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The Natural.

You’d be smiling, too, if you had a multi-million dollar contract to play baseball. Oh, and you were just named starting QB for the Sooners.

The life and (good) times of Kyler Murray.

PAGE 2

INSIDE Conference previews

Breaking it down

Complete schedule

Five full pages looking at top storylines in the SEC, ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and Pac-12. Pages 3-7

A look at the college football landscape, including College Football Playoff predictions. Pages 8-16

A look at this season’s schedules for every Football Bowl Division team. Page 15

COVER STORY

VARSITY 2

A PROFILE OF OKLAHOMA QUARTERBACK KYLER MURRAY | BY CLIFF BRUNT, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Money Man

Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray talks with the media after a practice Aug. 7 in Norman, Okla. The first-round Major League Baseball draft pick has signed for nearly $5 million to play for the Oakland Athletics. Yet, he’s fully committed to football for one year, and could be one of college football’s most electrifying players. [PHOTOS BY SUE

OGROCKI/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]

Millionaire baseball pick Murray lands QB job at Oklahoma NORMAN, Okla. — Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray insists he hasn’t changed, yet there are constant reminders that his life will never be the same.

Before June, he was merely a gifted two-sport college athlete. But once the Oakland Athletics took him with the ninth overall pick in the Major League Baseball draft and signed him for nearly $5 million , a new level of fame followed. Murray and the A’s agreed that he would come back to Oklahoma and play football, meaning he would return to campus making money on par with football coach Lincoln Riley.

The Sooners have enjoyed teasing Murray about his newly found wealth.

“They obviously make fun of having money,” he said, smiling broadly. “All that stuff, they make fun of it, but it’s all been good. They showed love, supported me through it all. I’m very thankful for that.”

The spotlight on Murray soon could burn even more brightly. He’s poised to follow Heisman winner Baker Mayfield as Oklahoma’s starting quarterback. If he can beat out Austin Kendall, the 5-foot-10 speedster could be one of college football’s most electrifying players. Last season, he completed 18 of 21 passes for 359 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions and ran 14 times for 142 yards as Mayfield’s backup, including a 66-yard burst

Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray (1) carries against UTEP in the third quarter of a game in Norman, Okla., on Sept. 2, 2017.

against West Virginia.

Though his future is in baseball, Murray is focused immediately on the gridiron and earning the starting nod for the opener Sept. 1 against Florida Atlantic.

“I wouldn’t be here right now if I wasn’t hungry to play this,” he said. “I think this is the most anticipated football season I’ve ever been ready for in my life. I’m ready to go.”

For all the things around Murray that have changed, his teammates say he’s remained level-headed.

“There’s no change,”

receiver Ceedee Lamb said.

“I don’t feel like he needs to change. He knows he doesn’t need to change to make any difference in this offense.

He’s always going to be the same person, and that’s what I always like about him.”

Murray said his family and friends have kept him grounded.

“Obviously, I’ve got the ability to do things that other college kids don’t have the ability to do, but I’m living like a regular kid,” he said. “I’m not that kind of guy to come up here and blow money. To me, I’m still broke.”

“I wouldn’t be here right now if I wasn’t hungry to play this. I think this is the most anticipated football season I’ve ever been ready for in my life. I’m ready to go.”

Kyler Murray, Oklahoma quarterback

It’s been a challenge for Murray to get the people around him to talk about football. When the conversation drifts to baseball and bank accounts, Murray finds himself redirecting.

“I’ve learned how taxes go now,” he joked. “That’s not very fun. I’m not really focused on the money part of it. I’m focused on playing football.”

Another issue that leads to constant redirecting is the assumption that Murray will start. Riley insists there still is a competition between Murray and Kendall, the 2016 backup. Kendall

completed 16 of 22 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman before redshirting last year.

Kendall has heard the excitement about Murray and chooses not to dwell on it.

“Coming into it, you’ve just got to eliminate the noise from the outside and just go in and grind,” Kendall said. “He’s (Riley) told us we need to come in here every day, ready to work, come in with questions, come in ready to go and just help lead the team.”

But Murray earned the hype by being dynamic last season.

His gifts go beyond his arm strength and blazing speed.

“He’s not a guy that needs a thousand reps to be good at something,” Riley said.

“There’s a good natural feel and that thing that a lot of great athletes have where they always look smooth and natural, and he certainly has that.”

Murray started three games as a freshman at Texas A&M in 2015 and passed for 686 yards and ran for 335 while sharing time with Kyle Allen and Jake Hubenak. He doesn’t mind competing for a spot again.

“I’ve been doing it my whole life,” he said. “Middle school, high school — my whole life.

Obviously, I competed at A&M. Baker, obviously, No. 1 draft pick — we weren’t competing, but for me, I showed up every day to compete.

So there’s no real effect on that. I come in, work hard, do my job so I’ll be in a good position.”

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Familiar faces

CIRCLE IT ON THE CALENDAR Games of note throughout the SEC this season

Auburn vs. Washington (in Atlanta), Sept. 1: The first-ever meeting between these two schools is a doozie — Washington will likely need this to reach the playoff, so this game will have serious intensity.

Georgia at South Carolina, Sept. 8: Perhaps the toughest test of the season for Georgia, and it comes in the second week, after playing an FCS team in the opener.

Alabama coach Nick Saban has captured five national titles with the Tide. [ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTOS]

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss ...

Florida at Tennessee, Sept.

22: Two new coaches, plenty of expectations, and a game Florida can’t lose if it wants to give the SEC West a run.

There’s no reason to get too cute when predicting the SEC; Alabama and Georgia were the picks to win their respective divisions a year ago, and while Auburn won the SEC West by virtue of the Week 13 home win over the Crimson Tide, it was the preseason favorites who ended up in the College Football Playoff National Championship game. A new year brings similar expectations, with Alabama the clearcut favorite in the West and Georgia the lead dog in the East.

Georgia at LSU, Oct. 13: This game could have different flavors, if Georgia falls early to South Carolina, the Bulldogs will be desperate. If LSU is struggling, Ed Orgeron could be coaching for his job.

…. but who’s the quarterback?

A handful of new coaches

Can Florida’s offense catch its defense?

Will the real Mizzou please stand up?

What an embarrassment of riches, right? The team most expect to hoist the trophy again in January still hasn’t officially put a quarterback atop its depth chart. And while most expect Tua Tagovailoa (above) to claim the job in Tuscaloosa, there’s certainly nothing set in stone. Jalen Hurts — with a 26-2 record as a starter on his résumé — has had a great summer, shining in recent scrimmages. Don’t be surprised if both see plenty of time under center.

It gets tough, losing to the likes of Alabama, Auburn and Georgia each year, which means it’s no surprise that the SEC coaching carousel continues to whirl. This year, a full five schools — Florida, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Arkansas — come into the season with a new boss. While Jeremy Pruitt in Tennessee will focus on defense, the others jumping into the SEC fire will try to shine up their offenses, including Jimbo Fisher (above), who inherits an underwhelming roster that will likely turn over quickly.

The Gators have plenty going for them heading into 2018 — their defense could be among the conference’s elite, including a secondary that boasts C.J. Henderson and Marco Wilson (above). Also, the schedule helps, with SEC road games at Tennessee, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt. Here’s the question — will new coach Dan Mullen be able to give the offense enough of a jolt so Florida can get to an elite bowl?

With dynamic quarterback Drew Lock (above) back under center, it’s conceivable Missouri could build off a six-game winning streak that closed the 2017 regular season, one that earned the Tigers a berth in the Texas Bowl. But it’s also possible Missouri could come out flat, much like the team that dropped a 33-16 decision in that bowl game to an average and undermanned Texas squad.

New offensive coordinator Derek Dooley has a lot to work with here, but a brutal schedule that includes road games at South Carolina, Alabama, Florida and Tennessee will test the Tigers in a big way.

NUMBER TO KNOW

PLAYERS TO WATCH A LOOK AT TOP RETURNING STARS

• QB Jarrett Stidham, Auburn: It goes to show how powerful the SEC truly is that a star like Stidham wouldn’t even make the top storylines. He’ll be counted on to move the Tigers with his arm even more this year.

• RB Benny Snell, Kentucky: Snell had 19 rushing scores a year ago, and he could very well break all the school’s career rushing records. No reason to think coach Mark Stoops will ride him any less this year.

• WR A.J. Brown, Mississippi State: He’s big and tough, yet possesses another gear to pull away from defenders. After hauling in 11 TDs last season, the only thing that could hold Brown back is QB play.

25 Total number of

first-round picks chosen from Alabama this decade (2010-18). The Crimson Tide |had four first-rounders chosen in 2010, 2011, 2017 and 2018.

Florida vs. Georgia, Oct. 27 (in Jacksonville): Sure, the Bulldogs have ascended, but Florida still has their number, winning three of the last four. This game could be for the SEC East.

Auburn at Georgia, Nov. 10: Two powerhouse programs square off, and those around the country with playoff aspirations will all be watching.

Auburn at Alabama, Nov. 24: Who makes the SEC title game? This game will likely decide it. And after last year’s Auburn win, you know the fans in Tuscaloosa will be fired up beyond belief.

It’s more than a game.

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Games of note throughout the Big Ten this season

Michigan at Notre Dame, Sept.

1: The Wolverines are counting on transfer QB Shea Patterson to cure their offensive ills. But the Michigan defense likely will carry the water early in the season.

Red wave

Ohio State vs. TCU (at Dallas), Sept. 15: AT&T Stadium has been good to the Buckeyes.

With many OSU fans expected to be in the seats, it shouldn’t be a hostile venue for Dwayne Haskins’ first road start.

Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins. [ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTOS]

Ohio State a contender despite first-year starting QB History says it can happen. Rex Kern was a first-year starter for the Buckeyes’ 1968 national-title team, as was Craig Krenzel in 2002 and J.T. Barrett in 2014 — with a critical assist from Cardale Jones. Third-year sophomore Dwayne Haskins is in the breach in 2018. He is a talented passer with the potential to stretch defenses as he assumes control of an offense that returns major skill players, including two 1,000-yard backs in J.K. Dobbins and Mike Weber. An OSU attack that averaged a Big Ten-best 506 yards per game last year could be more prolific.

Nebraska at Michigan, Sept.

22: Early Frost warning for the Wolverines, as the Cornhuskers seek true evidence of a major program rejuvenation under Scott Frost. Buckle up for a wild passing affair.

Ohio State at Penn State, Sept. 29: A great rivalry has delivered classics the past two years, and it’s just as compelling this year. The winner likely emerges as the East Division frontrunner before the leaves turn.

Penn State, post-Barkley

Michigan in sleeper mode

Will Badgers sprout wings?

Husker mania premature

Anyone who watched recent Penn State teams knows that as valuable as Saquon Barkley was as a runner and returner, it was the rise of Trace McSorley (above) as a playmaking quarterback that shifted the James Franklin era into high gear as the Nittany Lions entered the spread era. McSorley is back, and is considered a viable Heisman Trophy candidate. But he will have to find other ways to keep defenses off balance with the loss of Barkley (Miles Sanders could be the answer) and tight end Mike Gesicki (senior Jonathan Holland is next in line).

Preseason polls suggest Michigan is more pretender than contender, but everyone who matters is back on a defense that was among the nation’s elite last year. If the offense improves a little, the Wolverines could be in the hunt. Injuries at quarterback last year were symptoms of the real problem: inconsistent line play. Jim Harbaugh (above) brought in former Ohio State assistant coach Ed Warinner for the overhaul. Ole Miss transfer quarterback Shea Patterson has Michigan fans excited, but an upgrade in performance by the Ole’ line would make the biggest difference.

Think Wisconsin: Huge linemen and a running game that keeps coming. Think national champions: good run games and stout defense — but an overthe-top passing game is vital for true contenders. This could be the year Paul Chryst and the Badgers, despite the return of 1,900-yard back Jonathan Taylor (above), unveil a less-predictable attack with fourth-year junior QB Alex Hornibrook. But can the lefthander be trusted? He ranked 24th nationally in pass efficiency last year, but his 25 touchdowns were offset by 15 interceptions, including a devastating pick late in a Big Ten title game loss to Ohio State.

Nebraska fans, among the nation’s more faithful, are jacked by the return of former quarterback Scott Frost (above) to lead the program. He’ll make immediate impact with team attitude, and as he showed at Central Florida, he will field an offense hellbent on scoring.

But stopping opponents from scoring has been the Cornhuskers’ shortcoming for a decade.

Stocking depth and proficiency on defense is the project most critical to a Nebraska resurgence, and that’s going to take a couple of years. But there could still be an upset or two in 2018.

NUMBER TO KNOW

PLAYERS TO WATCH A LOOK AT TOP RETURNING STARS

• Northwestern RB Jeremy Larkin: Rushed for 503 yards and averaged 6 yards per carry as the backup to star Justin Jackson.

• Iowa QB Nate Stanley: Flies under the radar even in his own conference. His 26 TD passes against six interceptions showed he’s the real deal.

• Indiana safety-linebacker Marcelino Ball: Missed most of last season with a knee injury, was stellar in 2016 and ready to re-emerge.

6 Current winning streak over Michigan for Ohio State. Over the past 17 years, the Buckeyes hold a 15-2 edge over their rivals to the north.

It’s more 6x3 ad position

Michigan at Michigan State, Oct. 20: It’s no secret that Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh is 1-5 against rivals MSU and OSU. It’s also no secret that Mark Dantonio loves beating Michigan.

Wisconsin at Penn State, Nov. 10: At first glance, this looks like a possible preview for the Big Ten title match three weeks later. In fact, it promises to be an elimination game, and must-see TV.

Michigan at Ohio State, Nov. 24: The Buckeyes’ current 6-0 streak, part of a 15-2 run, is their greatest dominance in the history of The Game.

Things have reached critical mass for Harbaugh and the Wolverines.

than a game.

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Games of note throughout the Big 12 this season

Full Grier

Texas vs. Maryland (Landover, Md.), Sept. 1: Tom Herman flopped in his debut with the Longhorns last year as the Terps rolled over Texas in Austin. Can Texas return the favor this year?

Mississippi State at Kansas State, Sept. 8: Top 20 SEC Bulldogs’ early season visit to the house that Bill Snyder built could set the tone for the conference’s intersectional matchups in 2018.

West Virginia quarterback Will Grier is a preseason hopeful for the Heisman. [ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTOS]

West Virginia QB a Heisman hopeful West Virginia quarterback Will Grier is hoping to pick up right where he left off in 2017. After sitting out the 2016 season after transferring from Florida, he threw for 34 touchdowns and 3,490 yards in just over 10 games until his season ended when he dislocated his hand against Texas. If he gets rolling early in the year, the Mountaineers’ schedule sets up for a November of potential Heisman moments with games against Texas, TCU, Oklahoma State and Oklahoma.

Oklahoma at Iowa State, Sept. 15: The Cyclones shocked the Sooners in Norman last year. Could fifthyear senior quarterback Kyle Kempt lead Iowa State to back-to-back wins?

Houston at Texas Tech, Sept.

15: The Red Raiders host the Group of Five stalwart as its offensive line will attempt to keep the best player in the nation (Ed Oliver) out of the Tech backfield.

Getting defensive at Texas Tech?

Headed to the top is his Ames

Intersectional matchups set the tone

Rebuild or reload in Norman?

The Red Raider offense under sixth-year coach Kliff Kingsbury has been among the most potent in the nation, but Texas Tech’s 30-33 record under the former quarterback has sagged due to poor defenses and constant turnover in the coaching positions on that side of the ball. But, this year’s squad will feature three players who were named preseason All-Big 12, the most by any one school. Defensive backs Jah’Shawn Johnson and Justus Parker (above) head up Tech’s defensive unit that hopes on improving on the Red Raiders’ 32.2 opponents’ points per game average.

In the Iowa State head coach’s second year in Ames, his Cyclones defeated two Top-4 teams within the span of four weeks in October. Could the wins over Oklahoma and TCU give Matt Campbell’s (above) squad the confidence to finish near the top of the Big 12 standings this year and crash the party that’s traditionally only invited Sooners, Frogs, Longhorns and Bears? With the conference’s best running back — David Montgomery and a fifth-year signal-caller in Kyle Kempt, the Cyclones could improve on last year’s 8-5 record.

