference Record: N/A (IND)**

**2022 Overall Record: 7-6**

**Biggest Question:**  **Can the upward trend continue?**

**HC Jerry Kill made a massive impact on the Aggies after only one tenured season taking New Mexico State from 2-10 in 2021 to 7-6 in 2022 and included a bowl win over Bowling Green. With the transition to the C-USA, things should get slightly easier for the program now that they are no longer a FBS Independent. QB Diego Pavia (19 total touchdowns last season) returns and a plethora of depth at RB and WR should keep the offense stable. From 2021 to 2022, the defense went from allowing 40.4 points per game to only allowing 23.9 points which doesn’t happen quite often. With only four starters returning on the defensive side of the ball, the Aggies need key transfers to emerge as stars in order to keep the D improving.**
 
##### **5.) Louisiana Tech**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 2-6**

**2022 Overall Record: 3-9**

 
##### **6.) UTEP**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 3-5**

**2022 Overall Record: 5-7**

 
##### **7.) Jacksonville State**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 5-0 (FCS Atlantic Sun)**

**2022 Overall Record: 9-2**
 
##### **8.) Sam Houston**
 
 
**2022 Conference Record: 3-2 (FCS Western Atlantic)**

**2022 Overall Record: 5-4**
 
##### **9.) FIU**
 
 
**2022 Conference Record: 2-6**

**2022 Overall Record: 4-8**

***(article by Jakub Dodson of A Terrible Football Show)***

Will the former FCS teams bring glory to this conference?

Conference-USA Preseason Power Rankings

The Toledo Rockets start the football season exactly where it ended for them: One of the top teams in the MAC. They will look to acquire a rare repeat as conference champs, and HC Jason Candle certainly has plenty of reasons to look forward to this season, including a returning QB Dequan Finn and seven total returns on defense. Even with Toledo seeming to be clear favorites to win the West Division, the East is shaping up to be very competitive. Miami (OH) and the Ohio Bobcats both can make a strong claim to the #1 spot for their division, with Bowling Green and Buffalo following close behind them.

Out of 12 MAC teams last season, nine recorded at least five wins. Yet another season of parity in the middle (with multiple teams fighting between themselves for bowl eligibility), while Ohio, Miami (OH), and Toledo separate at the top is seeming very likely.

How does ATFS project the Mid-American Conference for the 2023 campaign? Jakub Dodson predicts and ranks all 12 teams in the MAC for this fall:

- - -

### **MAC Football 2023 Predictions**
 
 
 
##### **1.) Ohio**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 7-1**

**2022 Overall Record: 10-4**

 
**B****iggest Question:** **Will Rourke be ready and 100%?**

**Suffered late into the 2022 campaign, QB Kurtis Rourke’s torn ACL will hold the key to the success of this year’s Bobcats team. Prior to the injury though, Kurtis was among the top tier of QBs in the country by passing for 3256 yards and throwing 25 TDs (also added 249 yards rushing). Returning this year to help keep this offense high-powered is a 1000-yard rusher in Sieh Bangura and, what could be, the conferences’ top receiving room which is headlined by WR Sam Wiglusz who had 74 catches for 883 yards. After ranking last in the MAC in yards per snap allowed (6.2) and giving up an average of 28.3 points a game, Ohio’s defense will lean on the transfers DC Tim Albin was able to snag in the portal. There is a bit of optimism on defense though because the Bobcats will welcome back six starters this season.**
 
##### **2.) Toledo**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 5-3**

**2022 Overall Record: 9-5**

 
**B****iggest Question:**  **Repeat?**

**No MAC team has been able to repeat as conference champion since Northern Illinois was able to do it back in 2010 and 2011. Returning a whopping total of 16 starters is the first step in the right direction if HC Jason Candle wishes to repeat. QB Dequan Finn (2891 total yards with 32 TDs) will return this season after coming off of a stellar performance as one of the MAC’s top playmakers. As for his weapons, the Rockets return both WR Jerjuan Newton (53 catches) and Devin Maddox (39 catches). Toledo also sports a deep RB squad and an elite offensive line that gets back five starters with plenty of experience. After leading the MAC in fewest yards per snap allowed (4.8) last season, Toledo’s defense returns seven starters, but unfortunately lost All-MAC stars Jamal Hines, Dyontae Johnson, and Desjuan Johnson in the offseason. With a week one matchup against Illinois, the Rockets will have an opportunity for an early season surprise that could open-up quite a few eyes.**
 
##### **3.) Buffalo**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 5-3**

**2022 Overall Record: 7-6**

 
**B****iggest Question:**  **Can they keep improving?**

**After going 4-8 in his debut season in 2021, HC Maurice Linguist was able to improve the Bulls to a 7-6 record that included a win against the eventual MAC champion (Toledo 34-27). Buffalo's ability to force a stellar 26 turnovers certainly helped win the team four games that were decided by one score or less. There is some forecasted regression to the takeaway department this season so development on both sides of the ball will need to be developed this time around. On offense, the Bulls were only able to muster-up a pitiful 4.89 yards a snap last fall. With new OC DJ Mangas brought into the fold, the offense will have a decent foundation for further improvement considering they return QB Cole Snyder, RBs Mike Washington and Ron Cook, and three starters for the line.**
 
##### **4.) Eastern Michigan**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 5-3**

**2022 Overall Record: 9-4**

 
**B****iggest Question:**  **Can they retool the offensive line?**

**This program is one of the toughest to win at historically. From 1987-2015, the Eagles only made a single bowl appearance. But since 2016, HC Chris Creighton has led Eastern Michigan to five postseason games and tied Toledo at 5-3 for first place in the MAC West last year. One of the biggest obstacles for Creighton and his coaching staff will be retooling the depleted offensive line as three starting linemen were lost over the offseason including standouts Sidy Sow and Marcellus Johnson. The backfield will remain the strength of the offense with Samson Evans returning (1166 yards). The offense will be led by new starting QB Austin Smith who has shown promise in his limited playing time. Defensive-wise, eight starters are returning, which is fantastic, but this squad can improve even more as their ceiling is very high under new DC Ben Needham.**
 
##### **5.) Northern Illinois**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 2-6**

**2022 Overall Record: 3-9**

 
**B****iggest Question:**  **Will the defense hinder this team from returning to the MAC title picture?**

**NIU’s hopes of repeating as MAC champs was severely hindered by injuries to QB Rocky Lombardi and WR Trayvon Rudolph as, without them, the team slipped to 3-9 and put HC Thomas Hammock on a potential hotseat in 2023. But, luckily for his sake, both Lombardi and Rudolph return this season at 100% which will give the Huskies’ offense the spark that led to a conference title a few years ago. NIU’s offense will also include perhaps one of the conference’s top backs (RB Antario Brown) that will be running behind an offensive line that returns mostly intact from last season. Standing in between this team and a MAC championship game berth is their defense that has finished 10th or worse in the MAC in points allowed for three straight seasons. It’s not going to be an easy task turning this unit around with the loss of LBs Kyle Pugh and Daveren Rayner, DE Izayah Green-May, and CB Jordan Gandy, but DC Nick Benedetto seems to be up to the challenge.**
 
##### **6.) Miami (OH)**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 4-4**

**2022 Overall Record: 6-7**

 
**B****iggest Question:**  **Who will be the next breakout star WR?**

**The Redhawks have the potential of beating Ohio for the top spot in the MAC East, but a few key factors may hinder that success. Firstly, Miami (OH) faces both Toledo (home game) and Ohio in Athens. Secondly, returning QB Brett Gabbert (who missed all of 2022 due to injury) lost his best target with departure of WR Mac Hippenhammer and also two starting linemen (Rusty Feth (Iowa) and Caleb Shaffer (Oklahoma)) transferred to Power 5 teams. The defense could very well be the best in the conference after allowing just 22.6 points per game.**
 
##### **7.) Bowling Green**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 5-3**

**2022 Overall Record: 6-7**

 
##### **8.) Western Michigan**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 4-4**

**2022 Overall Record: 5-7**

 
##### **9.) Kent State**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 4-4**

**2022 Overall Record: 5-7**

 
##### **10.) Ball State**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 3-5**

**2022 Overall Record: 5-7**

 
##### **11.) Central Michigan**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 3-5**

**2022 Overall Record: 4-8**

 
##### **12.) Akron**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 1-7**

**2022 Overall Record: 2-10**

***(article by Jakub Dodson of A Terrible Football Show)***

Will it be a Back-to-Back Season for Toledo?

