We are just about a quarter into the 2024 college football season, and we are beginning to develop a deeper understanding of the landscape. That includes the teams that could be contenders in the end, especially with the new 12-team playoff format. This season feels like it could be a bit volatile, possessing a higher level of parity than we have seen in recent years.
With that smaller margin for error, that also means that the weaknesses each team possesses could be the difference between winning and losing a national championship. Here are the biggest question marks on some of the top contenders early on, which we will need to keep close attention to.
The Longhorn passing game is dynamic, whether it’s Quinn Ewers or Arch Manning behind center. With wide receivers like Isaiah Bond, Matthew Golden, and Ryan Wingo, the ability to threaten defenses through the air is going to be there. So far, the running game has been pretty good but there are major questions. The preseason injury to Cedric Baxter really lost a lot of the power in the backfield. Will they be able to run the football well enough against a great front? That’s the major question that remains.
I don’t think enough people talked about the impact losing players like Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey could have in one offseason. This Georgia passing game looks less able to create explosive plays, which could limit them. Quarterback Carson Beck is a very good player, and can put together long methodical drives, but not being able to create enough big plays is limiting to the offense.
People often cite the 58-8 overall record that Coach Day holds while being the head coach at Ohio State, but regularly ignore that their teams have consistently underperformed in the biggest games seemingly every year. That includes three straight losses to the University of Michigan, and a 1-3 record in the playoffs. But wait, didn’t you see how he almost beat Georgia two years ago in the playoffs? The minute you start citing “good losses”, it tells you all you need to know.
The Crimson Tide are a very talented team on paper. Their defense is one of the deeper units in college football, and the offense also doesn’t have a ton of weaknesses. The biggest potential worry for this team is the health and depth of this offense line. We have already seen starting left tackle Kadyn Proctor limited early in the season, as well as some injury issues at right tackle. It’s a good unit on paper but if those injuries do persist, the depth will be tested, and there isn’t a ton of it.
You know that head coach Lane Kiffin is always going to put together a tremendous offense led by quarterback Jaxson Dart. The wide receivers are deep and talented, and the offensive line looks very improved. Perhaps the biggest improvement on this team is the defensive line, led by Jared Ivey and former Florida transfer Princely Umanmielen. The pass defense, however, is going to leave a lot to be desired and will need to be improved.
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Through three games, the Volunteer defense has recorded just one interception and only four sacks. On the back end, there doesn’t seem to be many playmakers. The defensive line is very good, although the majority of it are stellar inside players with limited pass rush upside. James Pearce Jr. is arguably one of best players in college football, and a devastating pass rusher but he’s been banged up. Unless he gets going, the playmaking upside of that front is a question.
Missouri Tigers: Secondary
Losing a trio of Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Kris Abrams-Draine, and Jaylon Carlies in one offseason is tough, and it is almost impossible for Missouri to expect similar production. The defense in general should take a significant step back but the biggest fear is giving up some big plays in the passing game. Getting into consistent shootouts doesn’t seem like an advantageous situation, even with a nice passing attack led by quarterback Brady Cook and a deep corps of pass catchers.
Miami Hurricanes: Staying locked in
On paper, this Miami team is tremendous. The coaching staff has done a really nice job of balancing high school recruiting with a massive transfer portal this offseason. A lot of the excitement comes from the latter, which includes quarterback Cameron Ward , running back Damien Martinez, wide receiver Samuel Brown, pass rusher Tyler Barron, and defensive tackle Simeon Barrow among many others. Anytime this much production comes in from the transfer portal, there has to be a question of cohesion, especially when adversity does hit.
Many believed the offensive line would be a big strength for Oregon coming into the season, especially with offensive tackles Josh Conerly and Ajani Cornelius coming back. As a unit, the group has struggled mightily. Unless they are able to fix the issues up front, this team looks like they could underperform relative to expectation. They need to find answers to get Cornelius back on track, and the interior to start playing a lot better.
Penn State Nittany Lions: James Franklin
Coach Franklin has built a reputation as a very good recruiter, good symbol of a program, and a very average coach on game days. That’s why the results against the better teams on their schedules have mostly been underwhelming performances. Penn State will always have talent, but until we are proven otherwise, there is a ceiling under Franklin.
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