The Big 12 will know early how its teams will stack up. Bill Snyder’s crew will host Top 15 Mississippi State the second week of the season in a rare intersectional matchup in Manhattan, Kan. If the Wildcats call pull off the upset, the conference can look to build on its power ranking as Gary Patterson (above) and TCU take on Big Ten favorites Ohio State in a neutral location matchup at Jerryworld in Arlington. At the same time, the Longhorns host USC in a rematch of last year’s double-OT loss. If the Big 12 can go 3-0 in these games, the conference could once again be set up for a college football playoff berth.

Gone from Norman is Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Baker Mayfield and perhaps the nation’s top tight end in Mark Andrews. But will it really be a rebuilding year for Oklahoma on offense? Although Lincoln Riley hasn’t named him a starter yet, it’s expected that the Sooners will be lead by Texas A&M transfer quarterback Kyler Murray (above) in the head coach’s second season on the job. A first-round draft choice by the Oakland A’s in baseball, Murray went 42-0 as a starter in high school leading Allen to three consecutive state championships.

• RB Justice Hill, Oklahoma State: He led the Big 12 in rushing a year ago, with 1,467 yards and 15 touchdowns and his top performance of 228 yards versus Oklahoma.

Oklahoma at TCU, Oct. 20: A rematch of last year’s Big 12 Championship game will feature electric talent at the offensive skill positions.

NUMBER TO KNOW

PLAYERS TO WATCH A LOOK AT TOP RETURNING STARS

• QB Will Grier, West Virginia: The preseason Heisman Trophy candidate will probably be throwing to the best receiving group in the country and is capable of topping 40 touchdowns.

Oklahoma vs. Texas (Dallas), Oct. 6: Texas defensive coordinator Todd Orlando clamped down on Baker Mayfield and the high-flying Sooner offense in 2017. Will he be able to contain new OU quarterback Kyler Murray?

• WR Jalen Reagor, TCU: The sophomore could be the most dynamic wideout in the league if the last game he played is any indication. His 93-yard touchdown reception helped TCU beat Stanford in the Alamo Bowl.

2 Since the Big 12 was formed

in 1996, the conference has had two players picked first in the NFL Draft. Both times that selection was a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from Oklahoma — Baker Mayfield and Sam Bradford.

West Virginia at Oklahoma St., Nov. 17: The late season matchup in Stillwater could prove pivotal in the Mountaineers’ chances to win the conference title and its quarterback’s Heisman chances.

It’s more than a game.

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Games of note throughout the ACC this season

Miami vs. LSU (Arlington, Texas) Sept. 2: Facing another preseason Top 25 team in the opener will tell us if the Hurricanes are a legitimate playoff contender or simply a good ACC squad.

Tigers hunt again

Virginia Tech at Florida State, Sept. 3: The first meeting between league heavyweights since 2012 starts the Willie Taggart era at FSU and gives the winner an early boost in the national rankings.

Clemson defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99), Dexter Lawrence (90) and Austin Bryant (7) react after a sack during a game against South Carolina on Nov. 25, 2017, in Columbia, S.C. [ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTOS]

Orange is the new gold standard It has come to the point that Clemson ought to be pretty much slotted as the ACC’s preseason favorite until another team can come along with proof that there should be a change at the time. The Tigers have won three consecutive conference championships, perhaps an accomplishment overshadowed by the team’s ability to keep its national prominence. Now it might be more about defense than ever before for Clemson. Along the front, there’s Dexter Lawrence, Christian Wilkins, Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant all in the hunt for ball carriers and a potential spot atop NFL Draft boards. It’s a nice problem to have for Dabo Swinney’s team, which hasn’t shown many cracks in the armor.

N.C. State at Clemson, Oct. 20: The Wolfpack has come everso-close to derailing Clemson’s title hopes the last two years.

With Florida State looming the following week, could the Tigers be ripe for an upset?

Clemson at Florida State, Oct. 27: This was the ACC’s showcase matchup between 2011 and 2015 when it essentially determined the league champion. It could be that significant again in 2018.

Which way for Seminoles?

Hurricanes on course for a repeat?

Talking about offense, now

Don’t strike the pose just yet

Florida State has a new coach with Willie Taggart (above) and the Seminoles will want a better start to the season after a defeat-filled, hurricaneinterrupted first month last year. Taggart has quite a bit to sort out, particularly deciding if redshirt junior Deondre Francois, who was injured in the 2017 opener, is ready to return to a starting role or if sophomore James Blackman gained enough experience with his unexpected playing time last season to claim that role. A first impression could go a long way for Taggart because the Seminoles took a noticeable dive last season.

The Hurricanes finally made it to the ACC championship game — something that was supposed to be a regular occurrence when they joined the conference. Now that coach Mark Richt (above) has conquered that hurdle the next step will be landing a championship. The Hurricanes lost much of their momentum by the end of last season — going from 10-0 to 10-3 — so they’ll need to crank it up again so they don’t look like one-year wonders on the conference stage. But 15 returning starters are on the roster, making Miami the Coastal Division favorite.

North Carolina State might have to rely on offense for a while this season with returning quarterback Ryan Finley (above) directing the show. Finley’s status has taken a major rise in two seasons as a starter, and he might have a receiving corps capable of making him look even better. The reason for the emphasis on his play comes because the Wolfpack’s vaunted 2017 defensive front largely departed for the NFL Draft (now Clemson receives the ACC’s attention for that position).

Louisville is out of the Heisman Trophy business for the time being after 2016 winner Lamar Jackson was around for a final college season while carrying that label. Now coach Bobby Petrino will have the task of finding ways to ignite the offense without Jackson.

The quarterback will be Jawon Pass (above) — so at least he has a good name for this role.

And good luck to him because his first assignment comes with an opener against No. 1 Alabama in Orlando, Fla.

NUMBER TO KNOW

PLAYERS TO WATCH A LOOK AT TOP RETURNING STARS

• RB A.J. Dillon, Boston College: The ACC Rookie of the Year was a workhorse a year ago when he carried 300 times on the way 1,589 rushing yards.

A repeat performance in 2018 could put Dillon in the Heisman race.

• DL Clelin Ferrell, Austin Bryant, Dexter Lawrence, Christian Wilkins, Clemson: All potential first-round NFL draft picks, this veteran quartet will be a terror for opposing quarterbacks and make the Tigers difficult to run against.

• QB Ryan Finley, N.C. State: Finley is the latest in a line of N.C. State quarterback greats dating back to Philip Rivers.

Only ACC Player of the Year Lamar Jackson threw for more yards than Finley last year (3,518 yards).

13

Number of North Carolina players missing games this season for violating NCAA rules by selling school-issued sneakers.

Their absences are another hurdle for coach Larry Fedora, who is coming off a 3-9 finish that was his worst in six seasons.

Wake Forest at N.C. State, Nov. 8: The Deacons surprised the Wolfpack during a strong closing stretch last season, but haven’t won in Raleigh since 2006. Wake claimed the ACC title that year.

Miami at Virginia Tech, Nov. 17: If preseason predictions prove accurate, this game will determine the winner of the ACC Coastal Division.

Syracuse vs. Notre Dame (Bronx, N.Y.) Nov. 17: Playing football in Yankee Stadium is must-see TV anytime. But if Eric Dungey is a healthy quarterback in November, the Orange could stage an upset like it did against Clemson last season.

It’s more than a game.

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The contenders

CIRCLE IT ON THE CALENDAR Games of note throughout the Pac-12 this season

UCLA at Oklahoma, Sept. 8: Chip Kelly’s second game with the Bruins takes him on the road to face a top-five program. Kelly was hired to get UCLA back in the national-title race, but it may take him a few years to get there.

USC at Stanford, Sept. 8: The first conference game of the season is a rematch of last year’s Pac-12 title game won 31-28 by the Trojans.

Washington quarterback Jake Browning scrambles against Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl Dec. 30, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. [ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTOS]

Huskies hope tougher schedule gets CFP attention The Pac-12 was left out of the College Football Playoff last season for the second time in four seasons since the NCAA switched to a four-team bracket. Washington, which lost to Alabama in the 2017 semifinals, looks like the best bet to get the conference back into the CFP, but the Huskies face a tougher schedule this season. After being criticized for a weak nonconference schedule in the past two seasons, the Huskies open against Auburn in Atlanta on Sept. 1. A win over Auburn would give UW an impressive addition to its resume while a loss would leave the Huskies with no margin for error in conference play.

Stanford at Oregon, Sept.

22: The Ducks have a weak nonconference schedule so they should be undefeated and possibly ranked in the Top 25 when they host the Cardinal, which has totaled 101 points during wins over Oregon in the past two seasons.

USC at Utah, Oct. 20: The two favorites in the South Division meet up in Salt Lake City where USC has lost during its last two visits.

Welcome back, Chip.

Love at Stanford

New faces in the desert

Wide-open South

Chip Kelly (above) found nothing but success during his first trip through the Pac-12 when he went 46-7, including a 33-3 mark in conference play, at Oregon from 2009-12 while winning three Pac-12 titles. After four years in the NFL and one at ESPN, Kelly was the top free agent among college coaches when he elected to return at UCLA. Kelly’s hire brought immediate excitement back to the program that combined to go 10-15 overall and 6-12 in the Pac-12 during the past two years.

Many people expected Bryce Love (above) to turn pro following his junior season when he won the Doak Walker Award after rushing for 2,118 yards and 19 touchdowns for the Cardinal. Instead, the 5-foot-10, 202-pounder is back for his senior year as one of the favorites for the Heisman Trophy. However, Love didn’t return just for football as the Human Biology major skipped the conference’s media day because he had class that day.

Love’s return has Stanford optimistic about defending its North Division title, but USC, Oregon, and Notre Dame are all on the schedule in September.

Arizona State and Arizona finished second and third, respectively, in the South Division, but both schools fired their coach following the season.

ASU’s Todd Graham was let go after combining to go 18-20 during his final three seasons while Arizona parted with Rich Rodriguez amid sexual harassment allegations. The Sun Devils went with an unconventional hire by bringing longtime NFL coach and television analyst Herm Edwards (above) back to college for the first time since he was an assistant at San Jose State in 1989. The Wildcats grabbed Kevin Sumlin after he was fired following six seasons as head coach at Texas A&M.

While Washington (featuring RB Miles Gaskin, above) was an overwhelming favorite to win the North Division after receiving 40 of 42 first-place votes in a preseason media poll, the press had a tougher time predicting the finish in the South. Five of the six teams in the South received at least one first-place vote with USC leading the way. The Trojans got 22 votes followed by Utah at 14 while Arizona, UCLA, and Colorado each got at least one vote as well.

NUMBER TO KNOW

PLAYERS TO WATCH A LOOK AT TOP RETURNING STARS

• RB Miles Gaskin, Washington: The 5-foot-10 senior running back has set the school record with 41 career rushing touchdowns. He has rushed for at least 1,300 yards each season including a career-high 1,380 with 21 touchdowns last year.

• WR N’Keal Harry, Arizona State: The 6-4 junior was a first-team, all-conference pick last season when he ranked second in the Pac-12 with 82 catches for 1,142 yards. Harry averages 72 receiving yards in 25 career games.

• LB Cameron Smith, USC: Senior has started 35 games in three seasons for the Trojans.

Led the team with 112 tackles last season after having 83 as a sophomore. Has 19 tackles for loss and one interception in his career.

14.8 Average number of

returning starters for each team in the conference led

by Arizona, California, and Washington with 18 apiece. Ten players who earned first-team, all-conference honors last year are back.

Utah at UCLA, Oct. 26: Tough turnaround for the Utes, who have to go on the road during a short week to visit the Bruins on a Friday night.

Stanford at Washington, Nov. 3: The two teams that have combined to win the past three North Division titles could determine this year’s winner when they face off in Seattle.

OTHER NOTABLE GAMES USC at Texas, Sept. 15 Stanford at Notre Dame, Sept. 29 Utah at Stanford, Oct. 6 Washington at Washington State, Nov. 23 Notre Dame at USC, Nov. 24

It’s more than a game.

Pac-12 preview coverage in

ARSITY

VARSITY 8

CRITICAL GAMES A LOOK AT THIS SEASON’S KEY MATCHUPS | BY NOAH TRISTER, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A rivalry is reborn

In this Nov. 25, 2017, file photo, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh watches players warm up for a game against Ohio State in Ann Arbor, Mich. Harbaugh is 28-11 since taking over the Wolverines. [CARLOS OSORIO/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]

Michigan-Notre Dame leads off games to watch in 2018 Remember last year, when everyone was eyeing the season-opening AlabamaFlorida State game as one of the most anticipated matchups?

The third-ranked Seminoles lost that game and several more, barely finishing with a winning record.

Even late in the season, a huge showdown between two top teams might not mean as much in hindsight.

Consider the Iron Bowl

between No. 1 Alabama and No. 6 Auburn. The Crimson Tide lost but still went on to win the national title.

So predicting the most important games of the regular season is a tricky proposition, but with that caveat out of the way, there are several matchups that already stand out when looking through this year’s schedule. Here are a few of those games to watch in 2018:

In this Dec. 2, 2017, file photo, Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm (11) looks to throw a pass as Auburn defensive lineman Derrick Brown (5) pressures during the second half of the SEC title game in Atlanta.

Auburn and Georgia meet Nov. 10.

[DAVID GOLDMAN/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]

Michigan at Notre Dame (Sept. 1)

LSU vs. Miami (Sept. 2)

Oklahoma at TCU (Oct. 20)

Jim Harbaugh is 28-11 since taking over the Wolverines. That’s a clear improvement from where Michigan was, but a bit underwhelming considering the hype and expectations that accompanied Harbaugh’s arrival. Specifically, the Wolverines have struggled against their big rivals, going 1-5 against Ohio State and Michigan State.

The Hurricanes took a 10-0 record into their regularseason finale in 2017. Then a loss at Pittsburgh started a three-game losing streak that took some of the shine off Miami’s resurgence. Both LSU and Miami may have tougher games down the road in conference play, but the winner of this early-season showdown in Arlington, Texas, will earn some immediate buzz.

TCU takes on Ohio State in a huge nonconference matchup Sept. 15. If the Horned Frogs win that one, then this showdown a month later with the Sooners becomes even more intriguing. TCU had one of the nation’s top rushing defenses last year, but Oklahoma’s Rodney Anderson gained 151 yards on the ground against the Horned Frogs .

UCLA at Oregon (Nov. 3)

Auburn at Georgia (Nov. 10)

Wisconsin at Penn State (Nov. 10)

Chip Kelly’s debut season at UCLA includes a trip to Oregon to face the Ducks. Even if neither team turns out to be a title threat in the Pac-12, this should be quite a scene when the star coach takes on his former team. See also: Dan Mullen and Florida playing at Mississippi State on Sept. 29.

These Southeastern Conference rivals split two meetings three weeks apart toward the end of last season.

Auburn won 40-17 in November, only for Georgia to take the rematch 28-7 in the SEC championship game.

There’s every possibility that this matchup could impact the title race in both SEC divisions.

Given the uncertainty surrounding Urban Meyer at Ohio State, it may be Wisconsin that is the Big Ten’s most likely playoff team. The Badgers appear to have a smooth path through their division, but they’ll have a lot to prove in a pair of crossover matchups against teams from the East.

VARSITY 9

HOT SEAT COACHES

A LOOK AT COACHES WHO MAY LOSE THEIR JOBS IF THEIR TEAMS DON’T IMPROVE | BY RALPH D. RUSSO, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A seat no one wants to sit on These six coaches are starting to feel the heat as teams struggle A potentially quiet silly season for coaching moves can quickly turn into whirlwind of big openings.

That was the case last year when Nebraska and Florida descended into tumultuous seasons and fired third-year coaches who had winning records in 2016. Multimillion-dollar buyouts be damned.

The reality is most FBS coaches are one truly terrible season away from being fired. Now more than ever changes throughout an administration can trickle down to the coach’s office and be the catalyst for change.

That’s why Bobby Petrino enters an interesting season at Louisville. Not only has Lamar Jackson moved on to the NFL, but the basketballrelated scandals at Louisville have led to a new athletic director and university president. Could Petrino decide it’s time to move on as well?

