Alabama (again) is the team to fear

Electric atmospheres, rowdy tailgates and a season that is the most enticing in recent memory. We have a wildly unpredictable season ahead of us that features star power throughout the country. Let’s break down some teams to buy, sell and watch for this upcoming season.

TEAM TO BUY
In the ‘buy’ category, a team is mentioned that may not be getting the most recognition, but will be an outside threat to make the college football playoff.

Oklahoma State Cowboys
This may finally be the year the Cowboys put it all together. With a squad that features the most electric offense in the country, this team will be entertaining to watch all year. OSU features a quarterback/wide receiver combination that may be the most lethal in the country. Quarterback Mason Rudolph tossed 28 touchdowns compared to only four interceptions in 2016 and is a legitimate Heisman contender this fall. Wide receiver James Washington is as good as they come at the position in the college game. Washington went over 200 yards multiple times last year and has gone for 100+ yards in 11 of his past 22 games. This offense will be explosive in 2017, but will the defense hold up its end of the deal?

TEAM TO SELL
In the ‘sell’ category, a team is mentioned that is getting plenty of preseason hype, but may not live up to the hype come midseason.

Florida Gators
The Gators are in for a tough opener this weekend against Michigan. Florida returns only two starters on defense and have another eight players suspended for the opener on offense, including electrifying wide receiver Antonio Callaway. It will be an uphill climb if the Gators expect to win week one. The offense has to break in another quarterback or two, which Florida fans are sick of doing by now. The Gators will have to play exceptional football to hold their number-17 preseason ranking throughout the season.

TEAM TO WATCH
In the ‘watch’ category, a team is chosen that will maybe make some unexpected noise this season.

Texas Longhorns
I might be a year early on this prediction, but look for Texas to start getting back to the Texas of old. The Texas that is always a contender and always hauling in top-ranked recruiting classes. First-year head coach Tom Herman is already changing the culture in the Longhorn state and is dominating the recruiting trail. He has brought a competitive attitude and a willingness to dive in face first at any challenge that has been brought up. You can tell from afar that the players are having a lot of fun and love playing for their new coach. Look for Texas to maybe shake things up in the Big 12 this year. Texas will be back to a National Championship contender in the next few years.