Brian Kelly has won at least 10 games in four of his eight seasons as the head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and 2018 has the chance to be the fifth 10-win campaign. There are reasons for optimism in South Bend because the Fighting Irish have playmakers on each level of the defense and a returning 12-game starter at quarterback. Offensively, junior quarterback Brandon Wimbush (6’1, 228) will resume his position as the top signal-caller for the Fighting Irish. Last season, Wimbush finished with 16 touchdowns and six interceptions. However, he was sacked 25 times and completed just 48-percent of his passes. In losses to Georgia, Miami and Stanford, Wimbush combined to throw three touchdowns and four interceptions. If Wimbush can get in concert with his offensive line and get the ball away sooner, then he -along with his defensive playmakers- have the ability to go far this season. Defensively, senior linebacker Te’Von Coney and senior defensive tackle Jerry Tillery (6’7, 304) dominate in the run game and on the back end junior cornerback Julian Love (5’11, 194) is emerging as one of the best defensive backs in the nation. The talent and coaching experience is there in South Bend for a memorable season.
Troy’s player to watch
4 Te’Von Coney 6’1 235 LB-Senior
Coney (No. 4 pictured) registered 17 tackles versus LSU in the 2018 Citrus Bowl.
Coney fits the mold of a sideline-to-sideline inside linebacker and his skills are reminiscent of the Jaguars’ Telvin Smith. Coney also has enough strength to absorb contact with running backs and drive them backwards. Last year, the senior linebacker finished with 116 tackles, three quarterback sacks and11.5 tackles for losses. If he can sharpen his skills in pass coverage, he has all the makings to be a potential Day 2 NFL prospect.
Game of the season
September 1st against Michigan
The season opener will set the tone for the Fighting Irish. Michigan hasn’t played Notre Dame since 2014 and in that game, the Wolverines, lost 31-0. Notre Dame and Michigan both have College Football Playoff aspirations and a week one victory in South Bend would be a big boost to either team.
DraftNasty’s Prospect Watch
53 Sam Mustipher 6’2 306 OC-Senior
Mustipher has been a contributor since 2015 and a starter the last two seasons for an impressive offensive line. His ‘nasty’ in sending messages to defensive linemen stands out on film. He can sink his frame in both pass protection and as a run blocker. Aside from
Mustipher (No. 53 pictured) will perform as a graduate student in 2018.
getting to his spot on angle blocks, his quickness aids him effectively on combination blocks. For him to improve his draft stock, Mustipher needs to improve his latch-and-sustain. His size -while adequate- has gotten him into trouble versus leverage players at the point of attack in short yardage (Phillips, Stanford ’17). Over the course of the last three years, he has rounded himself into much better shape than he was earlier in his career.
Prediction: 11-1
Notre Dame has the potential to run the table like they did during the 2012 season. Brian Kelly and the Fighting Irish will finish with its lone loss coming against Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, according to DraftNasty’s Troy Jefferson.
First-year head coach Willie Taggart will look to turn around the Florida Seminoles much like he did for the USF Bulls just two seasons ago. Last season, Taggart led Oregon to a 7-5 record before leaving the Ducks ahead of the team’s bowl game. Former Seminoles head coach Jimbo Fisher left behind a team with a talented run game and an elite pass rusher. Senior center Alec Eberle (6’4, 295) has started 32 consecutive games dating back to the 2015 season and is a candidate for the Rimington Trophy this season after being named second team All-ACC in 2017. Eberle will help create running paths for sophomore running back Cam Akers (5’11, 213). Akers rushed for 1,024 yards and seven touchdowns on 194 carries in 2017.
FSU DE Brian Burns (No. 99 pictured) has broken up four passes, forced four fumbles and blocked three kicks over the last two seasons for the Seminoles.
Defensively, junior defensive end Brian Burns (6’5, 235) will be asked to continue to cause havoc off the edge. The Fort Lauderdale native has totaled 14 sacks and 23 tackles for loss over the past two seasons. Burns is a bona fide NFL prospect as a 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 rush outside linebacker.
Troy’s player to watch
1 Levonta Taylor 5’10 186 CB-Junior
Florida State is no stranger to producing cover corners. Jalen Ramsey, Deion Sanders and Xavier Rhodes are just a few of the names. Junior cornerback Levonta Taylor has the ability to join the ranks of those Pro Bowlers.
