At the time of part one publishing (July 24) there is only ONE month left until the brand-new CFB season. Time to break down some burning questions I have about the top 50 teams (according to cbssports.com)
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the final part of a four-part series.
Part One can be found here:https://themessagepitch.com/2024/07/24/50-cfb-questions-ahead-of-2024-season-part-i/
Part Two can be found here:https://themessagepitch.com/2024/07/27/50-cfb-questions-ahead-of-2024-season-part-ii/
Part Three can be found here: https://themessagepitch.com/2024/08/05/50-cfb-questions-ahead-of-2024-season-part-iii/
41. Texas A&M: 12th Angry Men
After the colossal failure of the Jimbo Fisher tenure, have we learned our lesson about ridiculous buyouts after short-term success? Will they temper expectations for Coach Elko?
42. Toledo: Candle in the wind?
Much like his predecessor Matt Campbell, Jason Candle is a name to watch anytime there is a Power 5 opening. He has been at the helm in Toledo for close to a decade. Will he finally make a move to a P5 job?
43. UNLV: Go-Go Gadget Football
Offensive Coordinator Brennan Marion has wowed the west coast with his go-go offense. Seriously, if you haven’t seen it, check it out. It is essentially a Wing T from the shotgun with unbalanced lines and formations. Will a middling program take a chance on the 36-year-old OC and let him unleash this offense? Will it be as an OC at a bigger program or as a head coach?
44. UTSA: Traylor-made for Arkansas?
Jeff Traylor was a name to watch in the LSU search a few years back. With his ties to the Arkansas program and the lack of success from Sam Pittman, will this be the last season that Traylor leads the Roadrunners? Could he be a name to watch if the Arkansas job opens up?
45. Florida: Mullen over Recruiting Thoughts
Billy Napier was brought in after Dan Mullen quit recruiting and producing on the field. While Napier hasn’t had immediate success, it is still too early in his tenure to label this hire as a whiff. Will the fan base give him more time? Am I naïve to the problems? Lots of questions here.
46. Air Force: Running through the Mountain West?
Can Air Force keep up the success they have had the last few years? Can they keep the Commander-in-Chief Trophy? Can they win the Mountain West?
47. Miami (FL): Are “U” Sure about that?
Miami has had a rough 23 years. They’ve gone through a number of coaches and players. Mario Cristobal is the latest to try to turn things around. If they are unable to get at least nine wins with the talent they have, most notably Cam Ward at QB, it may be time to ask: Are they the new Texas? Will we ask every year “Is Miami back?” just to be let down?
48. Northwestern: Can Cats Keep it Up?
Northwestern was one of the biggest surprises of the season last year, going 8-5 after off-season turmoil. Can they keep this up going into 2024? Will expectations be higher?
49. Boise State: Will we see Malachi Madness?
Boise State hit the jackpot after Malachi Nelson hit the transfer portal. With Taylen Green leaving for Fayetteville, Nelson is the presumed starter for the Broncos. Will Nelson show the promise that made him a coveted recruit? Can he lead the Broncos back to Cinderalla status?
50. Virginia Tech: Drones flying High Virginia
Tech found something with Kyron Drones leading the offense. His dual threat ability is key for this offense. Can he take the next step and lead the Hokies to challenge for the ACC?
That wraps up the series. What questions didn’t we cover? What questions do you have? Send your thoughts to our Tuesday Mailbag at info@themessagepitch.com and we’ll include them in our mailbag article.
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