The 2018 hot-seat watch has already taken a bizarre turn at Ohio State. If that job comes open, it could trigger a chain reaction across the country. For now though it’s hard to find even six coaches who are clearly in trouble, but there are a few who could really use a better record this year than last to avoid giving their bosses something to think about in November.

Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino answers a question during a news conference at ACC media day July 19 in Charlotte, N.C. Petrino may not be on the hot seat just yet, but he’ll have to prove there’s life after Lamar Jackson. [ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTOS]

DAVID BEATY, Kansas (3-33 in three seasons): Beaty was practically set up to the fail in his first head coaching job. The Jayhawks’ roster had been left woefully depleted by Charlie Weis and KU was looking for someone to clean up the mess on the relative cheap. Still, three wins in three seasons means trouble for the coach. And now there is a new athletic director at Kansas in Jeff Long. Beaty knows the deal. The Jayhawks need to show real progress in year four, but it seems like a stretch to project more than a couple victories. The next coach is likely to benefit from Beaty’s cleanup.

LARRY FEDORA, North Carolina (43-34 in six seasons): It was just a few years ago Fedora seemed on the rise, rumored to be in the mix for other openings.

Now after 3-9 last year and looking at starting this season navigating the suspensions of 13 players through the first four games, he is not so comfortable. A solid season should be enough for Fedora to stabilize his status, but another washout would test patience at a basketball school that usually has a lot.

KLIFF KINGSBURY, Texas Tech (30-33 in five seasons): Kingsbury has been treading water at his alma mater, with an administration that wants him to be successful and a fan base that seems to cut him some extra slack. The Red Raiders are finally starting to play a little defense, but they have quarterback questions this year. Firing Kingsbury, who is 16-29 in the Big 12, won’t be too costly, about $4 million. The key question: What happens if the Red Raiders have another so-so season? Because that seems to be the most likely result.

LOVIE SMITH, Illinois (5-19 in two seasons): That Smith makes the list is a testament to how few coaches enter the season in really precarious positions.

The Illini would be on the hook for about $12 million to let the 60-year-old former NFL coach go.

Plus, AD Josh Whitman has a lot of credibility invested in his splashy hire. The Illini enter the season on a 10-game losing streak, but were stunningly inexperienced last year. Sixteen true freshmen combined to make made a total of 87 starts. They almost have to be better.

SCOTTIE MONTGOMERY, East Carolina (6-18 in two seasons): Another bowl-less season for proud program could spell the end for Montgomery, a promising young coach with a good resume. East Carolina is also in transition at athletic director, which injects uncertainty into the situation. Even a modest step forward for the Pirates this season could be enough. The promising news is East Carolina could be sneaky good in the American Athletic Conference, and both of its Atlantic Coast Conference opponents— North Carolina and Virginia Tech — look vulnerable.

MIKE MACINTYRE, Colorado (25-38 in five seasons): Two years removed from being national coach of the year, MacIntyre and the Buffaloes are again in need of a course correction after 5-7 in 2017. Fortunately for him, one year into a five-year, $16.25 million contract, the bar probably won’t be too high this season. He was also reprimanded and fined by the university after last season for his handling of domestic violence allegation against a now former assistant, so maybe that lifts the bar a little.

AWARD HOPEFULS

VARSITY 10

A LOOK AT THE EARLY FAVORITES TO TAKE HOME COLLEGE FOOTBALL’S TOP HARDWARE | BY STEVE MEGARGEE, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

For Love of the game Stanford running back heads list of preseason Heisman contenders Stanford running back Bryce Love’s decision to return for his senior year instantly made him a preseason frontrunner for some of college football’s top individual awards.

Love won the Doak Walker Award as college football’s top running back and was runnerup in the Heisman Trophy balloting last year as he rushed for 2,118 yards. He’s an obvious candidate for both awards again this year, even though he will have a tough time matching his production from last season.

“I had a good chance to talk with Bryce, to talk about (how) this year can’t be about stats,” Stanford coach David Shaw said. “He broke a lot of records last year, did some phenomenal things last year. This year’s about him getting bigger, stronger, being more versatile, different things, adding to his game. We’re not going to do the Bryce Love stat watch.”

Love is among several players to enter the season as contenders to earn hardware this season.

HEISMAN TROPHY (top overall player) Bryce Love, Stanford: His 2,118 yards rushing last season ranked second among all Football Bowl Subdivision players , behind only Seattle Seahawks first-round draft pick and former San Diego State star Rashaad Penny.

Stanford running back Bryce Love runs in front of Southern California safety Chris Hawkins during the first half of the Pac-12 championship game Dec. 1, 2017, in Santa Clara, Calif. Love’s decision to return for his senior year instantly made him a preseason frontrunner for some of college football’s top individual awards. [ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTOS] Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor runs past Michigan’s Chris Hanlon during a game Nov. 18, 2017, in Madison, Wis. Taylor set an NCAA freshman record by rushing for 1,977 yards last season.

Khalil Tate, Arizona: As a versatile quarterback who can beat defenses with his arm and legs, Tate fits the profile of many other recent Heisman winners.

Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin: Taylor finished sixth in the Heisman balloting last year and set an NCAA freshman record by rushing for 1,977 yards.

Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate runs against Purdue during the second half of the Foster Farms Bowl on Dec. 27, 2017, in Santa Clara, Calif. As a versatile quarterback who can beat defenses with his arm and legs, Tate fits the profile of many other recent Heisman winners.

Other top awards DAVEY O’BRIEN (top quarterback)

DOAK WALKER (top running back)

BILETNIKOFF (top receiver)

OUTLAND (top interior lineman)

Will Grier, West Virginia: Grier threw for 317.3 yards per game last season and was the media’s choice as Big 12 preseason offensive player of the year.

J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State: Dobbins rushed for 1,403 yards and gained 7.2 yards per carry as a freshman last season. Expect him to hit the next level in 2018.

A.J. Brown, Mississippi: Brown caught 75 passes for 1,252 yards and 11 touchdowns last year as an AP All-America third-team selection.

Ed Oliver , Houston: Oliver won this trophy last year and also was a finalist for the Nagurski Trophy given to the nation’s top defensive player.

McKenzie Milton, Central Florida: Milton finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy balloting last year while leading UCF to a perfect season.

Bryce Love, Stanford: Love will try to join former Texas star Ricky Williams and former Arkansas standout Darren McFadden as a twotime winner of this award.

N’Keal Harry, Arizona State: Harry had 82 catches for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns a year ago.

Sun Devils’ pass-happy attack should help those numbers.

Christian Wilkins, Clemson: Clemson’s defensive line is so fearsome that all four of its projected starters made the preseason all-Atlantic Coast Conference team.

Khalil Tate, Arizona: Tate rushed for 327 yards in one game last season and ran for over 200 yards in two other contests.

Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin: Taylor was one of three finalists for this award last year.

David Sills, West Virginia: Sills caught 18 touchdown passes last season to tie for the FBS lead and was a finalist for this award.

Jonah Williams, Alabama: Williams will try to become the fourth Alabama player in the last 11 years to capture the trophy.

BEDNARIK/NAGURSKI (top defensive player)

BUTKUS (top linebacker)

JIM THORPE (top defensive back)

JOHN MACKEY (top tight end)

Nick Bosa, Ohio State: Bosa earned second-team AP All-America honors last season and had 16 tackles for loss plus eight sacks.

He returns to a loaded Buckeyes D.

Devin Bush, Michigan: Bush was a Butkus Award finalist and third-team AP All-American last year on a stacked Wolverines defense that again looks scary.

Deandre Baker, Georgia: Baker had nine pass breakups last season to go along with three interceptions for national runner-up Bulldogs.

Noah Fant, Iowa: He’s coming off a 2017 season in which he scored 11 touchdowns for the Big Ten’s Hawkeyes. He’ll continue to be a key in their offense.

Raekwon Davis, Alabama: An Alabama player has won the last two Bednarik Awards (Jonathan Allen in 2016 and Minkah Fitzpatrick in 2017).

T.J. Edwards, Wisconsin: Edwards was a Butkus Award finalist and firstteam AP All-American last year for a Badgers squad with playoff aspirations.

Jaquan Johnson, Miami: Johnson had a team-high 96 tackles and tied for the team lead with four interceptions last season for ball-hawking Hurricanes.

Albert Okwuegbunam, Missouri: As a redshirt freshman last season for the Tigers, he had 11 touchdown catches to tie for the SEC lead.

Clelin Ferrell, Clemson: Ferrell was a first-team AP All-American who collected 18 tackles for loss and 9 ½ sacks last year.

Devin White, LSU: White had 133 tackles last season, including 14 for loss.

Andraez “Greedy” Williams, LSU: Williams picked off six passes and earned third-team AP All-America honors as a redshirt freshman last season.

Caleb Wilson, UCLA: Wilson caught 38 passes for 490 yards in only five games last year before a foot injury shut him down.

VARSITY 11

HEISMAN DARKHORSES A LOOK AT PLAYERS WHO MAY MAKE THE CHASE FOR COLLEGE’S TOP PRIZE INTERESTING | BY JOE REEDY, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Mayfield

2.0?

Can Huskies’ Browning repeat former OU star’s path in 2018?

Washington quarterback Jake Browning hands the ball to head coach Chris Petersen (not pictured) during Pac-12 football media day July 25 in Los Angeles. [ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTOS]

Washington’s Jake Browning is hoping to repeat what Baker Mayfield did last year.

Mayfield was a Heisman Trophy longshot in the preseason, but ended up winning the award while leading Oklahoma to the College Football Playoff for the second time in three years.

Browning was sixth in the Heisman voting two years ago after leading the Huskies to the Pac-12 title and the playoff, where they lost to Alabama in the semifinals. His productivity declined last year though as his touchdowns fell from 43 to 19.

Washington was 10-3 last season, but is the preseason favorite to win the Pac 12.

Browning and the Huskies will also have an early opportunity to make a favorable impression to rest of the nation as they face Auburn in the opener in Atlanta on Sept. 1.

Browning — who has thrown for over 9,000 yards and 78 touchdowns the past three seasons — is facing high expectations, but none might be bigger than what coach Chris Peterson expects out of the senior.

“Jake plays really good football and has made

some spectacular plays in his career,” Peterson said.

“We’re looking for him to do that at the most difficult position in football at a really high, elite level play after play after play.”

A look at other Heisman longshots looking to improve their odds:

CAM AKERS, RB, Florida State: New coach Willie Taggart says that the theme of his offense is “lethal simplicity.” That is also an apt description of Akers. The sophomore had four 100-yard games last season along with setting Florida State’s freshman rushing record with 1,025 yards. Akers will be counted on early to be a focal point of Taggart’s offense, starting with the Sept. 3 opener against Virginia Tech.

BRIAN LEWERKE, QB, Michigan State: The junior is a dual-threat quarterback who accounted for 3,352 yards of total offense as the Spartans won 10 games last season. With the turmoil surrounding Ohio State’s program, Michigan State could end up as the favorite in the Big Ten East.

RODNEY ANDERSON, RB, Oklahoma: There have been only three occasions where the same school has produced different Heisman winners in back-toback seasons. Anderson didn’t even start until mid-season last year, but he finished with 1,442 yards and 18 touchdowns from scrimmage. In his best game, he had 290 yards and four touchdowns from scrimmage in a regular-season win over TCU. At 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, he is a powerhouse with breakaway speed and good enough hands to have grabbed five touchdown receptions last season.

ED OLIVER, DT, Houston: The junior might have set the record for being the earliest to announce that he is entering the NFL Draft. But there is good reason for that as Oliver might be the top pick.

The 6-foot-3, 290-pound defensive lineman faces huge odds to win, but with 38½ tackles for loss the last two seasons and the possibility that coach Major Applewhite could use him on some offensive plays, he could at least get to New York as one of the finalists.

McKENZIE MILTON, QB, Central Florida: Milton was eighth in the voting last year after he led the Knights to an improbable 13-0 record and a victory over Auburn in the Peach Bowl. He was second in the nation in passing efficiency (179.3) and yards per attempt (10.22), finishing behind Mayfield.

UCF though has a new coach in Josh Heupel after Scott Frost left for Nebraska. Also hampering Milton’s bid is a lack of weekly exposure. The Knights’ first national appearance won’t be until Sept. 15 against North Carolina.

DREW LOCK, QB, Missouri: Lock set an Southeastern Conference record last season with 44 touchdown passes.

Three SEC quarterbacks have won the award since 2007, but the senior is going to need to produce wins for a Tigers squad that lost five of its first six last season before finishing 7-6.

ON THE DEFENSIVE

VARSITY 12

2018 WILL BE THE YEAR OF THE DEFENSIVE LINEMAN | BY RALPH D. RUSSO, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Defense drives top teams D-line is where stars are this year BOSTON — Imagine what passers-by must have thought about Zach Allen’s father on those bitter cold Connecticut days when they saw him pitching batting practice to his pre-teen son at the park.

Must be one of those crazed Little League dads, sucking all the fun out of the game.

“What they didn’t realize was I was begging Zachary, ‘You know, can’t we go in? It’s freezing out here,”’ Michael Allen said.

With some prodding by a persistent and prescient high school coach, Zach Allen put down the bat and glove and decided to concentrate on football. Now, Allen’s regimented focus and firstto-arrive-last-to-leave work ethic has made him into one of the best defensive linemen in college football as he heads into his senior season at Boston College.

That’s a real feat this year.

The NFL draft next year will be filled with blue chip defensive linemen, highlighted by Houston’s Ed Oliver, Michigan’s Rashan Gary, Ohio State’s Joey Bosa and the entire Clemson defensive front. Allen doesn’t have the name recognition or magazine covers, but NFL scouts know all about him. He was one of only two defensive linemen credited with at least 100 tackles last season and might have slipped into the first round of the last draft had he decided to leave early. Instead he chose to return to anchor the defense for what could be the best BC team since Matt Ryan was quarterback there 12 years ago.

“You want to be part of that so you can come back 10, 15, 30 years with your family and say, ‘Yeah, we were able to come together and we were able to do this,”’ Zach Allen said.

Allen excelled in baseball, basketball and football growing up. During his freshman year at New Cannan High School in Connecticut, Allen came to the conclusion he needed to drop one sport if he wanted to continue playing at a high level and getting straight A’s. Since he dreamed of being the next Alex Rodriguez or

In this Oct. 7, 2017, file photo, Boston College’s Zach Allen (2) tackles Virginia Tech’s Travon McMillian during the second half of a game in Boston. In college football’s year of the defensive lineman, Allen is not getting the publicity of Clemson’s four potential first-round draft picks, the latest Bosa harassing quarterbacks at Ohio State or Houston’s Ed Oliver. With an obsessive dedication to an early-to-bedearly-too-rise routine and strict diet of George Foreman Grill meals, Allen has put himself on the same level as all those former five-star prospects. [MICHAEL DWYER/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]

EXTRA POINT Six more defensive lineman to watch in 2018: Ben Banogu, DE, TCU Greg Gaines, DT, Washington Joe Jackson, DE, Miami Jeffrey Simmons, DT, Mississippi State Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame

Derek Jeter, he chose to quit football right before the start of spring practice.

New Cannan coach Lou Marinelli did not like Allen’s idea.

“I said, ‘Give me your father’s phone number,”’ said Marinelli, who is going into his 38th season coaching at the school.

Marinelli left a voicemail for Michael Allen, who remembers it well. “‘Mr. Allen, I have your son standing in my office. Could you give me a call? I just heard the stupidest somethingsomething thing in 40 years of coaching,”’ Allen said, cleaning up Marinelli’s language.

Marinelli moved Zach Allen to varsity, played him

at outside linebacker and the Allens have been thanking him ever since.

Connecticut does not produce many highly recruited football players. Allen and his family had modest expectations.

“We thought he’d go maybe to an Ivy school and play football,” said Irene Allen, Zach’s mother.

Everything changed on Dec. 3, 2013, Allen’s junior year, when he got his first FBS scholarship offer from Pittsburgh.

“I was blown away,” Michael Allen said.

According to 247 Sports’ recruiting rankings, Allen was a three-star prospect, the fourth-best player in Connecticut in 2015. No. 1 was Clemson’s Christian Wilkins, a five-star recruit who played at Suffield Academy, a private prep school.