Mid-American Conference Preseason Power Rankings

The marathon to capture the Mountain West title this season will look slightly different this upcoming season than in 2022. The divisions - Mountain and West - are gone, and, in its place, is a 12-team, one division format. The top two teams at the end of the season will meet in the conference title game, which all eyes will be on as the conference looks to return back to a New Year's Six Bowl game for the first time since 2014.

With QB Taylen Green and a phenomenal ground attack leading the charge for Boise State, they take the top spot in this power rankings for the start of the 2023 campaign. But the Broncos will have some teams hot on their trail as Air Force, Fresno State, and San Diego State look to state their claim to the conference. Three teams that may surprise some will be Colorado State, Utah State, and UNLV.

How does ATFS project the Mountain West Conference for the 2023 campaign? Jakub Dodson predicts and ranks all 12 teams in the MWC for this fall:

- - -

### **Mountain West Football 2023 Predictions**
 
##### **1.) Boise State**
 
 
**2022 Conference Record: 8-0**

**2022 Overall Record: 10-4**

 
**Biggest Question:**  **Can they make it back to the title picture?**

**2019 was the last time the Broncos won a Mountain West title, but HC Andy Avalos’ unit is certainly poised to return to the tip of the conference this season. Rising star QB Taylen Green returns after a solid campaign in 2022 amounting for 2628 total yards and 24 TDs overall. With his dual-threat ability (586 rushing yards in 2022), he adds to a prolific combo that includes both RB George Holani and Ashton Jeanty. On offense, the biggest concern will be replacing two starters, but OC Bush Hamdan seems prepared to fix that issue. The defense, on the other hand, lost three key pieces and will be highly tested the very first week of the season when Boise State takes on Washington.**
 
##### **2.) Air Force**
 
 
**2022 Conference Record: 5-3**

**2022 Overall Record: 10-3**

 
**Biggest Question:**  **Can they resupply the offense with talent?**

**The Falcons’ phenomenal ground attack will be without their two best threats with both QB Haaziq Daniels and RB Brad Roberts leaving the program. But, as per usual, expect HC Troy Calhoun to find the right solutions in order to keep the offense on track. Lucky for coach Calhoun, four starters on the offensive line (including two 1st team All-Mountain West) will provide an ease in transition for the next QB-RB duo. While the offense looks to find their new identity, Air Force’s defense enters this season with minimal concerns. After allowing just 13.4 points a game last season and also managing to hold opponents to less than 30% on 3rd down conversion, this group will bring back eight of the players who helped in doing so. Odds are, this defense will be the top in the conference.** 
 
##### **3.) Fresno State**
 
 
**2022 Conference Record: 7-1**

**2022 Overall Record: 10-4**

 
**Biggest Question:** **How quickly will the offense recover from offseason turnovers?**


**Bye-bye QB Jake Haener. Adiós WR Jalen Moreno-Cropper. Hello UCF transfer QB Mikey Keene and a collection of returning options, transfers, and JUCO products for the WR room. This offense might look…different to say the least next season after Haener and Moreno-Cropper led the Bulldogs to the Mountain West Championship last season. Needless to say, the defense might carry the team this year as seven starters return after having a season where they allowed only 19.4 points per game. Biggest area of concern of the defense will be the secondary due to the departure of four starters including S Evan Williams who transferred to Oregon.** 
 
##### **4.) San Diego State**
 
 
**2022 Conference Record: 5-3**

**2022 Overall Record: 7-6**

 
**Biggest Question:**  **Is it time?**

**With the emergence**  **of QB Jalen Mayden (2261 total yards and 15 TDs), the Aztecs were able to find an offensive spark in the second half of the 2022 season. OC Ryan Lindley will look to build on the success of Mayden’s solid finish last year and hopefully bring more overall improvement to a squad that averaged just 21.5 points a game in 2022. Adding to the challenge that Lindley has this season, was the departure of his top WRs in Tyrell Shavers and Jesse Matthews and a couple of key losses in the trenches. With only two starters returning on defense, the Aztec defense should still find a way to be among the best in the conference with transfer Cody Moon (New Mexico) helping at LB. Being able to host both Fresno State and Boise State is huge for San Diego State and should help return them to the conference title game.** 
 
##### **5.) San Jose State**
 
 
**2022 Conference Record: 5-3**

**2022 Overall Record: 7-5**

 
**B****iggest Question:** **Can they overcome what looks like a difficult season ahead?**

**It was an impressive season for the Spartans last season (all things considered). They tallied seven wins and posted a bid to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. The thing is, it nearly was an even bigger season for San Jose State as they lost three games by eight points or less. QB Chevan Cordeiro returns as he looks to prove that he’s the top signal-caller in the conference after putting up 3251 yards and 23 TDs last season. He’ll be working behind an experienced O-line this season that seems like one of the top units in the conference. A major blow this offseason was the loss of WR Elijah Cooks who had 69 catches last year, but Justin Lockhart and Charles Ross look to make up for that loss as the new combination of go-to targets. Six starters return on defense, but their leading sackers (Viliami Fehoko and Cade Hall) have departed which will be huge voids that will need to be filled ASAP. The Spartans’ schedule seems against them this year as they catch Fresno State, Boise State, Air Force, and San Diego State in conference play.**
 
##### **6.) Wyoming**
 
 
**2022 Conference Record: 5-3**

**2022 Overall Record: 7-6**

 
**B****iggest Question:**  **Could we be looking at a conference title berth?**

**HC Craig Bohl has managed to lead this team to at least six wins or better in each of the last six full seasons. He gets 15 returning starters this season. He has all the pieces, but can he put it together to push for a Mountain West title game? QB Andrew Peasley returns but is under a tight grip as he needs to improve this season (5.7 yards per pass and 9 interceptions). The strength of this offense will once again be the ground attack as Northern Illinois transfer RB Harrison Waylee and Dawaiian McNeely form a one-two combo in the backfield. With 10 starters back, the defense could be even better than the 2022 version that held teams to 23.9 points per game.**
 
##### **7.) UNLV**
 
 
**2022 Conference Record: 3-5**

**2022 Overall Record: 5-7**

 
##### **8.) Utah State**
 
 
**2022 Conference Record: 5-3**

**2022 Overall Record: 6-7**

 
##### **9.) Colorado State**
 
 
**2022 Conference Record: 3-5**

**2022 Overall Record: 3-9**

 
##### **10.) Hawaii**\*\*
 
 
**2022 Conference Record: 2-6**

**2022 Overall Record: 3-10**
**Biggest Question:** **How far can they leap in progression?**

**HC Timmy Chang's debut season for his alma mater had its fair share of struggle as the Rainbow Warriors went 3-10 in 2022, but Hawai'i showed glimpses of improvement towards the end of the year and managed to take down both UNLV and Nevada in conference play. With plans in place to bring back the run-and-shoot offense, Chang will need QB Brayden Schager to take a few steps forward in his progression after throwing for only 2348 yards and 13 TDs in 2022. The Rainbow Warriors also lost their best offensive puzzle piece (RB Dedrick Parson) and will have to replace a few starters up front. Their defense ranked last in the Mountain West in points allowed (34.7 a game) and will miss DT Blessman Ta'ala and LB Penei Pavihi.**

 
##### **11.) Nevada**
 
 
**2022 Conference Record: 0-8**

**2022 Overall Record: 2-10**

 
##### **12.) New Mexico**
 
 
**2022 Conference Record: 0-8**

**2022 Overall Record: 2-10**

***(article by Jakub Dodson of A Terrible Football Show)***

What Will Come from the Mountain West?

