The college football season is now less than 50 days away and with the countdown continuing this week the anticipation and excitement continues to grow for what is right around the corner. There is a lot to look forward to once the fall rolls around and we took the time to look at the biggest question marks we are most looking forward to having answered beginning in September. Here is a look at the top five storylines right now with the college football season under 50 days away.
Will Alabama Repeat As National Champions?
The defending national champion Crimson Tide are once again headline the storylines. They’re in the discussion as a legitimate title contender thanks to several key pieces returning on both sides of the football. However, Alabama lost its Heisman trophy-winning running back Derrick Henry and quarterback Jake Coker so there will be some new names at key positions this coming season. The Tide is still loaded on both sides of the football and the coaching staff returns intact led by Nick Saban so it will be very interesting to see if Alabama can successfully defend its national championship in 2016-17.
Can Clemson Return To National Title Game?
Clemson exceeded all expectations by winning an ACC championship and reaching the national title game a year ago and while they ultimately fell short against the Crimson Tide it had to be considered a successful season. The Tigers return one of the best offenses in the country led by a Heisman trophy finalist and star quarterback Deshaun Watson but they return only three starters from their defense and they could have a tougher road back to the College Football Playoff. That is in part because Florida State, Louisville and Miami are all teams on the rise and nobody will be underestimating Dabo Swinney’s side this season. Clemson has the talent to get back to the national championship game but it certainly won’t be an easy road back.
Will Florida State Bump Off Clemson In The ACC?
One of the biggest reasons why the Tigers aren’t a lock to get back to the CFP is the presence of the Seminoles, which still managed to reach double-digit wins in a rebuilding year last season. FSU returns every starter from its offense and the majority of its defensive starters so it’s impossible to write them off in the ACC. Clemson deserves to be considered the frontrunner to repeat as conference champions but it’s impossible to sleep on Florida State as a legitimate contender to knock them off.
Will Les Miles Survive This Season At LSU?
One of the top storylines at the end of the 2015 season was whether or not the Tigers would fire Les Miles. Many that thought he was done as the head coach at LSU following another disappointing season. However, the Tigers brought him back for another year and the feeling is that he must win now in order to survive. LSU has the talent to contend in the SEC with star running back Leonard Fournette leading the way and they have – at least on paper – a stellar defense. But the Tigers still have question marks at the quarterback position and some tough competition in the SEC. Brandon Harris has proved to be lousy so far and unless that changes, LSU is in trouble. Miles is clearly recognized as one of the top head coaches in college football right now but it will be very interesting to see if he survives another year at LSU with a clear ultimatum to win right now.
Is Tennessee A Legit Contender In The SEC?
There has been a lot of talk about how this is the year for Tennessee in the SEC and it will be very interesting to see if they are for real. Joshua Dobbs is the top returning quarterback in the SEC and he certainly has a ton of talent around him for what should be a very dangerous offense. Meanwhile, the defense should have a different look with new coordinator Bob Schoop looking to raise his unit to the level where the Vols can be a serious contender in the SEC. Tennessee clearly has the talent to be a player on the national stage this season but they will have a tough road through a very difficult SEC and it will be very interesting to see whether they will be a legitimate national championship contender this season.
