CFB: Way Too Early 2019 Rankings
Top-10 Rankings:
1. Clemson (99)
2. Alabama (97)
3. Georgia (89)
4. Ohio State (88)
5. Texas (84)
6. Oklahoma (80)
7. Michigan (74)
8. Notre Dame (64)
9. Florida (52)
10. LSU (52)
Clemson, Alabama, and Georgia all return their starting quarterbacks in Trevor Lawrence, Tua Tagovailoa, and Jake Fromm respectively. The three are a combined 53-6 in their careers, and are the biggest reason their programs are favored to reach the 2019 College Football Playoff. Just behind them is Ohio State, who has quarterback questions with both Justin Fields and Tate Martell, but whoever is under center will have talent all around them including superstar J.K. Dobbins in the backfield and Chase Young on the defensive side. Texas and Oklahoma, Big 12 rivals, are expected to compete for the Big 12 title again and each have CFP aspirations after a combined 22-6 record. Michigan and Notre Dame, who play on October 26th follow suit, and SEC foes Florida and LSU round out the projected rankings.
Heisman Contenders:
1. Trevor Lawrence (Clemson)
2. Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama)
3. D'Andre Swift (Georgia)
4. Austin Kendall (Oklahoma)
5. Sam Ehlinger (Texas)
6. J.K. Dobbins (Ohio State)
7. Ian Book (Notre Dame)
8. Jordan Scarlett (Florida)
9. Shea Patterson (Michigan)
10. Joe Burrow (LSU)
After his national title game performance, in which Lawrence threw for 347 yards and three touchdowns on 62.5 percent passing, he leads the Heisman Trophy candidates list by a solid margin. Because he didn't start the 2018 campaign, his statistics weren't up to par with the rest of the contenders, but they will be next year. Tagovailoa, who struggled versus Clemson, still has all the tools to return to New York City. Beyond them, there's a lot of questions. Running backs like D'Andre Swift (1,049 yards, 10 touchdowns), J.K. Dobbins, and Jordan Scarlett make appearances after strong seasons, while Austin Kendall will look to become the third consecutive Oklahoma player to win the award. Texas' Sam Ehlinger (3,292 yards, 25 touchdowns), along with three other quarterbacks lead the way heading into next year.
Week 1 Notables:
Georgia Tech @ Clemson
Northwestern @ Stanford
Ole Miss @ Memphis
UCLA @ Cincinnati
Auburn @ Oregon
Boise State @ Florida State
Duke @ Alabama
Florida @ Miami
Fresno State @ USC
Houston @ Oklahoma
Three of the four teams that reached the playoff play notable games in Week 1 next year, beginning with the national champions: Clemson, as they host Georgia Tech in the ACC opener. Alabama will get Duke, while Oklahoma will meet Houston three years after losing to them. Four Pac-12 teams appear in our list with Stanford hosting Northwestern and UCLA traveling to Cincinnati as Chip Kelly looks to turn it around. Oregon also faces Auburn in a 2010 national title game rematch, and USC gets Mountain West champion: Fresno State. Ole Miss will head to Memphis, while another Group of Five opponent: Boise State, will get a chance to knock off Florida State. Finally, a battle of old rivals, Florida and Miami will square off in a much-anticipated in-state fight.
Photo Credit: Eleven Warriors.
