College football is here again!
Hallelujah!
Welcome to the Orlando Sports Weekly Rundown, it's time for some college football predictions for the "Big 5" of USF, FSU, Florida, Miami and UCF.
(#21) University of South Florida Bulls: Well, that was a quick scare in the opener against San Jose State! After trailing 16-0, the Bulls came back to win 42-22. And from here on out, they could conceivably run the table. If they do, the Bulls will find themselves in one of the New Years Day Bowl Games. Led by American Conference Player of the Year and dual-threat quarterback Quinton Flowers, I predict they'll do it. Yes, the Bulls should end up 12-0. But, I will add, I will not be surprised if they have a Charlie-Strong-to-blame let down and end up 11-1.
(#3)FSU Seminoles: My gosh, what a way to start the season, taking on #1 Alabama this weekend. Beyond that, the 'Noles have four more nationally ranked programs in their schedule. If the Seminoles can take down the Crimson Tide Saturday, I think it'll be a massive boost of confidence for the season ahead and I could see them potentially running the table. But if they come out limping after a thumping against 'Bama, I think it could have lasting effects in a negative way. If that happens, 9-3 would be quite likely. One key: FSU must keep Deondre Francois healthy. And he must be a playmaker from start to finish this year. My realistic prediction for the 'Noles: 10-2 with losses to Alabama and Clemson.
(#17) University of Florida Gators: I reeeeeeaaaalllllly don't like what I'm seeing heading into the season opener against #11 Michigan! 10 Gators suspended and counting (although it's really only WR Antonio Calloway who's a crucial loss of the bumbling bunch). Seems like another guy is getting suspended every day! Plus, Jim McElwain has opened up a controversial quarterback controversy, saying all three QBs could play against the Wolverines. I think that's foolish. Pick and quarterback and go with it. Even his own players have spoken about how bad a decision they think it is! If all of the foolishness continues, I could see the Gators coming up with just 8 wins in 2017, which would be the fewest in McElwain's three seasons. But I'm not predicting that. I think it'll be Feleipe Franks or Malik Zaire who emerges at QB and I foresee either performing well. The Gators, like the 'Noles, have five nationally ranked opponents in their schedule. I see Florida going 9-3 with losses to Michigan, LSU and FSU.
(#18) Miami Hurricanes: I'm bullish on the 'Canes under 2nd-year head coach Mark Richt. The Hurricanes went 9-4 in Richt's first year, but could excel in year two, despite losing quarterback Brad Kaaya to the NFL. New QB Malik Rozier will be one to watch, and it'll be interesting to see how much freedom he gets to run the offense now that he's received the nod as the starter. Backup Evan Shirreffs was on his heels in camp. Miami has a lot of firepower and has a chance to do big things this year. I've got them going 10-2 with losses to FSU and a shocker at home against Notre Dame.
University of Central Florida Knights: I think second-year head coach Scott Frost is going to be a star in the coaching ranks. The team rebounded from an 0-12 year in 2015 to a 6-7 record in Frost's first season. This year should be even better. Quarterback McKenzie Milton will need to make serious strides though in his sophomore season if UCF hopes to have a special year. Shaquem Griffin, the American Conference reigning Defensive Player of the Year returns at linebacker. He'll no doubt be adding to the 11.5 sacks he recorded last season. I've got the Knights going 8-4 this year with losses to Georgia Tech, Maryland, Navy and USF.
Bottom line: This is the best time of year. I'm thrilled it's finally here!
I'll be attending the UCF home opener Thursday night against Butch Davis' FIU Panthers. Hope to see you there!
David Baumann can be heard on EK Sports Tuesday Nights from 7-9 p.m. on 96.9 The Game FM/740 The Game AM.
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