After Boise State, the G5 picture is a muddled one at best
TAMPA, Fla. – For what it is worth, which is to say absolutely nothing other than to provoke conversation over a frosty mug or three – that’s actually worth quite a bit, isn’t it? – the various college football preseason print publications are scattered as to where the Bulls fit within the Group of Five landscape.
One thing is clear, and that is the team the Bulls open against at Raymond James Stadium on August 28 is the favored among the G5. At least among Phil Steele (No. 15), Athlon (No. 25) and Lindy’s (No. 26), Boise State is the pick even with Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty in the NFL. The Broncos return quarterback Maddux Madsen, an experienced offensive line, four of the top five tacklers and sacks leader. Hence, Spencer Danielson’s team has its sights on another playoff berth.
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After Boise State? It is a muddled picture, which is the best way to describe the American. Of course, that could change. What cannot be argued is that the top three teams from last year, including championship game participants, Tulane and Army, have major holes to plug including at quarterback. The Black Knights’ Bryson Daily graduated and the Green Wave’s Darian Mensah left for greener pasture$ at Duke. Memphis’ four-year starting quarterback, Seth Henigan, is with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
That brings us to the Bulls, who rank anywhere from No. 46 to No. 71 overall and fourth (Athlon) to 13th (Lindy’s) within the G5. They are third or fourth in the American with Athlon (Tulane), Lindy’s (Navy) and Phil Steele (Memphis) projecting different conference champs, and evidently feeling the aforementioned QB situations have been more than adequately addressed.
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Maybe the Bulls can answer some of the questions when it comes to teams emerging in the American. Even with a running back room that will not include Kelley Joiner, Nay’Quan Wright and Ta’Ron Kieth, third-year coach Alex Golesh has several key returnees on both sides of scrimmage, including Mac Harris and Jhalyn Shuler at linebacker. Of course, so much will depend on how Byrum Brown’s leg responds as well as the continued growth of several younger players, such as receiver Keshaun Singleton.
Enjoy your mugs.
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