Last season, he finished the season with two interceptions and three pass deflections. The relatively low interception totals are a result of quarterbacks refusing to throw his way. This year, Taylor will get to work with former Michigan State secondary coach Harlon Barnett, who has helped mold several defensive backs into NFL talents like Trae Waynes and Darqueze Dennard. Despite seeing minimal action, DraftNasty’s Troy Jefferson is projecting another season of the Virginia Beach native blanketing one side of the field.
Game of the season
October 6th against Miami
Miami broke their seven-game losing streak in the longstanding rivalry by defeating Florida State, 24-20, in Tallahassee last year. You can expect Taggart’s first order of business is for the Seminoles to regain in-state and conference supremacy. It won’t be easy as Miami fields one its best teams since 2000. Florida State’s and Miami’s October matchup could resemble some of their classic matchups from the 90s.
DraftNasty’s Prospect Watch
90 Demarcus Christmas 6’4 308 DL-Senior
He is one of the toughest interior defensive lineman to latch in the ACC. His tremendous hand-eye coordination is evident when affecting the three-step passing game but just as impressive when it comes to dislodging versus offensive guards. In a number of ways, he carries some similarities to former Alabama defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson (Detroit Lions). The big question is whether or not he will become a more disruptive pass rush finisher in 2018.
Prediction: 9-3
Draftnasty’s Troy Jefferson is predicting a two-win improvement on last season but a second place finish in the ACC’s Atlantic Division. Jefferson is predicting road losses to Miami and Notre Dame and a home loss to Clemson.
Alabama is once again the favorite to win the National Championship, but they will have to adjust to new offensive and defensive coordinators in Nick Saban’s 12th season as head coach. Offensive coordinator Mike Locksley will have to choose between junior quarterback Jalen Hurts (6’2, 218) and sophomore signal-caller Tua Tagovailoa (6’1, 218).
Aside from posting a 26-2 career record as a two-year starter, QB Jalen Hurts (No.2 pictured) has thrown for 4,861 yards (61.9%), 40 TDs and 10 INTs. He has also rushed for 1,809 yards (5.4 YPC) and 21 TDs.
Both quarterbacks showed an ability to take care of the football in 2017. Hurts threw just one interception in 254 passing attempts and Tagovailoa had only two in 77 passes. The duo combined for 28 passing touchdowns. No matter who lines up under center, look for Alabama to feature senior running back Damien Harris (5’11, 216). Harris is as consistent as they come, posting back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons. Defensively, the front seven is led by junior defensive tackle Raekwon Davis (6’7, 306) and linebacker Anfernee Jennings (6’3, 267, Jr.). A position group to keep an eye on this season is the secondary. The Crimson Tide lost four contributors from last season’s team and will have several new faces on the back end. Few teams are better prepared for attrition, but it will have to introduce newcomers on defense and in the coaches’ rooms.
Troy’s player to watch
99 Raekwon Davis 6’7 315 DT-Junior
Alabama routinely wins in the trenches with players like Davis. He has a good combination of strength and athleticism for an interior lineman. For his size, he also plays with good leverage and is adept at bending and twisting to get around interior offensive linemen. The junior defensive tackle is also a technician with his hands, which allows him to blow by slower guards. Last year, he finished with 8.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss.
Game of the season
November 24th against Auburn
The Iron Bowl will once again feature the two favorites in the SEC West. Auburn returns 13 starters from last season’s team, which beat Alabama 26-14 at home. Head coach Gus Malzahn is 2-3 all- time against Alabama and will look to even the score versus its in-state rival. Expect a closely-contested game in Tuscaloosa.
DraftNasty’s Prospect Watch:
73 Jonah Williams 6’5 301 LT-Junior
Williams (No. 73 pictured) has started 29 games at both tackle spots in his first two seasons on campus.
There aren’t many true juniors with the starting experience of Williams. In just two seasons on campus, he’s already earned 29 career starts. By the conclusion of his junior year, he may very well have over 40 starts. His mobility is evident when asked to reach defensive tackles or scoop block versus linebackers. There have been instances where he’s been beaten over the top with outside club moves in pass protection. If the ‘Tide opens up its offense in 2018, Williams may get an opportunity to show off an increased skill-set in pass protection.