Wilkins, like Allen — though more surprisingly — chose to return for his senior season, adding yet another potential first-round pick at a position that is one of the most valued

by NFL teams. And, after quarterback, maybe the most challenging to fill.

Unlike most of those players, who have been on the path to the draft since high school, Allen’s progress has been gradual. He played some as a 250-pound freshman and was part of the rotation as a sophomore. Last year, he rarely left the field. He had six sacks, 15 ½ tackles for loss and was one of the Atlantic Coast Conference’s breakout stars. The NFL began noticing and after the season Allen had a decision to make. He received a second-round grade from the NFL’s college advisory committee and got some firstround feedback.

Allen was invited to the NCAA’s Elite Athlete Symposium, held in conjunction with the NFL combine in Indianapolis.

He said he won’t pay attention to the competition he will likely face when it comes draft time — potential AllAmericans such as Gary and Alabama’s Raekwon Davis — but when BC did its own combine training this offseason Allen did take note of how he stacked up against the players who went through the actual combine this year.

“I can compete with those

guys,” Allen said.

A turning point in his development was the arrival of Paul Pasqualoni to Boston College as defensive line coach after Allen’s freshman season.

Pasqualoni is a former head coach at Syracuse and Connecticut and spent time in the NFL, too, including a season coaching All-Pro J.J. Watt as defensive line coach in Houston.

“He had stories about guys and how they let it consume their world and how they were all about football,” Allen said.

Pasqualoni did the teaching and former BC teammate Harold Landry, a second-round pick in April by Tennessee, set the example.

“He really was a true pro,” Allen said of Landry. “The way he approached everything.

The mindset, the discipline.”

Now Allen is the one setting the example.

“He carries himself not in a rude way or a rude manner, but you can tell attention is like demanded,” said A.J. Dillon, Boston College’s star sophomore running back.

“Zach’s probably one of the most accountable people I’ve been around.”

Best of the best If you are looking for the best players in college football this season, pay attention to the defensive line. A group of former blue chip prospects has bloomed into dominant defenders who will be wrecking offenses across the nation in 2018. Then in 2019, they will likely be packing the first round of the NFL draft. Narrowing the star-studded class to six is difficult. Clemson alone has four. But here are the best of the big fellas who could be draft eligible in 2019:

ED OLIVER, DT, Houston: The junior has already announced he will enter next year’s draft. No need to wait.

Oliver was practically NFL ready when he arrived at Houston, choosing his hometown university over the Power Five programs. He has 38 ½ tackles for loss in two seasons. At 6-foot-3 and 290, Oliver combines power, quickness and rare sideline-to-sideline speed for an interior lineman. Houston will push him as a Heisman Trophy contender, but he is more likely to be the first pick in next year’s draft.

NICK BOSA, DE, Ohio State: Bosa’s brother, Joey, was a star for the Buckeyes from 2013-15 and ended up being the third overall pick in the draft by San Diego.

He was defensive rookie of the year in 2016 and made the Pro Bowl last year.

At 6-4 and 270, Nick Bosa appears to be on the same path. As a sophomore last season, Bosa shared playing time with three defensive ends who were drafted last season, which makes the 8 ½ sacks and 16 tackles for loss even more impressive. Bosa has an impressive teammate in defensive tackle Dre’Mont Jones.

RASHAN GARY, DE, Michigan: Gary was the No. 1 overall recruit coming out of high school in 2016. He broke out as a sophomore last season, with 5 ½ sacks and sturdy play against the run. The Wolverines could probably use a few more sacks out of the 6-5, 281-pound junior, and if he does improve his pass rush he could push to be No. 1 overall when the NFL’s drafts next April. Gary will get plenty of help from teammate Chase Winovich, another potential first-round pick.

CLEMSON’S DEFENSIVE LINE: Yep, all of them.

Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and defensive ends Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant all could have left school after last season and been NFL picks. Instead, they all returned for another season. None more surprising than Wilkins, a 300-pound junior who has played extensively since his freshman year. The best of the bunch might be the youngest. Dexter Lawrence, the 340-pound junior, played through nagging injuries last year and could be a monster.

IRON BOWL RIVALS: At 6-7, 306, there is no more imposing player in college football than Alabama’s Raekwon Davis, who had 10 tackles for loss last season and seems primed to be just the next in a long line of dominant defenders for Nick Saban. Not to be outdone by its Iron Bowl rival, Auburn has a star in Derrick Brown, a 325pound rock in the middle of what could be the SEC’s best defensive line.

ZACH ALLEN, DE, BOSTON COLLEGE: Allen broke out as a junior last season. He was one of two defensive linemen in the country to make at least 100 tackles. Unlike the others, Allen was a three-star recruit who has blossomed into a star for the Eagles, going from 250 as a freshman to 285 heading into his senior season.

GOOD ON BAD

VARSITY 13

THESE PLAYERS ARE STANDOUTS, BUT HAPPEN TO BE ON STRUGGLING SQUADS | BY RALPH D. RUSSO, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Toiling and troubling

In this Sept. 2, 2017, file photo, Nebraska wide receiver Stanley Morgan Jr. reacts after catching a touchdown pass during the first half against Arkansas State in Lincoln, Neb.

[NATI HARNIK/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]

Kansas linebacker Joe Dineen Jr. speaks during Big 12 media days July 18 in Frisco, Texas. [COOPER NEILL/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]

In this Nov. 11, 2017, file photo, Syracuse’s Eric Dungey tosses the ball before a game against Wake Forest in Syracuse, N.Y. [NICK LISI/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]

If these guys were on winning programs, you’d hear their names a lot more

Football being, in many ways, the ultimate team game can make it difficult for good players to shine when the players around them are ... not so good.

Stars toiling on losing teams rarely get much recognition. They almost never win the big awards or get selected to the All-America teams. Time to give some love to those overlooked players whose teams did not reach the postseason last year and might have a hard time climbing back into it in 2018.

Marquise Copeland, DT, Cincinnati: The Bearcats are in the second year of a rebuild under coach Luke Fickell, who brought in the top-ranked recruiting class in the American Athletic Conference this year.

Copeland was one of the few real keepers Fickell inherited and probably the team’s best player last year. The senior had 63 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2017. Undersized at 6-foot-2 and 282 pounds, Copeland could develop into an NFL draft pick.

Eric Dungey, QB, Syracuse: Dungey has been starting for the Orange since his freshman season. The problem is he has not been finishing the seasons healthy. When healthy, Dungey is a two-way threat with athleticism and size (6-4, 228) that could draw NFL attention.

He enters 2018 as the only active quarterback in FBS with at least 6,000 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing. The Orange have not been bowl-eligible since 2013.

Joe Dineen, LB, Kansas: The fifthyear senior has played on teams that have won six games in four seasons.

He also lost most of his 2016 season, when he was poised for a breakout as team captain, to hamstring injury. That big breakout came last season when Dineen led the nation in solo tackles per game (7.6) and set a school record with 25 tackles for loss.

Yes, the Jayhawks’ defense spends a lot of time on the field and that inflates some stats.

Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor: The Bears managed just one victory in 2017, but Mims was a problem for opponents. He caught 61 passes for 1,087 yards and eight touchdowns. His three-touchdown performance against Oklahoma gave the Sooners a legitimate scare. Mims was by far Baylor’s best receiver last season, but this year the Bears hope the return of senior Chris Platt from injury and the addition of Tennessee transfer Jalen Hurd.

Stanley Morgan Jr., WR, Nebraska: Cornhuskers fans are looking toward a hopeful future with new coach Scott Frost after going 4-8 last season under Mike Riley. There is much rebuilding to do, and Nebraska has a difficult schedule in 2018 with road games at Michigan, Ohio State and Wisconsin.

A major turnaround would take a minor miracle by Frost. Morgan, though, should be one of the best receivers in the Big Ten as a senior.

Trey Smith, OT, Tennessee: Smith stepped into the Volunteers’ starting lineup last season as a freshman and played like a veteran. He started games at guard and tackle, and during an ugly year in Knoxville, Smith’s performance was a thing of beauty.

The offseason provided a scare. He was treated for blood clots in his lungs.

Cleared to play, Smith is a 6-foot-6, 320-pound building block for new coach Jeremy Pruitt.

Lexington Thomas, RB, UNLV

Oshane Ximines, DE, Old Dominion

EXTRA POINT Six more players to watch on teams that had losing records last season: Trevon Brown, WR, East Carolina

Trevor Morris, LB, Rutgers

Steven Montez, QB, Colorado

Kyle Shurmur, QB, Vanderbilt

VARSITY 14

MAKING A SCHEDULE HOW SCHOOLS BUILD THE NONCONFERENCE SLATE | BY RALPH D. RUSSO, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

The right formula

Few teams schedule like Notre Dame, a school that must, because of its independent status, create a slate that will put it in the hunt for a national title. [PATRICK SEMANSKY/THE

ASSOCIATED PRESS]

Athletic directors striking delicate balance with schedules Ask athletic directors what they are trying to accomplish when they build a nonconference football schedule and the objectives are mostly the same: Come up with a slate of games that allows the school to meet its competitive and financial goals.

What are those goals? The answers vary widely.

There is no national standardization in college football scheduling, which means there have been debates, complaints and ridicule for as long as marching bands Scott Stricklin, Florida (2016-present) and Mississippi State (2010-16)

As members of the Southeastern Conference, the Gators and Bulldogs each play eight league games. What they want out of their four nonconference games is very different.

“Our priorities at MSU were, No. 1, we wanted as often as possible to play seven home games,” Stricklin said.

“So that meant we had to get three of our four nonconference games at home. We wanted to economically acquire those three homes games as inexpensively as we could.”

Seven homes games is the typical target for the 65 schools in Power Five conferences that need ticket revenue for athletic department expenditures that average more than $100 million per school every year.

Forty-six of those teams (71 percent) will play seven homes this season. Of the 19 that will play six, 11 will play at least one neutral site game and six of those 11 will play that neutral site game in their home state.

Trying to get to seven affordable home games has its own challenges.

The going rate to get an FBS opponent to play a road game with no reciprocal visit has been soaring.

Alabama is paying Arkansas State and Louisiana-Lafayette nearly $3 million combined to play games in Tuscaloosa this season. Florida is paying Colorado State $2 million to play in Gainesville, though that deal was part of the buyout for the Gators hiring coach Jim McElwain away from the Rams in 2015.

have been performing at halftime.

One thing is sure: In the College Football Playoff era, the emphasis on strength of schedule is greater than ever.

But while fans clamor for more matchups between top teams, much of what goes into scheduling is only tangentially related to the potential quality of the game.

“I always tell people there are no rules in the scheduling business,” said Dave Brown, the former ESPN executive and brains behind the popular scheduling

Chris Del Conte, Texas (2018-present) and TCU (2009-18)

Big 12 teams play nine conference games, same as the Big Ten and Pac-12. For most teams in those leagues, that means five road conference games every other season.

For Texas, though, the rivalry game against Oklahoma is always played in Dallas, giving the Longhorns an even split between home and road in conference.

Del Conte wants the three-game nonconference slate to include a home-and-home series against what he calls a “historical power.” The Longhorns complete a series against Southern California this season and have future deals with LSU, Alabama, Michigan and Ohio State.

Texas will buy one guarantee game against a Group of Five opponent; Del Conte said prefers Texas not playing FCS teams. That third game, Del Conte said, would ideally provide fans with an appealing home contest in years when that “historical power” opponent is played on the road.

In 2020, for example, Texas opens at home against USF before going to LSU the next week.

“You’re whole nonconference schedule is weighted with trying to give your team the ability to go to the CFP and two also balancing the fact you want to have a great home schedule that you’re asking your fans to spend their discretionary income on,” Del Conte said.

Sean Frazier, Northern Illinois (2013-present)

software Gridiron. “For some guys, certainly the finances are an important component. For some schools, it’s about, hey, do we recruit that area? Is it a good donor trip? Does it competitively balance our schedule? Does it allow us not to play three games in a row at home or three games in a row on the road? All those things come into it.”

The Associated Press spoke with five ADs about what goes into their scheduling:

Northern Illinois has been a MidAmerican Conference power and of the strongest Group of Five programs since 2010.

Power Five teams will pay top dollar to bring the Huskies to their stadium because they can sell it as a competitive game to their fans.

NIU is 4-1 against Big Ten teams in recent years, including a victory at Nebraska last year that cost the Huskers $820,000, too.

Frazier’s ideal nonconference schedule to go along with eight MAC games includes one payday from a Power Five school, a home game against an in-state FCS opponent, a Power Five home-and-home and a Group of Five home-and-home. Six home games is ideal but NIU has just five this season. Frazier said a lack of state funding led to him adding a payday game. The Huskies open at home against Iowa ($1 million) and go to Florida State ($1.6 million) on Sept. 22.

“Quite frankly, it saves jobs at our institution,” Frazier said.

The Huskies also start home-andhome series with BYU and Utah, giving them maybe the toughest nonconference schedule in the country.

Jack Swarbrick, Notre Dame (2008-present)

No school schedules like Notre Dame.

“Competitively we want to build a 12-game schedule that compares favorably with anybody else’s 13-game schedule,” Swarbrick said.

The Fighting Irish are famously independent, but a scheduling deal with the Atlantic Coast Conference provides some certainty. The Irish play five ACC opponents each season, alternating between three at home and two. They also play USC, Stanford and Navy every season.

That leaves four games for Swarbrick to book. Notre Dame will usually buy one Group of Five opponent. Swarbrick wants seven home games, but Notre Dame also likes to play neutral site games it controls.

The Shamrock Series has taken Notre Dame to San Antonio, Chicago, New York and Boston. All that moving around can lead to seasons like this one, where Notre Dame plays in South Bend only six times.

Swarbrick said Notre Dame always aims to have at least two home games against traditional powers. One is usually USC or Stanford. Seasonticket holders will also get Michigan and Florida State this year.

“A high priority for us is having competitive markers against the other conferences,” Swarbrick said.

Ideally, the Irish will face teams from at least four Power Five conferences each season.

2018 SCHEDULES

VARSITY 15

A LOOK AT SCHEDULES FOR ALL FOOTBALL BOWL SUBDIVISION TEAMS | ALL TIMES EASTERN (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

AIR FORCE Sept. 1 Stony Brook, TBA Sept. 8 at FAU, 2 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Utah St., TBA Sept. 29 Nevada, TBA Oct. 6 Navy, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 12 at San Diego St., 9 p.m.

Oct. 19 at UNLV, 10 p.m.

Oct. 27 Boise St., 7 p.m.

Nov. 3 at Army, Noon Nov. 10 New Mexico, 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 17 at Wyoming, TBA Nov. 22 Colorado St., 3:30 p.m.

AKRON Sept. 1 at Nebraska, 8 p.m.

Sept. 8 Morgan St., 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Northwestern, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Iowa St., TBA Oct. 6 Miami (Ohio), 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 13 at Buffalo, TBA Oct. 20 at Kent St., TBA Oct. 27 Cent. Michigan, TBA Nov. 1 N. Illinois, 7 p.m.

Nov. 10 at E. Michigan, TBA Nov. 17 Bowling Green, TBA Nov. 23 at Ohio, TBA ALABAMA Sept. 1 Louisville, 8 p.m.

Sept. 8 Arkansas St., 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Mississippi, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 Texas A&M, TBA Sept. 29 Louisiana-Lafayette, TBA Oct. 6 at Arkansas, TBA Oct. 13 Missouri, TBA Oct. 20 at Tennessee, TBA Nov. 3 at LSU, TBA Nov. 10 Mississippi St., TBA Nov. 17 The Citadel, TBA Nov. 24 Auburn, TBA APPALACHIAN ST. Sept. 1 at Penn St., 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Charlotte, 6 p.m.

Sept. 15 Southern Miss., 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 Gardner-Webb, TBA Sept. 29 South Alabama, TBA Oct. 9 at Arkansas St., 8 p.m.