Mountain West Conference Preseason Power Rankings

The Sun Belt's power balance seems to favor the West Division once again as Troy and South Alabama should be ranked as the top two teams in the conference this fall. The Trojans look to repeat as the reigning Sun Belt champs, but the Jaguars have all the puzzle pieces in place to get to the top in the conference in 2023.

The East Division is certainly crowded too, as Coastal Carolina, James Madison, and Marshall each have a claim to case of #1. Appalachian State isn't too far behind them, while Georgia State and Georgia Southern seem to be tough outs for the rest of the division.

How does ATFS project the Sun Belt for 2023? Jakub Dodson predicts and ranks all 14 teams in Sun Belt for this fall:

- - -

 
 
 
 
 
 
### **Sun Belt Football 2023 Predictions**
 
##### **1.) Coastal Carolina**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 6-2**

**2022 Overall Record: 9-4**

 
**B****iggest Question:**  **Can new HC Tim Beck replace Jamey Chadwell?**

**HC Time Beck has gigantic shoes to fill in replacing Jamey Chadwell, but the former NC State OC’s move to HC will be eased by the return of the Sun Belt’s top QB in Grayson McCall, RBs Brayden Bennett and Reese White, WRs Jared Brown and Sam Pinckney. Odds are Beck doesn’t change the offense too much due to its success which means all eyes will be on whether or not the defense will improve. The defense allowed 6.5 yards a snap and 31.8 points a game last season. Luckily for Coastal Carolina, the schedule leans in their favor with both Marshall and James Madison coming to Conway and they miss both Troy and South Alabama.**
 
##### **2.) Marshall**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 5-3**

**2022 Overall Record: 9-4**

 
**B****iggest Question:**  **Are they disciplined enough to overcome a tough schedule?**

**After starting the 2022 campaign at 3-3, the Thundering Herd was able to close out the season by winning six out of seven games including a 28-14 win over UConn in the Myrtle Beach Bowl. All the pieces seem to be in place for Marshall to win the Sun Belt East, but a tough schedule stands in their way with road games against Coastal Carolina, Appalachian State, and South Alabama. After rushing for 1401 yards in 2021, RB Rasheen Ali missed the entirety of the 2022 season. He’s slated to make a comeback this year and handle a full workload this fall. QB Cam Fancher showed some promise in the late-season surge, but the passing game overall needs a new #1 contender to emerge after QB Corey Gammage transferred out of the program. Marshall led the conference in fewest points a game (16) and let only 4.6 yards a play last season. The defense does have a new coordinator and a measly three starters returning, but they get help with 15 transfers coming in to reinforce the unit.**


##### **3.) South Alabama**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 7-1**

**2022 Overall Record: 10-3**

 
**B****iggest Question:**  **Tough schedule on the horizon…can the Jaguars actually do it this year?**

**HC Kane Wommack’s program returns almost all of the roster from last season’s 10-win year, but an away game to Troy looms very large in the overall picture for the Sun Belt West title. South Alabama was just a couple plays away from something special, but came up short in two significant games last season as they fell to Troy 10-6 and UCLA 32-31 in early September. A breakout defense returns 10 total starters and stars at all three levels, including welcoming back S Keith Gallmon who missed all of 2022 due to injury. C James Jackson and WR Jalen Wayne are going to be significant losses offensively, but QB Carter Bradley, who threw for 3334 yards and 28 TDs last season, and RB La’Damian Webb, who rushed for 1065 yards, both return. The schedule does not favor the Jaguars as they catch Tulane, Troy, Oklahoma State, and James Madison away from Mobile.**
 
##### **4.) Troy**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 7-1**

**2022 Overall Record: 12-2**

 
**B****iggest Question:**  **Will it be Troy or South Alabama?**

**It’s too close to call between the Trojans or the Jaguars as to who will be crowned the Sun Belt West contender for the conference title game. Troy is the reigning, defending, undisputed conference champs and managed to finish #19 nationally after an impressive 12-2 debut under HC Jon Sumrall last year. A challenging defense led the way for the Trojans last season and is likely to lead this program once again. This defense allowed only 17.1 points a contest and 4.7 yards a splay and only one team (Appalachian State) scored more than 30 points against them. LB Carlton Martial will be sorely missed, but Sumrall's defense still returns breakouts up front in T.J. Jackson, Richard Jibunor, and Javon Solomon, while Reddy Steward is back to secure the back end. Much more is needed from an offense that ranked eighth in the Sun Belt in scoring with an average of 25.6 points a game. QB Gunnar Watson has managed to cut down on the mistakes with only 12 INTs last season, while the team's top two WRs (Tez Johnson and RaJae' Johnson) have departed. Kimani Vidal, who rushed for 1,132 yards, is one of the Sun Belt's top returning RBs.**
 
##### **5.) James Madison**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 6-2**

**2022 Overall Record: 8-3**

 
**B****iggest Question:**  **How will the new QB feel in this scheme?**

**James Madison made a successful transition to the FBS level last fall, coming off an 8-3 season that included a road win at Appalachian State and a 47-7 massacre of Coastal Carolina. HC Curt Cignetti’s program is, unfortunately, once again ineligible for the conference crown but will play a key role in shaping the battle for the top spot again. An offense that led the conference in scoring with 37 points a game last season must replace QB Todd Centeio. Arizona transfer QB Jordan McCloud and Alonza Barnett were the leading candidates for the starting spot after spring camps. Helping to ease the new QB into the starting position will be an offensive line that returns all five starters, and a talented one-two combo at RB with Latrele Palmer and Kaelon Black. Six starters return to a defense that limited teams to just 20.9 points a contest and 4.7 yards a play last year.**
 
##### **6.) Appalachian State**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 3-5**

**2022 Overall Record: 6-6**

 
**B****iggest Question:**  **Was last season a fluke?**

**6-6. The lowest win total since moving to the FBS in 2014. Granted, five of the six defeats came by one score or less. Marshall and Coastal Carolina come to town this season so HC Shawn Clark’s team will get plenty of opportunities to rebound. But, first things first, they must find someone to replace Chase Brice at QB. Forecasts are mostly projecting Ryan Burger (medium rare) to take over as the signal-caller. If App State can settle a QB into the scheme relatively early, this team has the potential to be very explosive on the offensive side of things behind new OC Frank Ponce. Returning to the backfield for the Mountaineers is RB Nate Noel who rushed for an average 6.94 yards per carry last season. The O-line and WR units both rank among the top in the Sun Belt. DC Scot Sloan is back in town to call the shots on the defense, but he’ll face turnover at nearly every level on his defense. He does, however, get S Nick Ross and LBs Andrew Parker and Brendan Harrington back as some building blocks.**
 