Prediction: 12-0
As always, games against LSU and Auburn can be tricky for the Crimson Tide to navigate, but DraftNasty’s Troy Jefferson is predicting an undefeated regular season for Alabama. The Crimson Tide play Louisville, Citadel and Arkansas State in the non- conference portion of their schedule and won’t have to play Florida or Georgia until a potential match-up in the SEC Championship.
Tom Herman enters his second season as the Longhorns head coach after a 7-6 season in 2017 and a bowl victory against Missouri. The team returns a number of starters from last season and the same can’t be said for its Big 12 counterparts, which should make them a candidate to improve in the conference standings. Texas did lose five starters on defense but return three seniors on the defensive line and three seniors in the secondary. At the second level, the Longhorns also have two NFL-caliber linebackers in seniors Breckyn Hager (6’4, 245) and Gary Johnson (6’0, 230). Offensively, the Longhorns are in need of playmakers around junior wide receiver Collin Johnson (6’6, 220). Last season, Johnson caught 54 passes for 765 yards and two touchdowns. If Texas wants to improve their fortunes offensively, then they will have to settle on the running back position. In 2017, sophomore quarterback Sam Ehlinger led the team in rushing with 385 yards. Defensively, they should be able to compete with anyone, but the team enters the season with question marks offensively.
Troy’s player to watch
2 Kris Boyd 6’0 200 DB-Senior
Boyd’s performance against West Virginia’s leading receiver, David Sills V, was exceptional in 2017. Sills V, who finished the season with 980 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns, caught just two balls for 47 yards against Boyd and the Longhorns. For the season, Boyd had two interceptions and 15 pass deflections en route to being named second team All-Big 12. The senior defensive back will have another year to acclimate himself to second year defensive coordinator’s Todd Orlando’s scheme and has already been named to the Jim Thorpe and Bronko Nagurski watch lists.
Game of the season
September 15th against USC
What better way to announce the Texas Longhorns are back than with a win against the USC Trojans? The rematch of the 2006 Rose Bowl will take place in Austin during Week 3 of the season. Both the Longhorns and Trojans are coming off solid seasons after what has largely been a decade of underwhelming results from each team. Last year, the Trojans defeated the Longhorns by a field goal and expect this year’s matchup to be just as competitive.
DraftNasty’s Prospect Watch
90 Charles Omenihu 6’6 275 DL-Senior
Omenihu (No. 90 pictured) has posted 7.5 sacks, 12.5 tackles for losses and three forced fumbles in his three years as a Longhorn.
Omenihu has put together a combined 20 starts over the course of the last two seasons. In 2017, he began to put his talent on display more consistently. Despite requisite length, he hasn’t affected the three-step passing game up to this point in his career. His hand usage is a work in progress as a pass rusher. The former Rowlett High School (Tex.) star has a feel for slicing gaps and he can create inside penetration quickly off the snap. For him to become a more dominant defender, he needs to improve at creating separation from offensive linemen. Standing over 6-foot-5 inches, he has some upside as a 30-front defensive end prospect if he can put on an additional 10-to-15 pounds.
Prediction: 9-3
Draftnasty’s Troy Jefferson is predicting the Longhorns will fall to USC and West Virginia at home and on the road against Oklahoma State. However, Texas will win two more games than they did a year ago and, most importantly, defeat rival Oklahoma.
Dana Holgorsen’s eighth year at the helm in Morgantown has a chance to be his best. The Mountaineers will return a high-flying offense that averaged 34.5 points per game last season, which was 22nd-best in the NCAA. Senior quarterback Will Grier and senior wide receiver David Sills (6’4, 210 ) are a dangerous combo. Grier passed for 3,490 yards and 34 touchdowns in 2017 while Sills caught 18 of those touchdowns while posting 980 receiving yards. The Grier-Sills connection gets a lot of talk, and rightfully so, but junior wide receiver Marcus Simms (6’0, 194) is a speedy threat who can also help out in the return game. Last season, Simms caught 35 passes for 663 yards and averaged 26 yards per kick return. On defense, senior safety Dravon Askew-Henry (6’0, 203) returned from a season-ending knee injury in 2016 to rack up four pass deflections and 57 tackles in 2017.