Oct. 20 Louisiana-Lafayette, TBA Oct. 25 at Georgia Southern, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 3 at Coastal Carolina, TBA Nov. 10 at Texas St., TBA Nov. 17 Georgia St., TBA Nov. 24 Troy, TBA ARIZONA Sept. 1 BYU, 10:45 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Houston, Noon Sept. 15 S. Utah, 11 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Oregon St., TBA Sept. 29 Southern Cal, TBA Oct. 6 California, TBA Oct. 12 at Utah, 10 p.m.

Oct. 20 at UCLA, TBA Oct. 27 Oregon, TBA Nov. 2 Colorado, 10:30 p.m.

Nov. 17 at Washington St., TBA Nov. 24 Arizona St., TBA ARIZONA ST. Sept. 1 UTSA, 10:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 Michigan St., 10:45 p.m.

Sept. 15 at San Diego St., 10:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Washington, TBA Sept. 29 Oregon St., TBA Oct. 6 at Colorado, TBA Oct. 18 Stanford, 9 p.m.

Oct. 27 at Southern Cal, TBA Nov. 3 Utah, TBA Nov. 10 UCLA, TBA Nov. 17 at Oregon, TBA Nov. 24 at Arizona, TBA ARKANSAS Sept. 1 E. Illinois, 4 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Colorado St., 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 North Texas, 4 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Auburn, TBA Sept. 29 Texas A&M, TBA Oct. 6 Alabama, TBA Oct. 13 Mississippi, TBA Oct. 20 Tulsa, TBA Oct. 27 Vanderbilt, TBA Nov. 10 LSU, TBA Nov. 17 at Mississippi St., TBA Nov. 23 at Missouri, 2:30 p.m.

ARKANSAS ST. Sept. 1 SE Missouri, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Alabama, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Tulsa, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 UNLV, TBA Sept. 29 at Georgia Southern, TBA Oct. 9 Appalachian St., 8 p.m.

Oct. 18 Georgia St., 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 27 at Louisiana-Lafayette, TBA Nov. 3 South Alabama, TBA Nov. 10 at Coastal Carolina, TBA Nov. 17 Louisiana-Monroe, TBA Nov. 24 at Texas St., TBA ARMY Aug. 31 at Duke, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 Liberty, Noon Sept. 15 Hawaii, Noon Sept. 22 at Oklahoma, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Buffalo, TBA Oct. 13 at San Jose St., TBA Oct. 20 Miami (Ohio), Noon Oct. 27 at E. Michigan, TBA Nov. 3 Air Force, Noon Nov. 10 Lafayette, Noon Nov. 17 Colgate, Noon Dec. 8 Navy, 3 p.m.

AUBURN Sept. 1 Washington, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 Alabama St., 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 LSU, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 Arkansas, TBA Sept. 29 Southern Miss., TBA Oct. 6 at Mississippi St., TBA Oct. 13 Tennessee, TBA Oct. 20 at Mississippi, TBA Nov. 3 Texas A&M, TBA Nov. 10 at Georgia, TBA Nov. 17 Liberty, TBA Nov. 24 at Alabama, TBA BYU Sept. 1 at Arizona, 10:45 p.m.

Sept. 8 California, 10:15 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Wisconsin, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 McNeese St., 6 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Washington, TBA Oct. 5 Utah St., 9 p.m.

Oct. 13 Hawaii, TBA Oct. 27 N. Illinois, TBA Nov. 3 at Boise St., TBA Nov. 10 at UMass, TBA Nov. 17 New Mexico St., TBA Nov. 24 at Utah, TBA BALL ST. Aug. 30 CCSU, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Notre Dame, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Indiana, Noon Sept. 22 W. Kentucky, TBA Sept. 29 Kent St., TBA Oct. 6 N. Illinois, TBA Oct. 13 at Cent. Michigan, TBA Oct. 20 E. Michigan, 3 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Ohio, 7 p.m.

Oct. 31 at Toledo, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 13 W. Michigan, 6 p.m.

Nov. 20 at Miami (Ohio), 7 p.m.

BAYLOR Sept. 1 Abilene Christian, 8 p.m.

Sept. 8 at UTSA, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 Duke, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 Kansas, TBA Sept. 29 at Oklahoma, TBA Oct. 6 Kansas St., TBA Oct. 13 at Texas, TBA Oct. 25 at West Virginia, 7 p.m.

Nov. 3 Oklahoma St., TBA Nov. 10 at Iowa St., TBA Nov. 17 TCU, TBA Nov. 24 at Texas Tech, TBA BOISE ST. Sept. 1 at Troy, 6 p.m.

Sept. 8 UConn, 10:15 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Oklahoma St., 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Wyoming, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 San Diego St., TBA Oct. 13 at Nevada, 10:30 p.m.

Oct. 19 Colorado St., 9 p.m.

Oct. 27 at Air Force, 7 p.m.

Nov. 3 BYU, TBA Nov. 9 Fresno St., 10:15 p.m.

Nov. 16 at New Mexico, 9 p.m.

Nov. 24 Utah St., TBA BOSTON COLLEGE Sept. 1 UMass, 1 p.m.

Sept. 8 Holy Cross, 1 p.m.

Sept. 13 at Wake Forest, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Purdue, Noon Sept. 29 Temple, TBA Oct. 6 at NC State, TBA Oct. 13 Louisville, TBA Oct. 26 Miami, 7 p.m.

Nov. 3 at Virginia Tech, TBA Nov. 10 Clemson, TBA Nov. 17 at Florida St., TBA Nov. 24 Syracuse, TBA BOWLING GREEN Sept. 1 at Oregon, 8 p.m.

Sept. 8 Maryland, 6 p.m.

Sept. 15 E. Kentucky, 4 p.m.

Sept. 22 Miami (Ohio), TBA Sept. 29 at Georgia Tech, TBA Oct. 6 at Toledo, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 13 W. Michigan, 3 p.m.

Oct. 20 at Ohio, 2 p.m.

Oct. 30 Kent St., 8 p.m.

Nov. 10 at Cent. Michigan, TBA Nov. 17 at Akron, TBA Nov. 23 Buffalo, TBA

BUFFALO Sept. 1 Delaware St., 6 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Temple, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 E. Michigan, 6 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Rutgers, TBA Sept. 29 Army, TBA Oct. 6 at Cent. Michigan, TBA Oct. 13 Akron, TBA Oct. 20 at Toledo, TBA Oct. 30 Miami (Ohio), 8 p.m.

Nov. 6 Kent St., 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 14 at Ohio, TBA Nov. 23 at Bowling Green, TBA CALIFORNIA Sept. 1 North Carolina, 4 p.m.

Sept. 8 at BYU, 10:15 p.m.

Sept. 15 Idaho St., 6 p.m.

Sept. 29 Oregon, TBA Oct. 6 at Arizona, TBA Oct. 13 UCLA, TBA Oct. 20 at Oregon St., TBA Oct. 27 Washington, TBA Nov. 3 at Washington St., TBA Nov. 10 at Southern Cal, TBA Nov. 17 Stanford, TBA Nov. 24 Colorado, TBA CENT. MICHIGAN Sept. 1 at Kentucky, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 Kansas, 3 p.m.

Sept. 15 at N. Illinois, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 Maine, TBA Sept. 29 at Michigan St., TBA Oct. 6 Buffalo, TBA Oct. 13 Ball St., TBA Oct. 20 W. Michigan, 3 p.m.

Oct. 27 at Akron, TBA Nov. 3 at E. Michigan, TBA Nov. 10 Bowling Green, TBA Nov. 23 at Toledo, TBA CHARLOTTE Sept. 1 Fordham, 6 p.m.

Sept. 8 Appalachian St., 6 p.m.

Sept. 15 Old Dominion, 6 p.m.

Sept. 22 at UMass, TBA Sept. 29 at UAB, TBA Oct. 13 W. Kentucky, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 20 at Middle Tennessee, 3 p.m.

Oct. 27 Southern Miss., 2 p.m.

Nov. 3 at Tennessee, TBA Nov. 10 at Marshall 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 17 FIU, 2 p.m.

Nov. 24 at FAU, TBA CINCINNATI Sept. 1 at UCLA, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Miami (Ohio), 8 p.m.

Sept. 15 Alabama A&M, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 Ohio, TBA Sept. 29 at UConn, TBA Oct. 6 Tulane, TBA Oct. 20 at Temple, TBA Oct. 27 at SMU, TBA Nov. 3 Navy, TBA Nov. 10 South Florida, TBA Nov. 17 at UCF, TBA Nov. 23 East Carolina, TBA CLEMSON Sept. 1 Furman, 12:20 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Texas A&M, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 Georgia Southern, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Georgia Tech, TBA Sept. 29 Syracuse, TBA Oct. 6 at Wake Forest, TBA Oct. 20 NC State, TBA Oct. 27 at Florida St., TBA Nov. 3 Louisville, TBA Nov. 10 at Boston College, TBA Nov. 17 Duke, TBA Nov. 24 South Carolina, TBA COLORADO Aug. 31 at Colorado St., 9:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Nebraska, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 New Hampshire, 5 p.m.

Sept. 28 UCLA, 9 p.m.

Oct. 6 Arizona St., TBA Oct. 13 at Southern Cal, TBA Oct. 20 at Washington, TBA Oct. 27 Oregon St., TBA Nov. 2 at Arizona, 10:30 p.m.

Nov. 10 Washington St., TBA Nov. 17 Utah, TBA Nov. 24 at California, TBA COLORADO ST. Aug. 25 Hawaii, 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 31 Colorado, 9:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 Arkansas, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Florida, 4 p.m.

Sept. 22 Illinois St., TBA Oct. 6 at San Jose St., 10:30 p.m.

Oct. 13 New Mexico, TBA Oct. 19 at Boise St., 9 p.m.

Oct. 26 Wyoming, 10 p.m.

Nov. 10 at Nevada, TBA Nov. 17 Utah St., TBA Nov. 22 at Air Force, 3:30 p.m.

DUKE Aug. 31 Army, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Northwestern, Noon Sept. 15 at Baylor, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 NC Central, TBA Sept. 29 Virginia Tech, TBA Oct. 13 at Georgia Tech, TBA Oct. 20 Virginia, TBA Oct. 27 at Pittsburgh, TBA Nov. 3 at Miami, TBA Nov. 10 North Carolina, TBA Nov. 17 at Clemson, TBA Nov. 24 Wake Forest, TBA E. MICHIGAN Aug. 31 Monmouth (NJ), 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Purdue, Noon Sept. 15 at Buffalo, 6 p.m.

Sept. 22 at San Diego St., 10:30 p.m.

Sept. 29 N. Illinois, 6 p.m.

Oct. 6 at W. Michigan, Noon Oct. 13 Toledo, TBA Oct. 20 at Ball St., 3 p.m.

Oct. 27 Army, TBA Nov. 3 Cent. Michigan, TBA Nov. 10 Akron, TBA Nov. 23 at Kent St., TBA EAST CAROLINA Sept. 1 NC A&T, 6 p.m.

Sept. 8 North Carolina, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Virginia Tech, 12:20 p.m.

Sept. 22 at South Florida, TBA Sept. 29 Old Dominion, TBA Oct. 6 at Temple, TBA Oct. 13 Houston, TBA Oct. 20 UCF, TBA Nov. 3 Memphis, TBA Nov. 10 at Tulane, TBA Nov. 17 UConn, TBA Nov. 23 at Cincinnati, TBA FAU Sept. 1 at Oklahoma, Noon Sept. 8 Air Force, 2 p.m.

Sept. 15 Bethune-Cookman, 6 p.m.

Sept. 21 at UCF, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Middle Tennessee, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 Old Dominion, 5 p.m.

Oct. 20 at Marshall, 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 26 Louisiana Tech, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 3 at FIU, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 10 W. Kentucky, 5 p.m.

Nov. 15 at North Texas, 9:30 p.m.

Nov. 24 Charlotte, 6 p.m.

FIU Sept. 1 Indiana, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Old Dominion, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 UMass, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Miami, TBA Sept. 29 Ark.-Pine Bluff, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 13 Middle Tennessee, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 20 Rice, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 27 at W. Kentucky, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 3 FAU, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 10 at UTSA, 7 p.m.

Nov. 17 at Charlotte, 2 p.m.

Nov. 24 Marshall, Noon FLORIDA Sept. 1 Charleston Southern, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 Kentucky, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 Colorado St., 4 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Tennessee, TBA Sept. 29 at Mississippi St., TBA Oct. 6 LSU, TBA Oct. 13 at Vanderbilt, TBA Oct. 27 Georgia, 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 3 Missouri, TBA Nov. 10 South Carolina, TBA Nov. 17 Idaho, TBA Nov. 24 at Florida St., TBA FLORIDA ST. Sept. 3 Virginia Tech, 8 p.m.

Sept. 8 Samford, 7:20 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Syracuse, Noon Sept. 22 N. Illinois, TBA Sept. 29 at Louisville, TBA Oct. 6 at Miami, TBA Oct. 20 Wake Forest, TBA Oct. 27 Clemson, TBA Nov. 3 at NC State, TBA Nov. 10 at Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 17 Boston College, TBA FRESNO ST. Sept. 1 Idaho, 10 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Minnesota, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 at UCLA, 10:30 p.m.

Sept. 29 Toledo, TBA Oct. 6 at Nevada, TBA Oct. 13 Wyoming, TBA Oct. 20 at New Mexico, TBA Oct. 27 Hawaii, TBA Nov. 3 at UNLV, 10:30 p.m.

Nov. 9 at Boise St., 10:15 p.m.

Nov. 17 San Diego St., 10:30 p.m.

Nov. 24 San Jose St., TBA

GEORGIA Sept. 1 Austin Peay, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 at South Carolina, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 Middle Tennessee, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Missouri, TBA Sept. 29 Tennessee, TBA Oct. 6 Vanderbilt, TBA Oct. 13 at LSU, TBA Oct. 27 Florida, 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 3 at Kentucky, TBA Nov. 10 Auburn, TBA Nov. 17 UMass, TBA Nov. 24 Georgia Tech, TBA GEORGIA SOUTHERN Sept. 1 SC State, 6 p.m.

Sept. 8 UMass, 6 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Clemson, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 29 Arkansas St., TBA Oct. 6 South Alabama, TBA Oct. 11 at Texas St., 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 20 at New Mexico St., 6 p.m.

Oct. 25 Appalachian St., 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 3 at Louisiana-Monroe, TBA Nov. 10 Troy, TBA Nov. 17 at Coastal Carolina, TBA Nov. 24 at Georgia St., TBA GEORGIA ST. Aug. 30 Kennesaw St., 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 at NC State, 12:30 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Memphis, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 W. Michigan, TBA Sept. 29 Louisiana-Monroe, TBA Oct. 4 at Troy, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 at Arkansas St., 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 27 Coastal Carolina, TBA Nov. 3 Texas St., TBA Nov. 10 at Louisiana-Lafayette, TBA Nov. 17 at Appalachian St., TBA Nov. 24 Georgia Southern, TBA GEORGIA TECH Sept. 1 Alcorn St., 12:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 at South Florida, Noon Sept. 15 at Pittsburgh, 12:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 Clemson, TBA Sept. 29 Bowling Green, TBA Oct. 5 at Louisville, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 Duke, TBA Oct. 25 at Virginia Tech, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 3 at North Carolina, TBA Nov. 10 Miami, TBA Nov. 17 Virginia, TBA Nov. 24 at Georgia, TBA HAWAII Aug. 25 at Colorado St., 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 1 Navy, 11 p.m.

Sept. 8 Rice, 11:59 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Army, Noon Sept. 22 Duquesne, 11:59 p.m.

Sept. 29 at San Jose St., 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 Wyoming, 11:59 p.m.

Oct. 13 at BYU, TBA Oct. 20 Nevada, 11:59 p.m.

Oct. 27 at Fresno St., TBA Nov. 3 Utah St., 11:59 p.m.

Nov. 17 UNLV, 11 p.m.

Nov. 24 at San Diego St., TBA HOUSTON Sept. 1 at Rice, Noon Sept. 8 Arizona, Noon Sept. 15 at Texas Tech, 4 p.m.

Sept. 22 Texas Southern, 8 p.m.

Oct. 4 Tulsa, 8 p.m.

Oct. 13 at East Carolina, TBA Oct. 20 at Navy, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 27 South Florida, TBA Nov. 3 at SMU, TBA Nov. 10 Temple, TBA Nov. 15 Tulane, 8 p.m.