##### **7.) Southern Miss**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 4-4**

**2022 Overall Record: 7-6**

 
**B****iggest Question:**  **Can we please get some consistency from the QB position?**

**Major steps forward from year one to year two was a great achievement for HC Will Hall as the team went from 3-9 in 2021 to 7-6 last fall. The only way to keep improving in the win column is to figure out the QB position after two years of extremely inconsistent play and injuries. It seems as though Clemson transfer QB Billy Wiles is the frontrunner to start under center after having a solid spring season. Regardless of the starting QB though, the offensive scheme has and will always remain the same: Get the ball in Frank Gore Jr.’s hands. The preseason All-American returns after putting up 1573 yards and 13 total TDs last season. He also finally gets an improved O-line to run behind. The defense should remain among the top in the Sun Belt, but must maneuver some transitioning in the secondary. With six starters returning, DC Dan O’Brien (transferred over after Austin Armstrong left for Florida) should find his first season slightly easier than most.**
 
##### **8.) Louisiana**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 4-4**

**2022 Overall Record: 6-7**

 
##### **9.) Arkansas State**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 1-7**

**2022 Overall Record: 3-9**

 
##### **10.) Georgia Southern**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 3-5**

**2022 Overall Record: 6-7**

 
##### **11.) Georgia State**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 3-5**

**2022 Overall Record: 4-8**

 
##### **12.) Old Dominion**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 2-6**

**2022 Overall Record: 3-9**

 
##### **13.) Texas State**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 2-6**

**2022 Overall Record: 4-8**

 
##### **14.) ULM**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 3-5**

**2022 Overall Record: 4-8**

***(article by Jakub Dodson of A Terrible Football Show)***

With Quite a Few Teams Strong Enough, Who Will Take the Belt?

Sun Belt Preseason Power Rankings

Before the last two seasons, the biggest question for the conference has been who was going up against Oklahoma in the championship game. But over the last two years it was Baylor and Kansas State taking home the championship with Oklahoma still hanging around and TCU advanced to the College Football Playoffs last year.

Being the final year in the Big-12 for both Texas and Oklahoma (both teams will join the SEC next season), they both are looking to make once last claim to the conference. But before that, four newcomers will be joining the conference this season - Central Florida, Houston, Cincinnati, and BYU - which will create a 14-team league for at least one year.

Who will emerge from this collage of old and new? It's looking to be Texas as the favorites, but they haven't claimed a conference title since 2009. Oklahoma has history on their side as they have won 14 times in the 27 years the Big-12 has been around. Given the extreme unpredictability of the conference, the smarter bet might be taking the field.

How does ATFS project the Big 12 Conference for the 2023 campaign? Jakub Dodson predicts and ranks all 14 teams in the B12 for this fall:

- - -

### **Big 12 Conference Football Predictions**
 
 
##### **1.) Texas**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 6-3**

**2022 Overall Record: 8-5**

 
**Biggest Question:**  **Will the Longhorns finally put all the pieces together ahead of their Big-12 exit?**

**It seems the only major question confirmed in Texas’ offseason was who is going to start under center at QB. The answer to that question, according to HC Steve Sarkisian, is Quinn Ewers. This decision signals both confidence in the incumbent and provides a much needed reality check for people who were thinking Arch Manning was going to get the nod. If Ewers can stay as consistent as those in-charge led us to believe, and also the defense fills gaping voids, Texas isn’t very far off from a potential Big-12 title and, dare I say, College Football Playoff berth. Just stop losing all the close games.**

 
##### **2.) Kansas State**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 7-2**

**2022 Overall Record: 10-4**

 
**Biggest Question:**  **Can they repeat?**

**Did anybody forget that the Wildcats took home the 2022 Big-12 title?**

**Seems quite a few people simply gazed over that fact since the attention of the majority of spectators was on TCU’s remarkable run. QB Will Howard was the catalyst last season who ended up making six starts in the second half of the season and managed to bring a much needed balance to the offense. Transfer RB Treshaun Ward (Florida State) and a battle-tested veteran O-line should, in theory, ease some of the loss that was left behind after star RB Deuce Vaughn left for the NFL. The defense remains solid, especially after adding some transfers to fill the ranks.**

 
##### **3.) Oklahoma**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 3-6**

**2022 Overall Record: 6-7**

 
**Biggest Question:**  **Was last season a fluke?**

**The 2022 campaign marked the first losing season for Oklahoma this century. HC Brent Venables brought enthusiasm and a more “physical” approach, but the results were empty and Oklahoma fell into obscurity after a 3-0 start. Now, granted, four of their losses were by three points, but for this Sooners team to succeed, the defense (which is Venables speciality…) needs to get better in the secondary and force more turnovers. QB Dillon Gabriel leads an offense that should be in good shape with a young group at RB and WR. If they avoid the errors that cost them so many games last season, Oklahoma should excel, especially given that their schedule is more than manageable this year.**

 
##### **4.) TCU**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 9-0**

**2022 Overall Record: 13-2**

 
**Biggest Question:**  **Where does this team go after such a historical season last year?**

**Unfortunately, the answer is trending towards a downward spiral. Now that’s in no way, shape, or form a slight at HC Sonny Dykes or his team, it’s just what happens when a team loses so many key players. But, even with a potential step back, TCU still has a shot at a Big-12 title game berth. The offense will be led by the guy who actually beat out Max Duggan last season for the starting QB spot, Chandler Morris. Of course, transfers will certainly help in the rebuilding on offense as well with multiple RBs and WRs coming in. LB Johnny Hodges and DB Josh Newton look to lead the improvement of the talented defense as well.**

 
##### **5.) Texas Tech**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 5-4**

**2022 Overall Record: 8-5**

 
**Biggest Question:**  **Top-25 time for Tech?**

**HC  Joey McGuire didn’t, in no means, have a breakout first season like Sonny Dykes did, but the Red Raiders did average a great year tallying eight wins (which is the most for Tech since 2013) including games against Texas and Oklahoma. The combo of QB Tyler Shough and WR Jerand Bradley looks like one of the best in the entire conference. On the defensive side, they return a majority of starters with tons of experience. If the D can keep the team in games, we might be looking at an opportunity for another Big-12 special season!**

 
##### **6.) Baylor**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 4-5**

**2022 Overall Record: 6-7**

 
**Biggest Question:**  **Is this Bear’s defense back to normal?**

**With what was supposed to be an electrifying season for this Baylor program, the team fell on their faces in November when they lost four consecutive games and finished with a losing record. A lot, if not a majority, of the blame fell upon the defense, which is typically a strength under HC Dave Aranda, after crumbling and falling from 10th in the NCAA in scoring to 69th. A new DC was brought in, however, in the form of Matt Powledge (formerly DC at Oregon) who is bringing a more aggressive approach in both coverage and pressure.**

 
##### **7.) Central Florida**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 6-2**

**2022 Overall Record: 9-5**

 
**Biggest Question:**  **Can QB John Rhys Plumlee carry this offense once again?**

**Last season, Plumlee threw for 2586 yards and added 862 yards on the ground, but will need more support from his teammates if this team wants to succeed in their first year in a Power-5 conference. RB Demarkcus Bowman (Clemson in 2020 and Florida in 2021) comes into the mix to look to relieve some of that pressure off of Plumlee.**

 
##### **8.) Cincinnati**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 6-2**

**2022 Overall Record: 9-4**

 
 
##### **9.) Oklahoma State**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 4-5**

**2022 Overall Record: 7-6**

 
 
##### **10.) BYU**
 
**2022 Conference Record: N/A (Independent)**

**2022 Overall Record: 8-5**

 
 
##### **11.) Houston**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 5-3**

**2022 Overall Record: 8-5**

 
 
##### **12.) Kansas**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 3-6**

**2022 Overall Record: 6-7**

 
 
##### **13.) West Virginia**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 3-6**

**2022 Overall Record: 5-7**

 
 
##### **14.) Iowa State**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 1-8**

**2022 Overall Record: 4-8**

***(article by Jakub Dodson of A Terrible Football Show)***

Could We Be Seeing a Repeat Champion?