Troy’s player to watch
7 Will Grier 6’2 223 QB-Senior
Grier made a strong impression during his first season in Morgantown. The Florida transfer completed 64-percent of his passes and will enter this season as a front runner for the Heisman trophy. He has good feet in the pocket and a quick release, which makes him a perfect fit in West Virginia’s offense. The Mountaineers signal caller did throw seven interceptions during a four-game stretch to end the season. If Grier can cut down on the turnovers and continue to move the ball efficiently, then he will have a chance at being a first round pick in next April’s NFL Draft.
Game of the season
November 23rd against Oklahoma
West Virginia has never appeared in a Big 12 Championship game and the team usually standing in their way is the Oklahoma Sooners. This year is no different. The Mountaineers will play Oklahoma at home the last week of the season. Last season, the Sooners defeated West Virginia 59-31. With major turnover at Oklahoma and West Virginia returning a number of seniors, this year’s matchup could be a little tighter.
DraftNasty’s Prospect Watch
6 Dravon Askew-Henry 6’0 200 SPUR-Senior
Askew-Henry (No. 6 pictured) posted 45 tackles, two interceptions and a touchdown during a Freshman All-American campaign in 2014.
Askew-Henry has displayed adequate range in the middle of the field to get all the way to the sidelines (ECU ’17). He takes above average cross-field angles. As the team’s spur (OLB-Nickel), he’s heavily involved in the running game but also has covered slot receivers. His injury history -as was referenced earlier- is a bit of a concern. In addition, he has not always kept his feet in some open field tackling situations. The former Freshman All-American can take a big leap this season with a healthy, productive senior campaign.
Prediction: 11-1
Draftnasty’s Troy Jefferson is predicting the Mountaineers will lose their first game of the season against Tennessee in Charlotte and go undefeated from then on out. The 11 wins would set a school-record for Dana Holgorsen at West Virginia and put the Mountaineers in the College Football Playoff discussion. A win in the Big 12 Championship game could be the final piece of the resume’.
Lincoln Riley will enter his second year as the Sooners head coach with a new quarterback under center. Junior quarterback Kyler Murray (5’10, 195) threw three touchdowns and zero interceptions behind Baker Mayfield last season and will assume the responsibilities as the new signal-caller in Norman. Around Murray is running back Rodney Anderson (6’1, 220) and wide receivers CeeDee Lamb (6’2, 189) and Marquise Brown (5’10, 168). All three have made their respective position groups’ preseason watch lists. On defense, junior linebacker Caleb Kelly (6’3, 231) moves to the inside linebacker position and will be asked to quarterback the defense.
DC Mike Stoops’ unit allowed opponents a 38-percent conversion rate on third downs in 2017 (fourth in the Big 12).
Defensive coordinator Mike Stoops’ unit has to replace Ogbonnia Okoronkwo on the edge as well as five other starters. The defense’s new faces could very well decide the fate of the Sooners in a conference that features some of the best offenses in all of college football.
Troy’s player to watch
72 Ben Powers OG 6’4 313
Powers, a senior interior offensive lineman, has experience at both the left guard and right guard positions. Powers has started 22 games over the last two seasons and was named to the All-Big 12 second team by conference coaches in 2017. With the exception of Kansas State’s Dalton Risner, the other four linemen, who were named first team All-Big 12, have graduated on to the pros. Look for Powers to take the next step and lead the Sooners linemen in 2018.
Game of the season
November 23rd at West Virginia
Oklahoma will face its stiffest competition during the last week of the regular season. West Virginia and Oklahoma are both favorites to win the Big 12 and their meeting in Morgantown could decide the conference’s champion. Oklahoma defeated West Virginia last season in Norman 59-31. The Mountaineers haven’t defeated the Sooners since 2008 and the last few contests haven’t been close.
DraftNasty’s Prospect Watch
75 Dru Samia 6’5 303 RG-Senior
Samia came to Oklahoma as a highly-regarded recruit and has lived up to the billing for the most part. The Academic All-Big 12 selection has started 34 games at three different positions (RG, LG, RT) in his first three years on campus. He’s capable of finding color on the move when the team runs its plethora of power run game concepts. For him to take his game to another level, he needs to become more consistent handling inside movement by defensive ends (in pass protection). In addition, he has to stand his ground better when fighting pressure in 2018. The former River City Raiders (Calif.) product should once again challenge for all-conference honors in his final year in Norman.