Nov. 23 at Memphis, TBA IDAHO Sept. 1 at Fresno St., 4 p.m.

Sept. 8 W. New Mexico, TBA Sept. 22 at UC-Davis, 10 p.m.

Sept. 29 Portland St., TBA Oct. 6 at Idaho St., TBA Oct. 13 at Montana St., TBA Oct. 20 S. Utah, TBA Oct. 27 at E. Washington, TBA Nov. 3 North Dakota, TBA Nov. 10 Montana, TBA Nov. 17 at Florida, TBA ILLINOIS Sept. 1 Kent St., Noon Sept. 8 W. Illinois, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 South Florida, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 21 Penn St., 9 p.m.

Oct. 6 at Rutgers, TBA Oct. 13 Purdue, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 20 at Wisconsin, Noon Oct. 27 at Maryland, TBA Nov. 3 Minnesota, TBA Nov. 10 at Nebraska, TBA Nov. 17 Iowa, TBA Nov. 24 at Northwestern, TBA INDIANA Sept. 1 at FIU, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 Virginia, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 Ball St., Noon Sept. 22 Michigan St., TBA Sept. 29 at Rutgers, TBA Oct. 6 at Ohio St., TBA Oct. 13 Iowa, Noon Oct. 20 Penn St., TBA Oct. 26 at Minnesota, TBA Nov. 10 Maryland, TBA Nov. 17 at Michigan, TBA Nov. 24 Purdue, TBA IOWA Sept. 1 N. Illinois, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 Iowa St., 5 p.m.

Sept. 15 N. Iowa, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 Wisconsin, TBA Oct. 6 at Minnesota, TBA Oct. 13 at Indiana, Noon Oct. 20 Maryland, Noon Oct. 27 at Penn St., TBA Nov. 3 at Purdue, TBA Nov. 10 Northwestern, TBA Nov. 17 at Illinois, TBA Nov. 23 Nebraska, Noon IOWA ST. Sept. 1 S. Dakota St., 8 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Iowa, 5 p.m.

Sept. 15 Oklahoma, Noon Sept. 22 Akron, TBA Sept. 29 at TCU, TBA Oct. 6 at Oklahoma St., TBA Oct. 13 West Virginia, TBA Oct. 27 Texas Tech, TBA Nov. 3 at Kansas, TBA Nov. 10 Baylor, TBA Nov. 17 at Texas, 8 p.m.

Nov. 24 Kansas St., TBA KANSAS Sept. 1 Nicholls, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Cent. Michigan, 3 p.m.

Sept. 15 Rutgers, Noon Sept. 22 at Baylor, TBA Sept. 29 Oklahoma St., TBA Oct. 6 at West Virginia, TBA Oct. 20 at Texas Tech, TBA Oct. 27 TCU, TBA Nov. 3 Iowa St., TBA Nov. 10 at Kansas St., TBA Nov. 17 at Oklahoma, TBA Nov. 23 Texas, Noon KANSAS ST. Sept. 1 South Dakota, 7:10 p.m.

Sept. 8 Mississippi St., Noon Sept. 15 UTSA, 4 p.m.

Sept. 22 at West Virginia, TBA Sept. 29 Texas, TBA Oct. 6 at Baylor, TBA Oct. 13 Oklahoma St., TBA Oct. 27 at Oklahoma, TBA Nov. 3 at TCU, TBA Nov. 10 Kansas, TBA Nov. 17 Texas Tech, TBA Nov. 24 at Iowa St., TBA KENT ST. Sept. 1 at Illinois, Noon Sept. 8 Howard, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Penn St., Noon Sept. 22 at Mississippi, TBA Sept. 29 at Ball St., TBA Oct. 6 Ohio, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 13 at Miami (Ohio), TBA Oct. 20 Akron, TBA Oct. 30 at Bowling Green, 8 p.m.

Nov. 6 at Buffalo, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 15 Toledo, 6 p.m.

Nov. 23 E. Michigan, TBA KENTUCKY Sept. 1 Cent. Michigan, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Florida, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 Murray St., Noon Sept. 22 Mississippi St., TBA Sept. 29 South Carolina, TBA Oct. 6 at Texas A&M, TBA Oct. 20 Vanderbilt, TBA Oct. 27 at Missouri, TBA Nov. 3 Georgia, TBA Nov. 10 at Tennessee, TBA Nov. 17 Middle Tennessee, TBA Nov. 24 at Louisville, TBA LSU Sept. 2 Miami, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 SE Louisiana, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Auburn, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 Louisiana Tech, TBA Sept. 29 Mississippi, TBA Oct. 6 at Florida, TBA Oct. 13 Georgia, TBA Oct. 20 Mississippi St., TBA Nov. 3 Alabama, TBA Nov. 10 at Arkansas, TBA Nov. 17 Rice, TBA Nov. 24 at Texas A&M, TBA

LIBERTY Sept. 1 Old Dominion, 6 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Army, Noon Sept. 15 Norfolk St., 6 p.m.

Sept. 22 North Texas, 6 p.m.

Sept. 29 at New Mexico, TBA Oct. 6 at New Mexico St., 8 p.m.

Oct. 13 Troy, 2 p.m.

Oct. 20 Idaho St., 2 p.m.

Nov. 3 at UMass, TBA Nov. 10 at Virginia, TBA Nov. 17 at Auburn, TBA Nov. 24 New Mexico St., 2 p.m.

LOUISIANA TECH Sept. 1 at South Alabama, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 Southern U., 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 at LSU, TBA Sept. 29 at North Texas, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 6 UAB, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 at UTSA, 7 p.m.

Oct. 20 UTEP, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 26 at FAU, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 3 at Mississippi St., TBA Nov. 10 Rice, 7 p.m.

Nov. 17 at Southern Miss., 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 24 W. Kentucky, Noon LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE Sept. 1 Grambling St., 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Mississippi St., 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 Coastal Carolina, TBA Sept. 29 at Alabama, TBA Oct. 6 at Texas St., TBA Oct. 13 New Mexico St., TBA Oct. 20 at Appalachian St., TBA Oct. 27 Arkansas St., TBA Nov. 3 at Troy, TBA Nov. 10 Georgia St., TBA Nov. 17 South Alabama, TBA Nov. 24 at Louisiana-Monroe, TBA LOUISIANA-MONROE Aug. 30 SE Louisiana, 8 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Southern Miss., 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Texas A&M, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 Troy, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Georgia St., TBA Oct. 6 at Mississippi, TBA Oct. 13 at Coastal Carolina, TBA Oct. 20 Texas St., 7 p.m.

Nov. 3 Georgia Southern, 3 p.m.

Nov. 10 at South Alabama, TBA Nov. 17 at Arkansas St., TBA Nov. 24 Louisiana-Lafayette, 3 p.m.

LOUISVILLE Sept. 1 Alabama, 8 p.m.

Sept. 8 Indiana St., 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 W. Kentucky, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Virginia, TBA Sept. 29 Florida St., TBA Oct. 5 Georgia Tech, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 at Boston College, TBA Oct. 27 Wake Forest, TBA Nov. 3 at Clemson, TBA Nov. 9 at Syracuse, 7 p.m.

Nov. 17 NC State, TBA Nov. 24 Kentucky, TBA MARSHALL Sept. 1 at Miami (Ohio), 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 E. Kentucky, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 at South Carolina, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 NC State, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 at W. Kentucky, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 5 Middle Tennessee, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 13 at Old Dominion, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 20 FAU, 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 3 at Southern Miss., 3 p.m.

Nov. 10 Charlotte, 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 17 UTSA, 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 24 at FIU, Noon MARYLAND Sept. 1 Texas, Noon Sept. 8 at Bowling Green, 6 p.m.

Sept. 15 Temple, Noon Sept. 22 Minnesota, TBA Oct. 6 at Michigan, Noon Oct. 13 Rutgers, Noon Oct. 20 at Iowa, Noon Oct. 27 Illinois, TBA Nov. 3 Michigan St., TBA Nov. 10 at Indiana, TBA Nov. 17 Ohio St., TBA Nov. 24 at Penn St., TBA MEMPHIS Sept. 1 Mercer, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Navy, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 14 Georgia St., 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 South Alabama, 8 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Tulane, 8 p.m.

Oct. 6 UConn, TBA Oct. 13 UCF, TBA Oct. 20 at Missouri, TBA Nov. 3 at East Carolina, TBA Nov. 10 Tulsa, TBA Nov. 16 at SMU, 9 p.m.

Nov. 23 Houston, TBA MIAMI Sept. 2 LSU, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 Savannah St., 6 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Toledo, Noon Sept. 22 FIU, TBA Sept. 27 North Carolina, 8 p.m.

Oct. 6 Florida St., TBA Oct. 13 at Virginia, TBA Oct. 26 at Boston College, 7 p.m.

Nov. 3 Duke, TBA Nov. 10 at Georgia Tech, TBA Nov. 17 at Virginia Tech, TBA Nov. 24 Pittsburgh, TBA MIAMI (OHIO) Sept. 1 Marshall, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Cincinnati, 8 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Minnesota, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Bowling Green, TBA Sept. 29 W. Michigan, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 6 at Akron, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 13 Kent St., TBA Oct. 20 at Army, Noon Oct. 30 at Buffalo, 8 p.m.

Nov. 7 Ohio, TBA Nov. 14 at N. Illinois, TBA Nov. 20 Ball St., 7 p.m.

MICHIGAN Sept. 1 at Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 W. Michigan, Noon Sept. 15 SMU, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 Nebraska, TBA Sept. 29 at Northwestern, TBA Oct. 6 Maryland, Noon Oct. 13 Wisconsin, TBA Oct. 20 at Michigan St., TBA Nov. 3 Penn St., TBA Nov. 10 at Rutgers, TBA Nov. 17 Indiana, TBA Nov. 24 at Ohio St., Noon MICHIGAN ST. Aug. 31 Utah St., 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Arizona St., 10:45 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Indiana, TBA Sept. 29 Cent. Michigan, TBA Oct. 6 Northwestern, Noon Oct. 13 at Penn St., TBA Oct. 20 Michigan, TBA Oct. 27 Purdue, TBA Nov. 3 at Maryland, TBA Nov. 10 Ohio St., TBA Nov. 17 at Nebraska, TBA Nov. 24 Rutgers, TBA MIDDLE TENNESSEE Sept. 1 at Vanderbilt, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 UT-Martin, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Georgia, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 29 FAU, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 13 at FIU, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 20 Charlotte, 3 p.m.

Oct. 27 at Old Dominion, 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 2 W. Kentucky, 8 p.m.

Nov. 10 at UTEP, 4 p.m.

Nov. 17 at Kentucky, TBA Nov. 24 UAB, 3 p.m.

MINNESOTA Aug. 30 New Mexico St., 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 Fresno St., 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 Miami (Ohio), 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Maryland, TBA Oct. 6 Iowa, TBA Oct. 13 at Ohio St., TBA Oct. 20 at Nebraska, TBA Oct. 26 Indiana, 8 p.m.

Nov. 3 at Illinois, TBA Nov. 10 Purdue, TBA Nov. 17 Northwestern, TBA Nov. 24 at Wisconsin, TBA MISSISSIPPI Sept. 1 at Texas Tech, Noon Sept. 8 S. Illinois, 4 p.m.

Sept. 15 Alabama, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 Kent St., TBA Sept. 29 at LSU, TBA Oct. 6 Louisiana-Monroe, TBA Oct. 13 at Arkansas, TBA Oct. 20 Auburn, TBA Nov. 3 South Carolina, TBA Nov. 10 at Texas A&M, TBA Nov. 17 at Vanderbilt, TBA Nov. 22 Mississippi St. 7:30 p.m.

MISSISSIPPI ST. Sept. 1 Stephen F. Austin, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Kansas St., Noon Sept. 15 Louisiana-Lafayette, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Kentucky, TBA Sept. 29 Florida, TBA Oct. 6 Auburn, TBA Oct. 20 at LSU, TBA Oct. 27 Texas A&M, TBA Nov. 3 Louisiana Tech, TBA Nov. 10 at Alabama, TBA Nov. 17 Arkansas, TBA Nov. 22 at Mississippi, 7:30 p.m.

MISSOURI Sept. 1 UT-Martin, 4 p.m.

Sept. 8 Wyoming, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Purdue, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 Georgia, TBA Oct. 6 at South Carolina, TBA Oct. 13 at Alabama, TBA Oct. 20 Memphis, TBA Oct. 27 Kentucky, TBA Nov. 3 at Florida, TBA Nov. 10 Vanderbilt, TBA Nov. 17 at Tennessee, TBA Nov. 23 Arkansas, 2:30 p.m.

N. ILLINOIS Sept. 1 at Iowa, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 Utah, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 Cent. Michigan, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Florida St., TBA Sept. 29 at E. Michigan, 6 p.m.

Oct. 6 at Ball St., TBA Oct. 13 Ohio, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 27 at BYU, TBA Nov. 1 at Akron, 7 p.m.

Nov. 7 Toledo, TBA Nov. 14 Miami (Ohio), TBA Nov. 20 at W. Michigan, 7 p.m.

NC STATE Sept. 1 James Madison, Noon Sept. 8 Georgia St., 12:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 West Virginia, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Marshall, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 Virginia, TBA Oct. 6 Boston College, TBA Oct. 20 at Clemson, TBA Oct. 27 at Syracuse, TBA Nov. 3 Florida St., TBA Nov. 8 Wake Forest, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 17 at Louisville, TBA Nov. 24 at North Carolina, TBA NAVY Sept. 1 at Hawaii, 11 p.m.

Sept. 8 Memphis, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 Lehigh, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 at SMU, TBA Oct. 6 at Air Force, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 13 Temple, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 20 Houston, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 27 Notre Dame, 8 p.m.

Nov. 3 at Cincinnati, TBA Nov. 10 at UCF, TBA Nov. 17 Tulsa, 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 24 at Tulane, TBA Dec. 8 Army, 3 p.m.

NEBRASKA Sept. 1 Akron, 8 p.m.

Sept. 8 Colorado, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 Troy, Noon Sept. 22 at Michigan, TBA Sept. 29 Purdue, TBA Oct. 6 at Wisconsin, TBA Oct. 13 at Northwestern, Noon Oct. 20 Minnesota, TBA Nov. 3 at Ohio St., TBA Nov. 10 Illinois, TBA Nov. 17 Michigan St., TBA Nov. 23 at Iowa, Noon NEVADA Aug. 31 Portland St., 9 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Vanderbilt, Noon Sept. 15 Oregon St., 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Toledo, TBA Sept. 29 at Air Force, TBA Oct. 6 Fresno St., TBA Oct. 13 Boise St., 10:30 p.m.

Oct. 20 at Hawaii, 11:59 p.m.

Oct. 27 San Diego St., TBA Nov. 10 Colorado St., TBA Nov. 17 at San Jose St., TBA Nov. 24 at UNLV, 9:30 p.m.

NEW MEXICO Sept. 1 Incarnate Word, 8 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Wisconsin, Noon Sept. 15 at New Mexico St., 8 p.m.

Sept. 29 Liberty, TBA Oct. 6 at UNLV, TBA Oct. 13 at Colorado St., TBA Oct. 20 Fresno St., TBA Oct. 27 at Utah St., TBA Nov. 3 San Diego St., TBA Nov. 10 at Air Force, 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 16 Boise St., 9 p.m.

Nov. 24 Wyoming, TBA NEW MEXICO ST. Aug. 25 Wyoming, 8 p.m.

Aug. 30 at Minnesota, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Utah St., TBA Sept. 15 New Mexico, 8 p.m.

Sept. 22 at UTEP, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 6 Liberty, 8 p.m.

Oct. 13 at Louisiana-Lafayette, TBA Oct. 20 Georgia Southern, 4 p.m.

Oct. 27 at Texas St., TBA Nov. 3 Alcorn St., 4 p.m.

Nov. 17 at BYU, TBA Nov. 24 at Liberty, 2 p.m.

NORTH CAROLINA Sept. 1 at California, 4 p.m.

Sept. 8 at East Carolina, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 UCF, Noon Sept. 22 Pittsburgh, TBA Sept. 27 at Miami, 8 p.m.