Big 12 Conference Preseason Power Rankings

The road to the 2023 Big Ten Conference Championship goes through the same destination as the previous two seasons...Ann Arbor. The Michigan Wolverines are once again the team to beat under HC Jim Harbaugh (who will officially be suspended the first three games of the season per university sources). The goal will remain clear, however, for Michigan and that is national championship and finally bringing the first trophy home since 1997. But the East Division brings a tremendous amount of company with Ohio State and Penn State both expecting CFB Playoff bids this fall.

The West Division seems to be a little more unclear. Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois all have enough puzzle pieces put together to push for a conference championship game bid. Another team on the rise and will be worth a watch this season, but not quite there yet, is the Nebraska Cornhuskers under HC Matt Rhule.

How does ATFS project the Big Ten Conference for the 2023 campaign? Jakub Dodson predicts and ranks all 14 teams in the B10 for this fall:

- - -

### Big Ten Conference Football Predictions
 
##### **1.) Michigan**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 9-0**

**2022 Overall Record: 13-1**

 
**Biggest Question:** **Can they 3-peat?**

**The path on the road to the Big Ten title game will once again run through Ann Arbor. Offensively, they are loaded with returning QB J.J. McCarthy and a dynamic one-two combo at RB with Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards leading the charge. Adding a few transfers for the O-line will almost certainly keep the Wolverines line among the best in college football. The list of concerns on defense is miniscule at best due to the return of seven starters and the feature of potentially promising players such as CB Will Johnson and lineman Mason Graham.**

 
##### **2.) Ohio State**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 8-1**

**2022 Overall Record: 11-2**

 
**Biggest Question:**  **How easy is it to reset and reload?**

**With the departures of QB C.J. Stroud and three key offensive linemen to the NFL, the Buckeyes must reset and reload their high-powered, usually electrifying, offense. Historically speaking, the transition period for HC Ryan Day should be minimal. The Ohio State University’s WR corps will be anchored by star Marvin Harrison Jr. and should remain the best in college football. Not to mention the prolific one-two punch at RB that stars TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams, the ground game should remain solid. The only major concern remaining will be the offensive line which looked like a work in progress in Spring. Kyle McCord is the potential starter to take over at QB after sitting behind both C.J. Stroud and Justin Fields. But his path to the starting spot will certainly be challenged by Devin Brown in August. The defense doesn’t really have any glaring concerns as DC Jim Knowles looks to have another stellar performance for his second year.**

 
##### **3.) Wisconsin**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 4-5**

**2022 Overall Record: 7-6**

 
**Biggest Question:** **Will Luke Fickell have similar success?**

**A new era will be underway in Madison, Wisconsin as the former HC for the Cincy Bearcats has arrived. With the return of eight starters on defense, the Badgers should boast one of the top defenses in the Big Ten. Offensively, OC Phil Longo has arrived in town from his previous tenure at North Carolina and will look to implement a version of the Air Raid-style attack which will definitely be a drastic change from Wisconsin’s previous styles of offense. RB Braelon Allen returns which means the ground game will certainly not be ignored by Longo, but, transferring from SMU, QB Tanner Mordecai and an improved group of WRs should put a majority focus on the passing game and add a much needed spark of energy for the Badgers.** 

 
##### **4.) Penn State**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 7-2**

**2022 Overall Record: 11-2**

 
**Biggest Question:**  **Is James Franklin the guy?**

**Penn State isn’t too far behind Michigan and Ohio State, but have remained the third best team in the East division for far too long. Hell, the Nittany Lions haven’t been to a Big Ten title game since they won it back in 2016. But, this year has some very intriguing things happening in Happy Valley (nothing criminal hopefully). QB Drew Allar is a rising star and should help get the passing game to new heights after a few years of average play from Sean Clifford. A dynamic pairing has been formed in the backfield with Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton coming together as a potential one-two punch. But the biggest question mark on offense is the WR unit. A void has been left by the departure of Parker Washington and Mitchell Tinsley, but will look to be filled by incoming Kent State transfer Dante Cephas.** 

 
##### **5.) Iowa**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 5-4**

**2022 Overall Record: 8-5**

 
**Biggest Question:**  **Can the offense finally get going? Please?**

**If the Hawkeyes want to ever get back to a Big Ten title game (42-3 loss to Michigan in 2021), it comes to zero surprise on where they need to improve. After only averaging 17.7 points per game last season, OC Brian Ferentz is firmly on the hot seat in, what should be, a make-or-break year. But, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon…and that hope comes in the form of transferring QB Cade McNamara. Additionally, there will be several transfers in the WR room and on the line to help boost a wimpy unit (pun intended). As per usual, expect Iowa’s defense to rank among the best in the country. LB Jack Campbell and CB Riley Moss will sorely be missed, but DB Cooper DeJean is a preseason All-American and there will be plenty of talent up front for DC Phil Parker to lean on once again.**

 
##### **6.) Minnesota**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 5-4**

**2022 Overall Record: 9-4**

 
**Biggest Question:**  **Can they make the best out of a sticky situation?**

**After an offseason that included the losses of both star RB Mohamed Ibrahim and All-American center John Michael Schmitz, the offense will have several holes that will need to be filled. QB Athan Kaliakmanis and a loaded group of playmakers in the receiving corps should keep the offense performing at a high level. The Golden Gophers’ defense held teams with just 13.8 points per game last season, but will be tested this season with only five starters returning and a slate that features both Michigan and Ohio State.**

 
##### **7.) Illinois**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 5-4**

**2022 Overall Record: 8-5**

 
**Biggest Question:**  **Will the Fighting Illini get over the hump?**

**Last season was an eight-win season for Illinois. This was the best season for the team since 2007 when they went 9-7. Building on top of that momentum will not be an easy task for HC Bret Bielema. A defense that led the Big Ten in fewest points allowed (12.8 per contest) lost DC Ryan Walters and a couple key defenders, including CB Devon Witherspoon. The offense, as well, features its share of question marks with the departure of QB Tommy DeVito and RB Chase Brown. The Ole Miss transfer, Luke Altmyer, is expected to get the start under center.**

 
 
##### **8.) Maryland**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 4-5**

**2022 Overall Record: 8-5**

 
 
##### **9.) Michigan State**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 3-6**

**2022 Overall Record: 5-7**

 
 
##### **10.) Purdue**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 6-3**

**2022 Overall Record: 8-6**

 
 
##### **11.) Nebraska**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 3-6**

**2022 Overall Record: 4-8**

 
 
##### **12.) Rutgers**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 1-8**

**2022 Overall Record: 4-8**

 
 
##### **13.) Indiana**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 2-7**

**2022 Overall Record: 4-8**

 
 
##### **14.) Northwestern**
 
 
**2022 Conference Record: 1-8**

**2022 Overall Record: 1-11**

***(article by Jakub Dodson of A Terrible Football Show)***

Michigan? Ohio State? Maybe Somebody Else?

Big Ten Conference Preseason Power Rankings

This doesn't seem like just USC show this season. The PAC-12 is DEEP with multiple conference title contenders for the 2023 season, as six teams - Washington, Oregon State, USC, Utah, Oregon, and UCLA - all have viable cases this preseason to be ranked inside the top-two. If USC can generate enough defensive improvement to combo with an electrifying offense, HC Lincoln Riley's team might be THE team to beat ahead of back-to-back PAC-12 champs Utah.