Prediction: 10-2
According to Draftnasty’s Troy Jefferson, Oklahoma will fall twice against two rivals in 2018. Texas will defeat the Sooners in the Red River Showdown and West Virginia will end Oklahoma’s regular season with another loss. The Sooners always replace talent with talent. While Jefferson is predicting a 10-win season, he is not forecasting a College Football Playoff Appearance.
The Florida Gators poached new head coach, Dan Mullen, from conference foe, Mississippi State, during the offseason. The Gators hope Mullen, who amassed a 69-46 overall record and 33-39 conference record, can bring a level of consistently to Gainesville. Mullen previously served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coached during Florida’s heyday between 2005-2008. The Gators head coach will have to choose between three underclassmen to take the command at quarterback. Sophomores Feleipe Franks (6’5, 227) and Kyle Trask (6’5, 239) will battle freshman Emory Jones (6’2, 192) for the starting role. Whoever is under center, will have junior wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland (6’2, 205)to depend on. Cleveland finished last season with 410 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Cleveland should be able to stretch defenses with the deep ball. Defensively, the Gators project to be further ahead of the curve than the offense. The Gators have playmakers at each level on defense. Senior defensive end Cece Jefferson (6’1, 242) has totaled 28.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks over his three years in Gainesville. Jefferson, pictured left, plays with strong leverage and can set the edge. In the middle, junior inside linebacker David Reese leads the defensive huddle and junior defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (6’0, 207) patrols the back end, playing on the outside and in the nickel. Gardner-Johnson has five career interceptions. The Gators aren’t expected to contend for a national championship like they were during Mullen’s first stint at Florida, but defensively look for marked improvement.
Troy’s player to watch
33 David Reese 6’1 248 LB- Junior
After missing the entire 2017 offseason recovering from wrist surgery, Reese came back with a vengeance, leading the Gators in tackles with 102 and finishing second on the team with 10 tackles for loss. The junior linebacker also totaled 1.5 sacks and an interception. The Farmington, Michigan native will be tasked with leading the defense from his middle linebacker position. Reese, a solid tackler, is as dependable as they come in the middle of a defense.
Game of the season
September 29th against Mississippi State
Head coach Dan Mullen will return to Starkville to face his former team during the fifth week of the season. The Bulldogs finished 9-4 last season in Mullen’s ninth and final season as Mississippi State’s head coach. The storylines will be plentiful and the two teams should be evenly matched. The Gators are looking to get back to a bowl game and beating a conference foe will be crucial.
Prediction: 7-5
Draftnasty’s Troy Jefferson is predicting a 7-5 record and a bowl game appearance for the Florida Gators. Mullen’s crew will fall to some of the upper echeloncompetition in the SEC including LSU, Tennessee, Georgia and South Carolina. The Gators will also fall to in-state rival Florida State but will win enough games to inspire confidence in the new head coach.
The Monarchs are looking for a bounce-back season after finishing 2017 5-7 overall and 3-5 in the C-USA. Old Dominion will lean on their running game in 2018. Senior center Nick Clarke (6’4, 315) has started 34 games in the past three seasons and is on the Rimington Trophy watch list to begin the season. Clarke will spearhead the rushing attack for senior Jeremy Cox (6’0, 235). Cox ran for 621 yards last season and caught 20 passes for 176 yards. On the outside, senior wide receiver Jonathan Duhart (6’3, 209) missed all but two games last season with a broken foot but in 2016 had 735 receiving yards. The defensive is also senior-laden and has steadily improved each year under defensive coordinator Rich Nagy, who enters his fifth season at the helm. On special teams, return man Isaiah Harper (5’9, 170) is a guy to keep your eye on. Harper was last year’s C-USA Player of the Year and finished 10th in FBS in kickoff return average at 29.1 yards per return. Old Dominion was marred by injuries and youth in 2017, but if they can get lucky injury-wise, look for the Monarchs to become bowl eligible.
Troy’s player to watch
7 Oshane Ximines 6’3 247 OLB-STUD-Senior
Ximines, a senior defensive end, has improved his sack totals every season. Last season, he set a Monarch school record with 8.5 sacks and will enter this season as one of the best pass rushers in Conference USA. Ximines is second among active FBS players with 21 sacks. If he can continue to produce at his gaudy pace, he could very well get an opportunity to play on Sundays in 2019.