Oct. 13 Virginia Tech, TBA Oct. 20 at Syracuse, TBA Oct. 27 at Virginia, TBA Nov. 3 Georgia Tech, TBA Nov. 10 at Duke, TBA Nov. 17 W. Carolina, TBA Nov. 24 NC State, TBA NORTH TEXAS Sept. 1 SMU, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 Incarnate Word, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Arkansas, 4 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Liberty, 6 p.m.

Sept. 29 Louisiana Tech, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 6 at UTEP, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 13 Southern Miss., 2 p.m.

Oct. 20 at UAB, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 27 Rice, 4 p.m.

Nov. 10 at Old Dominion, 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 15 FAU, 9:30 p.m.

Nov. 24 at UTSA, 7 p.m.

NORTHWESTERN Aug. 30 at Purdue, 8 p.m.

Sept. 8 Duke, Noon Sept. 15 Akron, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 29 Michigan, TBA Oct. 6 at Michigan St., Noon Oct. 13 Nebraska, Noon Oct. 20 at Rutgers, Noon Oct. 27 Wisconsin, TBA Nov. 3 Notre Dame, TBA Nov. 10 at Iowa, TBA Nov. 17 at Minnesota, TBA Nov. 24 Illinois, TBA NOTRE DAME Sept. 1 Michigan, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 Ball St., 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 Vanderbilt, 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Wake Forest, TBA Sept. 29 Stanford, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 6 at Virginia Tech, TBA Oct. 13 Pittsburgh, 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 27 at Navy, 8 p.m.

Nov. 3 at Northwestern, TBA Nov. 10 Florida St., 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 17 Syracuse, 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 24 at Southern Cal, TBA OHIO Sept. 1 Howard, 2 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Virginia, 3 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Cincinnati, TBA Sept. 29 UMass, TBA Oct. 6 at Kent St., 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 13 at N. Illinois, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 20 Bowling Green, 2 p.m.

Oct. 25 Ball St., 7 p.m.

Nov. 1 at W. Michigan, 7 p.m.

Nov. 7 at Miami (Ohio), TBA Nov. 14 Buffalo, TBA Nov. 23 Akron, TBA OHIO ST. Sept. 1 Oregon St., Noon Sept. 8 Rutgers, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 TCU, 8 p.m.

Sept. 22 Tulane, TBA Sept. 29 at Penn St., TBA Oct. 6 Indiana, TBA Oct. 13 Minnesota, TBA Oct. 20 at Purdue, TBA Nov. 3 Nebraska, TBA Nov. 10 at Michigan St., TBA Nov. 17 at Maryland, TBA Nov. 24 Michigan, TBA OKLAHOMA Sept. 1 FAU, Noon Sept. 8 UCLA, 1 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Iowa St., Noon Sept. 22 Army, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 Baylor, TBA Oct. 6 Texas, TBA Oct. 20 at TCU, TBA Oct. 27 Kansas St., TBA Nov. 3 at Texas Tech, TBA Nov. 10 Oklahoma St., TBA Nov. 17 Kansas, TBA Nov. 23 at West Virginia, 8 p.m.

OKLAHOMA ST. Aug. 30 Missouri St., 8 p.m.

Sept. 8 South Alabama, 8 p.m.

Sept. 15 Boise St., 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 Texas Tech, TBA Sept. 29 at Kansas, TBA Oct. 6 Iowa St., TBA Oct. 13 at Kansas St., TBA Oct. 27 Texas, TBA Nov. 3 at Baylor, TBA Nov. 10 at Oklahoma, TBA Nov. 17 West Virginia, TBA Nov. 24 at TCU, TBA OLD DOMINION Sept. 1 at Liberty, 6 p.m.

Sept. 8 FIU, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Charlotte, 6 p.m.

Sept. 22 Virginia Tech, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 29 at East Carolina, TBA Oct. 6 at FAU, 5 p.m.

Oct. 13 Marshall, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 20 at W. Kentucky, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 27 Middle Tennessee, 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 10 North Texas, 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 17 VMI, 2 p.m.

Nov. 24 at Rice, 1 p.m.

OREGON Sept. 1 Bowling Green, 8 p.m.

Sept. 8 Portland St., 2 p.m.

Sept. 15 San Jose St., 5 p.m.

Sept. 22 Stanford, TBA Sept. 29 at California, TBA Oct. 13 Washington, TBA Oct. 20 at Washington St., TBA Oct. 27 at Arizona, TBA Nov. 3 UCLA, TBA Nov. 10 at Utah, TBA Nov. 17 Arizona St., TBA Nov. 23 at Oregon St. 4 p.m.

OREGON ST. Sept. 1 at Ohio St., Noon Sept. 8 S. Utah, 8 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Nevada, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 Arizona, TBA Sept. 29 at Arizona St., TBA Oct. 6 Washington St., TBA Oct. 20 California, TBA Oct. 27 at Colorado, TBA Nov. 3 Southern Cal, TBA Nov. 10 at Stanford, TBA Nov. 17 at Washington, TBA Nov. 23 Oregon, 4 p.m.

PENN ST. Sept. 1 Appalachian St., 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Pittsburgh, 8 p.m.

Sept. 15 Kent St., Noon Sept. 21 at Illinois, 9 p.m.

Sept. 29 Ohio St., TBA Oct. 13 Michigan St., TBA Oct. 20 at Indiana, TBA Oct. 27 Iowa, TBA Nov. 3 at Michigan, TBA Nov. 10 Wisconsin, TBA Nov. 17 at Rutgers, TBA Nov. 24 Maryland, TBA PITTSBURGH Sept. 1 Albany (NY), 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 Penn St., 8 p.m.

Sept. 15 Georgia Tech, 12:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 at North Carolina, TBA Sept. 29 at UCF, TBA Oct. 6 Syracuse, TBA Oct. 13 at Notre Dame, 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 27 Duke, TBA Nov. 2 at Virginia, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 10 Virginia Tech, TBA Nov. 17 at Wake Forest, TBA Nov. 24 at Miami, TBA PURDUE Aug. 30 Northwestern, 8 p.m.

Sept. 8 E. Michigan, Noon Sept. 15 Missouri, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 Boston College, Noon Sept. 29 at Nebraska, TBA Oct. 13 at Illinois, TBA Oct. 20 Ohio St., TBA Oct. 27 at Michigan St., TBA Nov. 3 Iowa, TBA Nov. 10 at Minnesota, TBA Nov. 17 Wisconsin, TBA Nov. 24 at Indiana, TBA RICE Aug. 25 Prairie View, 7 p.m.

Sept. 1 Houston, Noon Sept. 8 at Hawaii, TBA Sept. 22 at Southern Miss., 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Wake Forest, TBA Oct. 6 UTSA, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 UAB, 1 p.m.

Oct. 20 at FIU, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 27 at North Texas, 4 p.m.

Nov. 3 UTEP, 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 10 at Louisiana Tech, 7 p.m.

Nov. 17 at LSU, TBA Nov. 24 Old Dominion, 1 p.m.

RUTGERS Sept. 1 Texas St., Noon Sept. 8 at Ohio St., 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Kansas, Noon Sept. 22 Buffalo, TBA Sept. 29 Indiana, TBA Oct. 6 Illinois, TBA Oct. 13 Maryland, Noon Oct. 20 Northwestern, Noon Nov. 3 at Wisconsin, TBA Nov. 10 Michigan, TBA Nov. 17 Penn St., TBA Nov. 24 at Michigan St., TBA SMU Sept. 1 at North Texas, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 7 TCU, 8 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Michigan, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 Navy, TBA Sept. 29 Houston Baptist, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 at UCF, TBA Oct. 20 at Tulane, TBA Oct. 27 Cincinnati, TBA Nov. 3 Houston, TBA Nov. 10 at UConn, TBA Nov. 16 Memphis, 9 p.m.

Nov. 24 at Tulsa, TBA SAN DIEGO ST. Aug. 31 at Stanford, 9 p.m.

Sept. 8 Sacramento St., 9 p.m.

Sept. 15 Arizona St., 10:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 E. Michigan, 10:30 p.m.

Oct. 6 at Boise St., TBA Oct. 12 Air Force, 9 p.m.

Oct. 20 San Jose St., 10:30 p.m.

Oct. 27 at Nevada, TBA Nov. 3 at New Mexico, TBA Nov. 10 UNLV, TBA Nov. 17 at Fresno St., 10:30 p.m.

Nov. 24 Hawaii, TBA SAN JOSE ST. Aug. 30 UC-Davis, TBA Sept. 8 at Washington St., 11 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Oregon, 5 p.m.

Sept. 29 Hawaii, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 Colorado St., 10:30 p.m.

Oct. 13 Army, TBA Oct. 20 at San Diego St., 10:30 p.m.

Oct. 27 UNLV, TBA Nov. 3 at Wyoming, TBA Nov. 10 at Utah St., TBA Nov. 17 Nevada, TBA Nov. 24 at Fresno St., TBA SOUTH ALABAMA Sept. 1 Louisiana Tech, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Oklahoma St., 8 p.m.

Sept. 15 Texas St., 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Memphis, 8 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Appalachian St., TBA Oct. 6 at Georgia Southern, TBA Oct. 13 Alabama St., TBA Oct. 23 Troy, 8 p.m.

Nov. 3 at Arkansas St., TBA Nov. 10 Louisiana-Monroe, TBA Nov. 17 at Louisiana-Lafayette, TBA Nov. 23 Coastal Carolina, TBA SOUTH CAROLINA Sept. 1 Coastal Carolina, Noon Sept. 8 Georgia, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Vanderbilt, TBA Sept. 29 at Kentucky, TBA Oct. 6 Missouri, TBA Oct. 13 Texas A&M, TBA Oct. 27 Tennessee, TBA Nov. 3 at Mississippi, TBA Nov. 10 at Florida, TBA Nov. 17 Chattanooga, TBA Nov. 24 at Clemson, TBA SOUTH FLORIDA Sept. 1 Elon, 6 p.m.

Sept. 8 Georgia Tech, Noon Sept. 15 at Illinois, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 East Carolina, TBA Oct. 6 at UMass, TBA Oct. 12 at Tulsa, 7 p.m.

Oct. 20 UConn, TBA Oct. 27 at Houston, TBA Nov. 3 Tulane, TBA Nov. 10 at Cincinnati, TBA Nov. 17 at Temple, TBA Nov. 23 UCF, TBA SOUTHERN CAL Sept. 1 UNLV, 4 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Stanford, 8:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Texas, 8 p.m.

Sept. 21 Washington St., 10:30 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Arizona, TBA Oct. 13 Colorado, TBA Oct. 20 at Utah, TBA Oct. 27 Arizona St., TBA Nov. 3 at Oregon St., TBA Nov. 10 California, TBA Nov. 17 at UCLA, TBA Nov. 24 Notre Dame, TBA SOUTHERN MISS. Sept. 1 Jackson St., 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 Louisiana-Monroe, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Appalachian St., 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 Rice, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Auburn, TBA Oct. 13 at North Texas, 2 p.m.

Oct. 20 UTSA, 7 p.m.

Oct. 27 at Charlotte, 2 p.m.

Nov. 3 Marshall, 3 p.m.

Nov. 10 at UAB, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 17 Louisiana Tech, 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 24 at UTEP, 3 p.m.

STANFORD Aug. 31 San Diego St., 9 p.m.

Sept. 8 Southern Cal, 8:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 UC-Davis, 2 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Oregon, TBA Sept. 29 at Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 6 Utah, TBA Oct. 18 at Arizona St., 9 p.m.

Oct. 27 Washington St., TBA Nov. 3 at Washington, TBA Nov. 10 Oregon St., TBA Nov. 17 at California, TBA Nov. 24 at UCLA, TBA

SYRACUSE Aug. 31 at W. Michigan, 6 p.m.

Sept. 8 Wagner, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 Florida St., Noon Sept. 22 UConn, TBA Sept. 29 at Clemson, TBA Oct. 6 at Pittsburgh, TBA Oct. 20 North Carolina, TBA Oct. 27 NC State, TBA Nov. 3 at Wake Forest, TBA Nov. 9 Louisville, 7 p.m.

Nov. 17 Notre Dame, 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 24 at Boston College, TBA TCU Sept. 1 Southern U., Noon Sept. 7 at SMU, 8 p.m.

Sept. 15 Ohio St., 8 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Texas, TBA Sept. 29 Iowa St., TBA Oct. 11 Texas Tech, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 20 Oklahoma, TBA Oct. 27 at Kansas, TBA Nov. 3 Kansas St., TBA Nov. 10 at West Virginia, TBA Nov. 17 at Baylor, TBA Nov. 24 Oklahoma St., TBA TEMPLE Sept. 1 Villanova, Noon Sept. 8 Buffalo, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Maryland, Noon Sept. 20 Tulsa, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Boston College, TBA Oct. 6 East Carolina, TBA Oct. 13 at Navy, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 20 Cincinnati, TBA Nov. 1 at UCF, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 10 at Houston, TBA Nov. 17 South Florida, TBA Nov. 24 at UConn, TBA TENNESSEE Sept. 1 West Virginia, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 ETSU, 4 p.m.

Sept. 15 UTEP, Noon Sept. 22 Florida, TBA Sept. 29 at Georgia, TBA Oct. 13 at Auburn, TBA Oct. 20 Alabama, TBA Oct. 27 at South Carolina, TBA Nov. 3 Charlotte, TBA Nov. 10 Kentucky, TBA Nov. 17 Missouri, TBA Nov. 24 at Vanderbilt, TBA TEXAS Sept. 1 at Maryland, Noon Sept. 8 Tulsa, 8 p.m.

Sept. 15 Southern Cal, 8 p.m.

Sept. 22 TCU, TBA Sept. 29 at Kansas St., TBA Oct. 6 Oklahoma, TBA Oct. 13 Baylor, TBA Oct. 27 at Oklahoma St., TBA Nov. 3 West Virginia, TBA Nov. 10 at Texas Tech, TBA Nov. 17 Iowa St., 8 p.m.

Nov. 23 at Kansas, Noon TEXAS A&M Aug. 30 Northwestern St., 8:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 Clemson, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 Louisiana-Monroe, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Alabama, TBA Sept. 29 at Arkansas, TBA Oct. 6 Kentucky, TBA Oct. 13 at South Carolina, TBA Oct. 27 at Mississippi St., TBA Nov. 3 at Auburn, TBA Nov. 10 Mississippi, TBA Nov. 17 UAB, TBA Nov. 24 LSU, TBA TEXAS ST. Sept. 1 at Rutgers, Noon Sept. 8 Texas Southern, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 at South Alabama, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 at UTSA, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 Louisiana-Lafayette, TBA Oct. 11 Georgia Southern, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 20 at Louisiana-Monroe, TBA Oct. 27 New Mexico St., TBA Nov. 3 at Georgia St., TBA Nov. 10 Appalachian St., TBA Nov. 17 at Troy, TBA Nov. 24 Arkansas St., TBA TEXAS TECH Sept. 1 Mississippi, Noon Sept. 8 Lamar, 4 p.m.

Sept. 15 Houston, 4 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Oklahoma St., TBA Sept. 29 West Virginia, TBA Oct. 11 at TCU, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 20 Kansas, TBA Oct. 27 at Iowa St., TBA Nov. 3 Oklahoma, TBA Nov. 10 Texas, TBA Nov. 17 at Kansas St., TBA Nov. 24 Baylor, TBA TOLEDO Sept. 1 VMI, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 Miami, Noon Sept. 22 Nevada, TBA Sept. 29 at Fresno St., TBA Oct. 6 Bowling Green, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 13 at E. Michigan, TBA Oct. 20 Buffalo, TBA Oct. 25 at W. Michigan, 7 p.m.

Oct. 31 Ball St., 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 7 at N. Illinois, TBA Nov. 15 at Kent St., 6 p.m.

Nov. 23 Cent. Michigan, TBA TROY Sept. 1 Boise St., 6 p.m.

Sept. 8 Florida A&M, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Nebraska, Noon Sept. 22 at Louisiana-Monroe, TBA Sept. 29 Coastal Carolina, TBA Oct. 4 Georgia St., 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 13 at Liberty, 2 p.m.