What intrigues some the most in the PAC-12 this season, is the fact that the talent isn't limited to the top of the conference. Washington State is looking to be a tough outing each week and Arizona is improving everyday under HC Jedd Fisch's third year. Also, Colorado will be must-see TV this season with the arrival of HC Deion Sanders. But what will happen in what seems to be the PAC-12's last year of existence.

How does ATFS project the PAC-12 Conference for the 2023 campaign? Jakub Dodson predicts and ranks all 12 teams in the PAC-12 for this fall:

- - -

### **PAC-12 Conference Football Predictions**
 
 
 
##### **1.) USC**


**2022 Conference Record: 8-1**

**2022 Overall Record: 11-3**

 
**B****iggest Question:**  **Will the defense pick up the pace?**

**Scoring isn’t going to be the problem USC will face this season, but if they want to make the CFB Playoffs, HC Lincoln Riley needs to drastically improve the defense. Riley decided to keep Alex Grinch as his DC even after a dismal 2022 outing, but this may have been a good idea stability-wise. Grinch gets major help from a haul of transfers that includes DTs Bear Alexander (Georgia) and Anthony Lucas (Texas A&M), CB Christian Roland-Wallace (Arizona), and LB Mason Cobb (Oklahoma). Current reigning Heisman trophy winner QB Caleb Williams, once again, has a loaded group of weapons at his disposal. Once again, the offense won’t be the problem this season…it all lies upon the defense.**

 
##### **2.) Washington**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 7-2**

**2022 Overall Record: 11-2**

 
**B****iggest Question:**  **Similarly to USC, will the defense hinder potential success?**

**Just like USC, scoring isn’t going to be a problem for this team. Averaging 39.7 points a game last fall, the Huskies are loaded for another season of 10+ wins thanks to the return of QB Michael Penix Jr. and WRs Rome Odunze and Jalen McMillan. The only concern for the offense will be the offensive line which will feature three brand new starters. On defense, stopping opponents' passing games was a huge issue for the Huskies. Luckily, help is arriving in the form of transfer CB Jabbar Muhammad (Oklahoma State) who looks to lock down the secondary. The front seven should remain one of the best units in the conference with the help of DEs Zion Tupuola-Fetui and Bralen Trice and LB Edefuan Uolofoshio. Their schedule is favorable this year as Washington gets both Oregon and Utah in Seattle.**

 
##### **3.) Utah**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 7-2**

**2022 Overall Record: 10-4**

 
**B****iggest Question:**  **Can Cameron Rising recover from torn ACL?**

**After suffering a torn ACL in the Rose Bowl last season, QB Cameron Rising’s recovery will loom large over the Utes program in 2023. Utah has been very impressive over the last few seasons by winning back-to-back PAC-12 titles and could very well likely make it a three-peat if Rising returns to form. The ground game should remain strong with three returning starters on the O-line and star RB Ja’Quinden Jackson will return after rushing for 531 yards last season. The return of TE Brant Kuithe after missing almost all of 2022 is a tremendous boost to the passing game. As always in Salt Lake City, expect the defense to rank near the top of the Pac-12. However, replacing cornerback Clark Phillips isn’t going to be a simple task.**

 
##### **4.) Oregon**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 7-2**

**2022 Overall Record: 10-3**

 
**B****iggest Question:**  **How will the offensive line look this season?**

**Oregon barely missed a trip to the PAC-12 championship game in HC Dan Lanning’s first season with the program. One of the top QBs in the country (Bo Nix) returns this season to lead a high-powered offense that had 38.8 points per game in 2022. Bo’s supporting cast at RB, WR, and TE ranks among the best in the conference, but a nearly completely different offensive line with four new starters may take some time to mold together. Seven starters are back on the defensive side, but this unit will miss LB Noah Sewell and CB Christian Gonzalez.**

 
 
##### **5.) Oregon State**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 6-3**

**2022 Overall Record: 10-3**

 
**B****iggest Question:**  **Will the passing attack improve?**

**HC Jonathan Smith's team is on the rise after Oregon State capped a 10-3 record last season with an upset over rival Oregon and a blowout victory against the Gators in the Las Vegas Bowl. Getting more out of the passing game is a priority if the Beavers want to contend for a berth in the PAC-12 title game, and Smith landed one of the top QBs in the transfer portal in former Clemson starter DJ Uiagalelei. The Beavers are set in the ground game with rising star RB Damien Martinez anchoring the backfield, and the offensive line should be among the best in the NCAA. DC Trent Bray brought significant improvement to the Beavers’ defense after it allowed 28.2 points in conference play in 2021, slashing that total to 20 a game last season. This unit needs the next wave of reinforcements to emerge with LB Omar Speights coming in from LSU, and the secondary replacing three key starters from a standout core.**

 
##### **6.) UCLA**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 6-3**

**2022 Overall Record: 9-4**

 
**B****iggest Question:**  **What will happen on offense?**

**UCLA's nine-win season in 2022 marked the best record under HC Chip Kelly and the program's highest win total since 2014. But the offense is going to need to transition quickly if they want to remain contenders in the conference. Freshman QB Dante Moore has emerged as the front-runner to replace Dorian Thompson-Robinson. On the ground, Ball State transfer RB Carson Steele is slated to help fill the hole left behind by Zach Charbonnet. Three new starters on the offensive line also doesn’t help matters for Chip Kelly. On the defense, UCLA has major concerns that need to be addressed. Firstly, the unit allowed a whopping 29 points per game and also gave up 6.1 yards per play in conference play.**

 
 
##### **7.) Washington State**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 4-5**

**2022 Overall Record: 7-6**

 
**B****iggest Question:**  **What will the identity of this offense look like come week 1?**

**Washington State has solid footing heading into HC Jake Dickert’s second full season in control. QB Cameron Ward is coming off of an immaculate season in which he threw for 3231 yards and 23 touchdowns in what was his debut season in Pullman. The rest of the offense, however, looks a bit unsettled with the offensive line struggling last season and also losing their starting LT Jarrett Kingston to USC. On top of that, the Cougars’ top four WRs from the 2022 campaign are gone, but junior college recruit DT Sheffield and a few transfers should help at this position. New DC Jeff Schmedding inherits a defensive unit that finished third in the conference in fewest points allowed (22.9) a contest last season. New starters have got to breakout at LB, but this defense returns one of the PAC-12’s top DE combos in Brennan Jackson and Ron Stone Jr.**

 
##### **8.) Arizona**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 3-6**

**2022 Overall Record: 5-7**

 
 
##### **9.) California**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 2-7**

**2022 Overall Record: 4-8**

 
 
##### **10.) Arizona State**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 2-7**

**2022 Overall Record: 3-9**

 
 
##### **11.) Colorado**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 1-8**

**2022 Overall Record: 1-11**

 
 
##### **12.) Stanford**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 1-8**

**2022 Overall Record: 3-9**

***(article by Jakub Dodson of A Terrible Football Show)***

Is it Just the USC Show?

PAC-12 Conference Preseason Power Rankings

Once again, the path to a 2023 college football national championship and the SEC title has been paved through Athens. Georgia is back-to-back CFB national champions and doesn't seem to be showing any signs of slowing down given that an influx of reinforcements have arrived to fill any potential voids left behind by departures. Of course, there will be challenges, particularly from Alabama and LSU in the conference, and Tennessee in the East Division.

As usual, the SEC boasts a strong second tier of talent going into the 2023 season headlined by Texas A&M, along with South Carolina, Ole Miss, Auburn, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Mississippi State. Missouri and Florida will being fighting to have a winning season and bowl eligibility, while Vanderbilt looks to take another step forward in HC Clark Lea's third year.