Game of the season
October 6th at Florida Atlantic
Despite a home tilt against Virginia Tech on the schedule, a road game against Florida Atlantic will have stronger conference implications. FAU is the coaches pick to win the conference. Old Dominion enjoyed one of its best seasons in team history in 2016, behind a sensational record in the conference (10-3 overall, 7-1 C-USA). If Old Dominion wants to establish itself as a conference power, a win against FAU in Boca Raton would go a long way. The Owls defeated ODU 58-28 in Norfolk.
DraftNasty’s Prospect Watch
9 Jonathan Duhart 6’3 221 WR-Senior
For Duhart, it all comes down to his health. Much of his productivity throughout his career (19 career TD receptions) has been aided by his physicality. On top of that, he’s a big-time leaper capable of timing jump balls consistently in either the open field or Red Zone. Despite the fact that he’s not a speed-burner, Duhart has been effective boxing out defenders in short areas with quickness and bulk. In addition, he’s also been satisfactory working in the slot. In 2017, he appeared in just two games after breaking the fifth metatarsal in his left foot. If he can regain his pre-injury form, look for Duhart to use his strength to ward off a number of the cornerbacks Conference USA has to offer week-to-week. If so, NFL scouts will take notice.
Prediction: 8-4
According to Draftnasty’s Troy Jefferson, Old Dominion will become bowl-eligible in 2018. The Monarchs will lose home contests versus Virginia Tech, Marshall and North Texas. They also will get upended on the road at Western Kentucky
In his third season as head coach, Mark Richt and the Miami Hurricanes are looking to take the next step forward in 2018. Miami (Fla.) finished last season 10-3 overall and 7-1 in the ACC. The Hurricanes return a wealth of experience from last year’s team. In his first two seasons as Miami’s defensive coordinator, Manny Diaz has reshaped the Hurricanes defense. Last year, Miami (Fla.) ranked 38th overall in total defense and 28th in points allowed. The Hurricanes have NFL-caliber talent at each level of the defense, which includes defensive lineman Joe Jackson (6’5, 258, Jr.), linebacker Shaquille Quarterman (6’1, 250, Jr.) and defensive backs Jaquan Johnson (5’11, 190, Sr.) and Michael Jackson (6’2, 195, Sr.). On offense, quarterback Malik Rosier (6’1, 216, Sr.) will have several weapons at his disposal including wide receiver Ahmmon Richards (6’1, 190, Jr.) and running back Travis Homer (5’11, 195, Jr.). Miami (Fla.) has the talent to win the ACC and possibly accomplish more. Look for Rosier’s play at quarterback to determine how far the Hurricanes go in 2018.
Troy’s player to watch
4 Jaquan Johnson 5’11 190 DB-Senior
Johnson (No. 4 pictured) has produced two and a half quarterback sacks, six tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, six interceptions (TD), four pass break-ups and one blocked kick entering his final season for the Hurricanes.
The city of Miami has produced some of the best athletes and receivers (i.e. Antonio Brown, T.Y. Hilton) to play in the NFL. Johnson plays on the other side of the ball but is just as gifted. The Hurricanes safety won the ACC Defensive Back of the Week award three straight times last season and led the team with 96 tackles. The senior has a knack for causing turnovers, finishing the 2017 campaign with three forced fumbles and three interceptions. Look for Johnson to have the now infamous Hurricanes “turnover chain” around his neck multiple times in 2018.
Game of the season
November 17th at Virginia Tech
The Hokies figure to be the Hurricanes stiffest competition in the ACC’s Coastal Division in 2018. Miami bested Virginia Tech 28-10 last season at Hard Rock Stadium. However, things could be more challenging in Blacksburg. This game could decide an ACC Championship appearance and possibly put Miami into the College Football Playoff discussion.
DraftNasty’s Prospect Watch
78 Tyree St. Louis 6’5 305 RT-Senior
St. Louis (No. 78 pictured) -a former four-star prospect from the IMG Academy (Fla.)- has started the last 21 games of his career.