Oct. 23 at South Alabama, 8 p.m.

Nov. 3 Louisiana-Lafayette, TBA Nov. 10 at Georgia Southern, TBA Nov. 17 Texas St., TBA Nov. 24 at Appalachian St., TBA TULANE Aug. 30 Wake Forest, 8 p.m.

Sept. 8 Nicholls, 8 p.m.

Sept. 15 at UAB, 1 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Ohio St., TBA Sept. 28 Memphis, 8 p.m.

Oct. 6 at Cincinnati, TBA Oct. 20 SMU, TBA Oct. 27 at Tulsa, TBA Nov. 3 at South Florida, TBA Nov. 10 East Carolina, TBA Nov. 15 at Houston, 8 p.m.

Nov. 24 Navy, TBA TULSA Sept. 1 Cent. Arkansas, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Texas, 8 p.m.

Sept. 15 Arkansas St., 7 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Temple, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 at Houston, 8 p.m.

Oct. 12 South Florida, 7 p.m.

Oct. 20 at Arkansas, TBA Oct. 27 Tulane, TBA Nov. 3 UConn, TBA Nov. 10 at Memphis, TBA Nov. 17 at Navy, 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 24 SMU, TBA UAB Aug. 30 Savannah St., 8 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Coastal Carolina, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 Tulane, 1 p.m.

Sept. 29 Charlotte, TBA Oct. 6 at Louisiana Tech, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 at Rice, 1 p.m.

Oct. 20 North Texas, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 27 at UTEP, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 3 UTSA, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 10 Southern Miss., 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 17 at Texas A&M, TBA Nov. 24 at Middle Tennessee, 3 p.m.

UCF Aug. 30 at UConn, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 SC State, 6 p.m.

Sept. 15 at North Carolina, Noon Sept. 21 FAU, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 Pittsburgh, TBA Oct. 6 SMU, TBA Oct. 13 at Memphis, TBA Oct. 20 at East Carolina, TBA Nov. 1 Temple, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 10 Navy, TBA Nov. 17 Cincinnati, TBA Nov. 23 at South Florida, TBA UCLA Sept. 1 Cincinnati, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Oklahoma, 1 p.m.

Sept. 15 Fresno St., 10:30 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Colorado 9 p.m.

Oct. 6 Washington, TBA Oct. 13 at California, TBA Oct. 20 Arizona, TBA Oct. 26 Utah, 10:30 p.m.

Nov. 3 at Oregon, TBA Nov. 10 at Arizona St., TBA Nov. 17 Southern Cal, TBA Nov. 24 Stanford, TBA UCONN Aug. 30 UCF, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Boise St., 10:15 p.m.

Sept. 15 Rhode Island, Noon Sept. 22 at Syracuse, TBA Sept. 29 Cincinnati, TBA Oct. 6 at Memphis, TBA Oct. 20 at South Florida, TBA Oct. 27 UMass, TBA Nov. 3 at Tulsa, TBA Nov. 10 SMU, TBA Nov. 17 at East Carolina, TBA Nov. 24 Temple, TBA UMASS Aug. 25 Duquesne, TBA Sept. 1 at Boston College, 1 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Georgia Southern, 6 p.m.

Sept. 15 at FIU, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 Charlotte, TBA Sept. 29 at Ohio, TBA Oct. 6 South Florida, TBA Oct. 20 Coastal Carolina, TBA Oct. 27 at UConn, TBA Nov. 3 Liberty, TBA Nov. 10 BYU, TBA Nov. 17 at Georgia, TBA

UNLV Sept. 1 at Southern Cal, 4 p.m.

Sept. 8 UTEP, TBA Sept. 15 Prairie View, TBA Sept. 22 at Arkansas St., TBA Oct. 6 New Mexico, TBA Oct. 13 at Utah St., TBA Oct. 19 Air Force, 10 p.m.

Oct. 27 at San Jose St., TBA Nov. 3 Fresno St., 10:30 p.m.

Nov. 10 at San Diego St., TBA Nov. 17 at Hawaii, 11 p.m.

Nov. 24 Nevada, 9:30 p.m.

UTEP Sept. 1 N. Arizona, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 at UNLV, TBA Sept. 15 at Tennessee, Noon Sept. 22 New Mexico St., 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 29 at UTSA, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 North Texas, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 20 at Louisiana Tech, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 27 UAB, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 3 at Rice, 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 10 Middle Tennessee, 4 p.m.

Nov. 17 at W. Kentucky, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 24 Southern Miss., 3 p.m.

UTSA Sept. 1 at Arizona St., 10:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 Baylor, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Kansas St., 4 p.m.

Sept. 22 Texas St., 7 p.m.

Sept. 29 UTEP, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 at Rice, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 Louisiana Tech, 7 p.m.

Oct. 20 at Southern Miss, 7 p.m.

Nov. 3 at UAB, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 10 FIU, 7 p.m.

Nov. 17 at Marshall, 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 24 North Texas, 7 p.m.

UTAH Aug. 30 Weber St., 8 p.m.

Sept. 8 at N. Illinois, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 Washington, 10 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Washington St., TBA Oct. 6 at Stanford, TBA Oct. 12 Arizona, 10 p.m.

Oct. 20 Southern Cal, TBA Oct. 26 at UCLA, 10:30 p.m.

Nov. 3 at Arizona St., TBA Nov. 10 Oregon, TBA Nov. 17 at Colorado, TBA Nov. 24 BYU, TBA UTAH ST. Aug. 31 at Michigan St., 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 New Mexico St., TBA Sept. 13 Tennessee Tech, TBA Sept. 22 Air Force, TBA Oct. 5 at BYU, 9 p.m.

Oct. 13 UNLV, TBA Oct. 20 at Wyoming, TBA Oct. 27 New Mexico, TBA Nov. 3 at Hawaii, 11:59 p.m.

Nov. 10 San Jose St., TBA Nov. 17 at Colorado St., TBA Nov. 24 at Boise St., TBA VANDERBILT Sept. 1 Middle Tennessee, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 Nevada, Noon Sept. 15 at Notre Dame, 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 South Carolina, TBA Sept. 29 Tennessee St., TBA Oct. 6 at Georgia, TBA Oct. 13 Florida, TBA Oct. 20 at Kentucky, TBA Oct. 27 at Arkansas, TBA Nov. 10 at Missouri, TBA Nov. 17 Mississippi, TBA Nov. 24 Tennessee, TBA VIRGINIA Sept. 1 Richmond, 6 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Indiana, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 Ohio, 3 p.m.

Sept. 22 Louisville, TBA Sept. 29 at NC State, TBA Oct. 13 Miami, TBA Oct. 20 at Duke, TBA Oct. 27 North Carolina, TBA Nov. 2 Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 10 Liberty, TBA Nov. 17 at Georgia Tech, TBA Nov. 23 at Virginia Tech, TBA VIRGINIA TECH Sept. 3 at Florida St., 8 p.m.

Sept. 8 William & Mary, 2 p.m.

Sept. 15 East Carolina, 12:20 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Old Dominion, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Duke, TBA Oct. 6 Notre Dame, TBA Oct. 13 at North Carolina, TBA Oct. 25 Georgia Tech, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 3 Boston College, TBA Nov. 10 at Pittsburgh, TBA Nov. 17 Miami, TBA Nov. 23 Virginia, TBA W. KENTUCKY Aug. 31 at Wisconsin, 9 p.m.

Sept. 8 Maine, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Louisville, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Ball St., TBA Sept. 29 Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 13 at Charlotte, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 20 Old Dominion, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 27 FIU, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 2 at Middle Tennessee, 8 p.m.

Nov. 10 at FAU, 5 p.m.

Nov. 17 UTEP, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 24 at Louisiana Tech, Noon W. MICHIGAN Aug. 31 Syracuse, 6 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Michigan, Noon Sept. 15 Delaware St., 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Georgia St., TBA Sept. 29 at Miami (Ohio), 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 6 E. Michigan, Noon Oct. 13 at Bowling Green, 3 p.m.

Oct. 20 at Cent. Michigan, 3 p.m.

Oct. 25 Toledo, 7 p.m.

Nov. 1 Ohio, 7 p.m.

Nov. 13 at Ball St., 6 p.m.

Nov. 20 N. Illinois, 7 p.m.

WAKE FOREST Aug. 30 at Tulane, 8 p.m.

Sept. 8 Towson, Noon Sept. 13 Boston College, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 Notre Dame, TBA Sept. 29 Rice, TBA Oct. 6 Clemson, TBA Oct. 20 at Florida St., TBA Oct. 27 at Louisville, TBA Nov. 3 Syracuse, TBA Nov. 8 at NC State, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 17 Pitt, TBA Nov. 24 at Duke, TBA WASHINGTON Sept. 1 at Auburn, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 North Dakota, 5 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Utah, 10 p.m.

Sept. 22 Arizona St., TBA Sept. 29 BYU, TBA Oct. 6 at UCLA, TBA Oct. 13 at Oregon, TBA Oct. 20 Colorado, TBA Oct. 27 at California TBA Nov. 3 Stanford, TBA Nov. 17 Oregon St., TBA Nov. 23 at Washington St., 8:30 p.m.

WASHINGTON ST. Sept. 1 at Wyoming, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 San Jose St., 11 p.m.

Sept. 15 E. Washington, 8 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Southern Cal, 10:30 p.m.

Sept. 29 Utah, TBA Oct. 6 at Oregon St., TBA Oct. 20 Oregon, TBA Oct. 27 at Stanford, TBA Nov. 3 California, TBA Nov. 10 at Colorado, TBA Nov. 17 Arizona, TBA Nov. 23 Washington, 8:30 p.m.

WEST VIRGINIA Sept. 1 Tennessee, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 Youngstown St., 6 p.m.

Sept. 15 at NC State, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 Kansas St., TBA Sept. 29 at Texas Tech, TBA Oct. 6 Kansas, TBA Oct. 13 at Iowa St., TBA Oct. 25 Baylor, 7 p.m.

Nov. 3 at Texas, TBA Nov. 10 TCU, TBA Nov. 17 at Oklahoma St., TBA Nov. 23 Oklahoma, 8 p.m WISCONSIN Aug. 31 W. Kentucky, 9 p.m.

Sept. 8 New Mexico, Noon Sept. 15 BYU, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Iowa, TBA Oct. 6 Nebraska, TBA Oct. 13 at Michigan, TBA Oct. 20 Illinois, Noon Oct. 27 at Northwestern, TBA Nov. 3 Rutgers, TBA Nov. 10 at Penn St., TBA Nov. 17 at Purdue, TBA Nov. 24 Minnesota, TBA WYOMING Aug. 25 at New Mexico St., 8 p.m.

Sept. 1 Washington St., 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 at Missouri, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 Wofford, 4 p.m.

Sept. 29 Boise St., 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 at Hawaii, TBA Oct. 13 at Fresno St., TBA Oct. 20 Utah St., TBA Oct. 26 at Colorado St., 10 p.m.

Nov. 3 San Jose St., TBA Nov. 17 Air Force, TBA Nov. 24 at New Mexico, TBA

PREDICTIONS

VARSITY 16

A LOOK AT HOW THE 2018 SEASON MAY PLAY OUT | BY RALPH D. RUSSO, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

California dreamin’

Tide-Tigers Part 4 has a good chance of happening in Santa Clara

In this Sept. 23, 2017, file photo, Clemson’s Christian Wilkins (42) defends during the first half of a game against Boston College in Clemson, S.C. [ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTOS]

The College Football Playoff has yet to produce a real surprise team.

In four seasons, nine schools have reached the semifinals — and even the teams that came from outside the AP preseason Top 25 were traditional powers.

The lowest-ranked team in the preseason media poll to make the CFP was Oklahoma in 2015. The Sooners were 19th to start the season, mostly because they were coming off a disappointing season (8-5) and few knew how good Baker Mayfield would be.

Clemson made the playoff that same year after starting the season ranked No. 12. The Tigers went 10-3 the season before, but Deshaun Watson was a sophomore coming off a knee injury, there was major turnover on defense and exactly what Dabo Swinney was building at Clemson had not yet been fully revealed.

Washington was No. 14 going into the 2016 season before going on a playoff run. The Huskies were also coming off mediocre season (7-6), but there was definitely a sense Chris Petersen’s team was ready to take a significant step forward in year two of his tenure. Turns out it was even bigger than expected.

Last year, Georgia went from No. 15 to the CFP. The Bulldogs were 8-5 the season before, Kirby Smart’s first in Athens. The Bulldogs had an experienced team in ‘17 that was favored to win the SEC East, and ended up being the second-best team in the country.

So what does this small sample tell us? If you want to pick a playoff dark horse, look for a brand-name team ranked somewhere in the teens of the preseason poll. Maybe one with a talented quarterback who still has some uncertainty attached to him.

And with that, predictions for the 2018 college football season: TOP 25 Three teams in the AP preseason poll that will not finish the season ranked: No. 16 TCU, No. 20 Virginia Tech, No. 25 LSU. Three teams not in the AP preseason poll that will finish the season ranked: Boston College, Memphis, Utah.

CONFERENCE WINNERS American Athletic Conference: Memphis (West) over Temple (East).

The last two teams to win the American lost their coaches soon after. So where’s Mike Norvell going?

Atlantic Coast Conference: Clemson (Atlantic) over Miami (Coastal). The Tigers are stacked and freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence could give the offense an explosiveness it was missing last year.

Big Ten: Michigan (East) over Wisconsin (West). Jim Harbaugh finally quiets his critics.

Big 12: Oklahoma (No. 1) over (West Virginia No. 2). The Big 12 is the most likely Power Five conference to provide an unexpected champion. There is little

In this Sept. 2, 2017, file photo, Michigan linebacker Devin Bush (10) celebrates a Florida turnover in Arlington, Texas.

Offensive lineman Jonah Williams (73) look for blocks during a 2016 game against Texas A&M at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Williams was selected to the AP Preseason All-America team this preseason.

separation among the top six or seven teams but when in doubt, pick the Sooners.

Conference USA: Florida Atlantic (East) over Louisiana Tech (West). Lane Kiffin brings a second straight C-USA title to FAU. Mid-American Conference: Ohio (East) over Northern Illinois (West). Ohio wins its first MAC title since 1968.

Mountain West: Boise State (Mountain) over San Diego State (West). Could be the Broncos best post-Chris Petersen team.

Pac-12: Washington (North) over Utah (South). The Huskies win their second Pac-12 title in three seasons, but the opener against Auburn could determine playoff hopes.

Southeastern Conference: Alabama (West) over Georgia (East). This time only the SEC champion makes the playoff.

Sun Belt: Arkansas State (West) over Troy (East). Red Wolves win the first Sun Belt championship game.

HEISMAN TROPHY The favorites are running backs Bryce Love of Stanford and Jonathan Taylor of Wisconsin, but the Heisman has become a quarterback’s award. Fifteen of the last 18 winners have been QBs. Feels like a season where a not-soobvious player makes a run. Top five vote-getters: 1. Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon 2. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin.

3. Will Grier, QB, West Virginia.

4. Shea Patterson, QB, Michigan.

5. A.J. Dillon, RB, Boston College.

COACHING CAROUSEL

There seems to be no such thing as a slow season when it comes to coaching moves. Almost inevitably a few jobs that seemed safe in September open up by December. Florida, for example, just last year. What job will unexpectedly open this season? How about Oklahoma, when Jerry Jones decides to hire another Sooners coach and brings Lincoln Riley to the Cowboys.

NEW YEAR’S SIX/COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF

Cotton Bowl: Alabama (1) vs. Washington (4).

Orange Bowl: Michigan (2) vs. Clemson (3).

Sugar Bowl: Georgia (SEC) vs. Oklahoma (Big 12) Rose Bowl: Wisconsin (Big Ten) vs Oregon (Pac-12) Fiesta Bowl: Boise State (Group of Five) vs. Ohio State (at-large) Peach Bowl: West Virginia (at-large) vs. Miami (at-large)

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Clemson and Alabama make it four straight seasons meeting in the playoff. The Tigers even the series at two and win another national title.

In this Dec. 30, 2017, file photo, Washington running back Myles Gaskin (9) runs against Penn State during the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Ariz.