How does ATFS project the Southeastern Conference for the 2023 campaign? Jakub Dodson predicts and ranks all 14 teams in the SEC for this fall:

- - -

### **SEC Football Predictions**
 
 
##### **1.) Georgia**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 8-0**

**2022 Overall Record: 15-0**

 
**B****iggest Question:**  **Three-peat?**

**Georgia remains the overwhelming favorite to win it all against in 2023. Even with both sides of the ball losing key talent, this roster remains stacked with blue-chip stars. OC Todd Monken will certainly be missed, but Mike Bobo (promoted up from offensive analyst) has stated he won’t try to stray too far from the gameplan that Monken enforced that transformed the Bulldog offense. Carson Beck left spring training as the frontrunner to replace ol’ man Stetson Bennett at QB and has the nation's top TE, Brock Bowers, to throw to. The arrival of Dominic Lovett (transfer from Missouri) and RaRa Thomas (transfer from Mississippi State) give the Bulldogs even more weapons at WR. HC Kirby Smart lost a plethora of stars from their top defense (Nolan Smith, Jalen Carter, Kelee Ringo and Christopher Smith), but expect this defense to not skip a beat.**

 
##### **2.) Tennessee**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 6-2**

**2022 Overall Record: 11-2**

 
**B****iggest Question:**  **Can they close the gap between themselves and Georgia?**

**Last season marked the first time since 2007 that the Vols put up 10+ wins. To understand the next step of their process is easy, but will be difficult to obtain. The next step is to close the gap with Georgia for control of the East division. With QB Hendon Hooker and their top two WRs Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman gone, the offense needs to find its new identity. Luckily for them, OC Josh Heupal has a solid foundation in place and should remain high-powered with either QB Joe Milton or Nico Iamaleava taking the helm. WRs Squirrel White and Bry McCoy should help fill the holes left by Hyatt and Tillman. Improving the defensive unit was a top priority after this side of the ball gave up 29.1 points per game in 2021, and DC Tim Banks has this defense going in the right direction after they held teams to 22.8 a game last season.**

 
 
##### **3.) Alabama**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 6-2**

**2022 Overall Record: 11-2**

 
**B****iggest Question:**  **Who will emerge from a three-way QB battle as starter?**

**It’s either Alabama or LSU for the SEC West. Given that the game between the two this season is going to be in Tuscaloosa, an extremely fine edge goes to Alabama. But this season will be unlike any other that Nick Saban has had to face since taking over the Crimson Tide in 2007. With transfer QB Tyler Buchner coming over from Notre Dame after the spring training camps, the QB battle has become a three way between himself, Ty Simpson, and Jalen Milroe. This offense will likely lean on their running game as they figure out who the starter will be under center. The offensive line features preseason All-American JC Latham at tackle. New DC play-caller Kevin Steele must replace breakout star LB Will Anderson and a few other key pieces in the secondary. Talent isn’t the issue. The issue will be how this coaching staff manages to fit the talent into the positions that best suit them.**

 
##### **4.) LSU**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 6-2**

**2022 Overall Record: 10-4**

 
**B****iggest Question:**  **Will the overhauled secondary hinder their season?**

**With very little separation between Alabama and LSU in the West division (and LSU having to travel to Alabama this year), this season is shaping up to be one for the ages. QB Jayden Daniels should feel more comfortable in his second season in HC Chad Kelly’s offensive scheme, and the offensive line should emerge as one of the best units in the SEC after stinking up the place in 2022. Led by TE Mason Taylor and WR Malik Nabers, LSU’s weapons in the passing game will likely be one of the top in the SEC. A defensive unit that limited offenses to 22.5 points a game last year will be even better with the return of Maason Smith from a nasty knee injury that cost him most of last season. For the second year in a row, the secondary is undergoing a tremendous overhaul. But the Tigers snagged a couple of key transfers in the offseason that should meld well in an easier scheme.**

 
##### **5.) Kentucky**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 3-5**

**2022 Overall Record: 7-6**

 
**B****iggest Question:**  **Is Kentucky actually going to be a contender for the East this year?**

**After a sluggish offensive season last year (only 20.4 points a game), the blame can nearly 100% be put on them for Kentucky’s regression in a 7-6 season. But no time was wasted in fixing this unit during the offseason as HC Mark Stoops snagged former OC Liam Coen back to Kentucky and grabbed former NC State QB Devin Leary as a transfer to replace Will Levis. The Wildcats host the SEC’s top trio at WR with Barion Brown, Dane Key, and Tayvion Robinson. The offensive line has gained optimism back after struggling last season after a few transfers. Defense certainly wasn't the problem for Kentucky in 2022, as this defense limited teams to 19.2 points a game.**

 
##### **6.) Texas A&M**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 2-6**

**2022 Overall Record: 5-7**

 
**B****iggest Question:**  **Will they live up to the hype for once?**

**A&M started the 2022 campaign as a preseason top-10 team but stumbled to an abysmal  5-7 record as one of the country's biggest underperformers. However, if the hire of former Arkansas HC Bobby Petrino to take offensive play-calling duties from HC Jimbo Fisher pans out, this team could rebound pretty quickly into the top-25 team they boast they are year in and year out. Petrino inherits a star at QB in Conner Weigman, along with a trio of WRs - Ainias Smith, Evan Stewart and Moose Muhammad III - that's as great as any team in the conference has. Five-star freshman Rueben Owens will help fill the void left by Devon Achane at RB. Texas A&M's very young defense struggled to stop the run (14th in conference) last season but still managed to limit teams to 21.2 points a contest.**

 
##### **7.) Ole Miss**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 4-4**

**2022 Overall Record: 8-5**

 
**B****iggest Question:**  **Can they finish the season out as strong as they start?**

**Starting 7-0 to begin the season last year, the Rebels were on an all-time high. But that high quickly fizzled out after going 1-5 to finish the season. HC Lane Kiffin hopes that another strong class of transfers, for both the offense and defense, will combine with the arrival of new DC Pete Golding to help this program reach new heights in 2023. After a fantastic start, the Rebels significantly regressed defensively last season and allowed over 30 points a game from November through the bowl loss at Texas Tech.**

 
##### **8.) Arkansas**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 3-5**

**2022 Overall Record: 7-6**

 
**B****iggest Question:**  **Phone call for the defense. They’re not there? Shocker.**

**QB KJ Jefferson and RB Rocket Sanders return to an offense that seems like they’ll be picking up right where they left off. Scoring points will certainly not be a main issue to Arkansas. However, the Razorbacks need massive improvement on the defensive side if they even want to come close to contending for a spot in the top three of the SEC West. New DC Travis Williams and HC Sam Pittman hit the portal pretty hard for help, and it paid off in the form of over 10 players coming over to improve a defense that allowed a debilitating 30.6 points per game last season. New OC Dan Enos will also have that task of navigating some turnover along the O-line and at WR, but having Jefferson come back should help ease the transition at those key spots.**

 
##### **9.) South Carolina**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 4-4**

**2022 Overall Record: 8-5**

 
 
##### **10.) Florida**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 3-5**

**2022 Overall Record: 6-7**

 
 
##### **11.) Mississippi State**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 4-4**

**2022 Overall Record: 9-4**

 
 
##### **12.) Missouri**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 3-5**

**2022 Overall Record: 6-7**

 
 
##### **13.) Vanderbilt**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 2-6**

**2022 Overall Record: 5-7**

 
 
##### **14.) Auburn**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 2-6**

**2022 Overall Record: 5-7**

***(article by Jakub Dodson of A Terrible Football Show)***

Is a Three-peat on the Horizon?