St. Louis heads into his senior season with 21 consecutive starts and he has seen action in each of three years on campus. His mobility and accuracy getting up to the second level (to block LBs, DBs) has been his best attribute up to this point. For him to take his game to an All-ACC level, he needs to play with a lower base. There are too many occasions where he engages in perimeter wrestling matches with a taller disposition. This has caused him issues with pass rushers attacking the bottom of the pocket. Overall, he’s been more consistent with his upper body posture. If the former four-star recruit can connect his upper body with his base, he’ll have a chance to reach another level in his play.
Prediction: 12-0
The Hurricanes make their first appearance in the College Football Playoff after cruising through the regular season, according to DraftNasty’s Troy Jefferson. The Hurricanes may have caught LSU on a good year as their program transitions to head coach Ed Orgeron in his second full season. The two will open the season in Arlington, Texas. Miami (Fla.) will also play their in-state rival Florida State at home.
The Michigan State Spartans turned in an impressive bounce back season in 2017. Mark Dantonio’s crew finished the season 10-3 after going 3-9 the previous season. With 19 starters returning from last year’s team, the Spartans could have an outside chance of sneaking into the College Football Playoff. They take on Utah State, Arizona State and Central Michigan in non-conference play and will take on Big Ten rivals Michigan and Ohio State at Spartan Stadium. Sandwiched in between the non-conference schedule are match-ups against the Wolverines and Buckeyes and a road contest versus Penn State. A good barometer for the Spartans in their 10-plus win seasons has been their ability to stop the run and run the ball. Last season, Michigan State finished seventh in the nation in yards allowed per game and averaged 167 rushing yards per game (63rd overall). Running back L.J. Scott (6’1, 229) enters his senior season as the team’s feature back and alongside quarterback Brian Lewerke (6’3, 212, Jr.), he will be tasked with carrying the offensive load. On defense, defensive tackle Raequan Williams (6’4, 300, Jr.) will be a run-stuffer. With a strong season, he could join other former Spartans defensive linemen William Gholston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Shilique Calhoun (Oakland Raiders) in the NFL.
Troy’s player to watch
Joe Bachie 6’2 233 LB-Junior
The junior was a stabilizing force for the Spartans defense after they lost LB Riley Bullough to the NFL in 2017. Bachie finished last season with 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and three interceptions. Since Dantonio has come to Michigan State, he has been able to hang his hat on a middle linebacker to run the defense. If Bachie can turn in another productive season, he will join the ranks of Max Bullough, Riley Bullough and Darien Harris, all of whom have spent time in the NFL.
Game of the season
November 10th vs. Ohio State
As usual, the Buckeyes will field a team as competitive as anyone in the nation. If anyone has been able to compete with Urban Meyer’s Buckeyes it’s been Mark Dantonio. The Spartans coach holds a 2-4 record vs. Ohio State and is the only coach to beat Meyer in the Big Ten multiple times. In last year’s matchup, the Spartans lost to the Buckeyes, 48-3, in Columbus.
DraftNasty’s Prospect Watch:
Khari Willis 6’0 215 S-Senior
The Spartans have several senior prospects worth keeping an eye on in 2017. Perhaps none can help their NFL hopes more than Willis. Despite 2017 being his first year as a full-time starter, the former high school running back has blossomed into one of the Big Ten’s most active safeties. While he will occasionally overrun some tackles due to over-aggressiveness, he generally breaks hard on the ball in pursuit from the inside-out. On top of that, he demonstrated a sufficient ability to open-and-run with wide receivers when defending vertical concepts a season ago (see Western Michigan ’17). He’s had some slight durabilty hiccups, but the 2017 Honorable mention All-Big Ten safety is primed for an impact senior campaign.
Prediction: 11-1
The Spartans will run through the early part of their schedule with flying colors but Draftnasty’s Troy Jefferson is predicting a home loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes in November, reminiscent of their 2014 season.
Last season, he finished the season with two interceptions and three pass deflections. The relatively low interception totals are a result of quarterbacks refusing to throw his way. This year, Taylor will get to work with former Michigan State secondary coach Harlon Barnett, who has helped mold several defensive backs into NFL talents like Trae Waynes and Darqueze Dennard. Despite seeing minimal action, DraftNasty’s Troy Jefferson is projecting another season of the Virginia Beach native blanketing one side of the field.
Jefferson, pictured left, 