Southeastern Conference Preseason Power Rankings

Change is certainly in the air for the ACC going into the 2023 campaign. Nothing has changed for the 14-team membership, but the Coastal and Atlantic Divisions have been removed. Now, the top two teams will end up playing for the ACC Championship. But that's not the only change that seems to have appeared for the conference. Clemson, who has dominated the ACC for years (7 conference championships over the last 8 years), has a new challenger approaching for the top spot...Florida State (10-3 last season).

It remains clear that the top talent in the conference will be with Clemson and Florida State, but the ACC has a solid second level with Miami, Duke, North Carolina, Louisville, Wake Forest, and Pitt being all capable of being a dark horse for the conference championship game.

How does ATFS project the Atlantic Coast Conference for the 2023 campaign? Jakub Dodson predicts and ranks all 14 teams in the ACC for this fall:

- - -

### **Atlantic Coast Conference Football 2023 Predictions**
 
##### **1.) Florida State**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 5-3**

**2022 Overall Record: 10-3**

 
**Biggest Question:**  **Can they finally return to glory?**

**Over the course of the last two years, the Seminoles have made tremendous progress as a program since the 2020 arrival of HC Mike Norvell. A dynamic offense led by QB Jordan Travis, RB Trey Benson, and weapons on the outside including WRs Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson look to finally get over the hump and challenge for the ACC title. There’s just one last major hurdle to get over…the team that has stood atop the ACC for the last eight years and that’s the Clemson Tigers (winners of the last 7 of 8 ACC championships).**

 
 
##### **2.) Clemson**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 8-0**

**2022 Overall Record: 11-3**

 
**Biggest Question:**  **Is the offensive line ready to protect Sophomore QB Cade Klubnik?**

**For a team that has won 7 of the last 8 ACC championships (Pittsburgh won in 2021), Clemson is entering this season in uncharted waters. For the first time in 8 years, Clemson may not be the surefire preseason favorite, but, instead, that may go to the Florida State Seminoles. Does that mean the Tigers are going anywhere? Absolutely not. They have a stacked defense (once again) that should rank among the best in the NCAA this year, and an offense that is expected to improve under newly hired OC Garrett Riley. QB Cade Klubnik should fare better this year as he gets to first full year as a starter. But the biggest threat to the Tigers winning another ACC title is their offensive line who do return 4 of 5 starters this season, but have lost their captain in left tackle Jordan McFadden.** 

 
 
##### **3.) North Carolina**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 6-2**

**2022 Overall Record: 9-5**

 
**Biggest Question:**  **Can they finish the season strong?**

**The Tar Heels started last season 9-1, but hit multiple speed bumps to close out their season by losing their last four games. With a tough non-conference schedule this year with home games against South Carolina, Appalachian State, and Minnesota, I don’t really see HC Mark Brown’s team suffering any lingering effects from last season's slide thanks to the return of QB Drake Maye and one of the deepest ACC backfields. Providing much needed protection to Maye is a must this year (40 sacks allowed last season), but with the transfers of Devontez Walker (Kent State) and Nate McCollum (Georgia Tech), that should help alleviate the loss of WR Josh Downs at WR. North Carolina’s defense allowed an ACC leading 30.8 points last season, but with 8 returning starters and a haul of transfers, DC Gene Chizik should be able to get some improvement from his group of kids.**

 
 
##### **4.) Miami**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 3-5**

**2022 Overall Record: 5-7**

 
**Biggest Question:**  **Will the OC and QB be cohesive?**

**The Canes should improve compared to last season, there is no doubt about that, but how big of a jump in the win column will largely come down to how well new signal-caller Shannon Dawson and QB Tyler Van Dyke mesh. After an injury riddle year where he never really seemed comfortable under previous OC Josh Gattis’s offense, Van Dyke looks to reignite his stock and have another year like his breakout year in 2021. With the reinforcements arriving in the form of two five-star freshmen at offensive tackle, along with the Alabama transfer Javion Cohen, the o-line will be getting a much needed boost.** 

 
 
##### **5.) Duke**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 5-3**

**2022 Overall Record: 9-4**

 
**Biggest Question:**  **Can they seize the opportunity?**

**With 17 starters returning from a very much improved Blue Devils team last season, the opportunity for a run at the ACC title has come knocking at Duke’s door. Their schedule, overall, is going to be extremely tough with a week 1 game against Clemson, a home game against Notre Dame, and away games against Florida State and North Carolina. So make no mistake, this Blue Devils team is going to be tested nearly every single week this season. But it’ll be up to returning QB Riley Leonard to lead the charge and direct an offense that ranked third in the ACC in yards per play (6.1), and left tackle Graham Barton (one of the nation’s top offensive linemen) to protect him. HC Mike Elko’s background on defense made an immediate difference last season with the points against per game stat going from 39.8 in 2021 to 22.1 in 2022.**

 
 
##### **6.) Pittsburgh**
 
**2022 Conference Record: 5-3**

**2022 Overall Record: 9-4**

 
**Biggest Question:**  **Will the defense ever be the same?**

**With numerous departures from a defense that allowed just 22.4 points in ACC football, including DT Calijah Kancey and LB SirVocea Dennis, it seems that Pitt’s defense could be depleted. But not if DC Pat Narduzzi has anything to say about it. With his track record, once this new iteration of the defense gains experience and the standouts emerge, this unit will be stingy once again. On the offensive side, a bit of intrigue surrounds the return of QB Phil Jurkovec as he returns home after his two-year absence (was the QB for Boston College). The Panthers do return three starters for their O-line, but will have to replace RB Israel Abanikanda and their star WR Jared Wayne.** 
 
 
 
##### **7.) Louisville**


**2022 Conference Record: 4-4**

**2022 Overall Record: 8-5**

 
**Biggest Question:**  **Easy road ahead; will they take advantage?**

**With a very favorable schedule on the horizon for the Cardinals that features no Clemson, Florida State, or North Carolina, Louisville is poised to accelerate their program in the win column. Add on top of that the arrival of the former HC of the Purdue Boilermakers Jeff Brohm, Louisville should be put into the mix for dark horse contendership for the ACC Championship. Brohm has an ability to produce highly prolific offenses, which should transfer over to Louisville fairly easily with a couple of “speed bumps” that could come into play. First being some early transition with former Cal QB Jack Plummer coming in as a transfer as well as several reinforcements to boost the line and WR room.** 

 
##### **8.) NC State**
 
 
**2022 Conference Record: 4-4**

**2022 Overall Record: 8-5**

 
##### **9.) Wake Forest**
 
 
**2022 Conference Record: 3-5**

**2022 Overall Record: 8-5**

 
##### **10.) Syracuse**
 
 
**2022 Conference Record: 4-4**

**2022 Overall Record: 7-6**

 
##### **11.) Georgia Tech**
 
 
**2022 Conference Record: 4-4**

**2022 Overall Record: 5-7**

 
##### **12.) Virginia Tech**
 
 
**2022 Conference Record: 1-6**

**2022 Overall Record: 3-8**

 
##### **13.) Boston College**
 
 
**2022 Conference Record: 2-6**

**2022 Overall Record: 3-9**

 
##### **14.) Virginia**
 
 
**2022 Conference Record: 1-6**

**2022 Overall Record: 3-7**

***(article by Jakub Dodson of A Terrible Football Show)***

Is this Florida State's Year?

Atlantic Coast Conference Preseason Power Rankings

Get access to Podcast episodes early, Premium Blog posts, Take a look at behind the scenes of what we're working on & access to premium channels in the Official SparkE3 Discord

Premium

Signup for free to receive email notifications, get exclusive blog posts, comment on public content & just be an awesome person. 

Free

Season 3 of ATFS for the 2023-2024 NFL & College season