Chuckles Sports Midseason College Football Review
While it may be hard to believe, the 2015 College Football season has hit its halfway point. This season has seen surprising teams (Florida, Michigan, Utah to name a few), as well as some disappointing teams (USC, Oregon, and quite a few others). Players such as Leonard Fournette, Corey Coleman, Seth Russell, and Ezekiel Elliott have been among the top players in the nation, and sure look to be in the Heisman conversation come December. First year coaches Jim McElwain and Jim Harbaugh have both jump started fast rebuilding efforts at Florida and Michigan respectively. Utah’s Kyle Whittingham, perhaps has been the countrys best coach, leading the undefeated Utes to a number 3 ranking in the national polls. We must remember the season however is only halfway done and a lot can happen from now, until conference championship week in early December, but as of now, here is the nation’s best for the first half of 2015…
Offensive Player of the Year:
Leonard Fournette, RB LSU
150 Att. 1,202 Yards 14 TD
8.01 yards/carry
200.33 yards/game
The Super-Sophomore has been the seasons most dominant all-around player, helping the 5th ranked Tigers to an undefeated 6-0 (4-0 SEC West). Presumably the favorite for every major college football award such as the Heisman and Doak Walker Award, Fournette has rushed for at least 158 yards in each game this season, including a three game stretch of 200+ yards earlier this season. With LSU the only remaining unbeaten team in the SEC, Fournette will be relied on heavy with SEC West battles versus (8) Alabama, Arkansas, (24) Ole Miss, and (15) Texas A&M following this weeks game v. Western Kentucky.
Also Considered: Trevone Boykin, QB TCU, Ezekiel Elliott, RB Ohio State, Dalvin Cook, RB Florida State, Devontae Booker, RB Utah, Corey Coleman, WR Baylor, Seth Russell, QB Baylor
Defensive Player of the Year:
Myles Garrett, DE Texas A&M
8.5 Sacks, 11.5 TFL, 3 Forced Fumbles, 1 Blocked Kick, 30 Total Tackles
Another outstanding SEC Sophomore, Garrett has flourished with new Defensive Coordinator John Chavis, who is in his first season in College Station after previously serving as Les Miles’ DC at LSU. While the Aggies has been known as a great offensive team who played very little defense, that has changed under Chavis, and Garrett has been a major reason why. Garrett has anchored the much improved Aggie defense, which ranks 44th in the nation in total defense, including 19th against the pass.
Also Considered: Carl Nassib, DE Penn State, Eddie Jackson, CB Alabama, Robert Nkemdiche, DT Ole Miss, Jalen Ramsey, CB Florida State, Vernon Hargreaves III, CB Florida, Emmanuel Ogbah, DE Oklahoma State
All-Purpose Player of the Year:
Christian Kirk, WR/PR Texas A&M
Only a true freshman, Kirk has established himself as a serious threat not only as one of Kyle Allen’s favorite targets at the Wide Receiver position, but as a returner, leading the nation with 25.1 yards/punt return. On the offensive side of the ball, Kirk has 39 receptions for 609 yards and 4 touchdowns, while averaging 195.00 total yards/game
Midseason Award Predictions:
Leonard Fournette, LSU
Seriously, is this even a question?
Trevone Boykin, TCU/Seth Russell, Baylor
Maybe the November 27th matchup can help make this a little clearer. Boykin has thrown for 2,539 yards with 25 TDs and only 5 picks, ,while Russell has thrown for 1,907 yards, 27 TDs, and also only 5 picks. Both have also had some big games using their legs for these Big 12 heavyweights.
Boykin, TCU
No doubt here since Russell is only a Junior.
Corey Coleman, Baylor
41 Catches 877 Yards and a school record 16 TD in 6 games…Enough said, although Josh Doctson of TCU is also having an outstanding season for the Bears rival.
Tyler Higbee, Western Kentucky
Its certainly not a sexy pick coming from outside the Power 5 Conferences, but 31 receptions for 463 yards and 6 TDs is impressive. Higbee is the only tight end in the nation with over 400+ yards receiving.
Robert Nkemdiche, DT Ole Miss
The stats don’t jump out but Nkemdiche is a terror all over the field and makes teams adjust due to his presence. Must be accounted for on the field at all times or he will make you pay.
Myles Garrett, DE Texas A&M
Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame
56 Total Tackles, 1 Sack, 3 Passes Defensed. Another player who must be accounted for at all times who also has tremendous speed from the linebacker position.
Vernon Hargreaves III, Florida
Does anyone dare throw to this guy? 3 Interceptions in very limited chances.
Ross Martin, Duke
12-12 FG, 19-19 PAT…Automatic!
Tom Hackett, Utah
Averaging 48 yards/punt for perhaps the nation’s best special teams unit.
Christian Kirk, WR/Returner Texas A&M
All-Purpose POY
Midseason All-Americans
AP: Christian Kirk, Texas A&M/Adoree Jackson, Southern California
P: Tom Hackett, Utah
College Football Playoff Predictions
4. Clemson
(2) Baylor v (3) LSU – LSU
(3) LSU v (4) Clemson
National Champion: LSU
Les Miles win his second National Championship in Baton Rouge as Fournette and company prove too difficult to stop. Dabo Swinney finally gets Clemson over the hump and shows Clemson is for real moving forward.
Chuckles Sports 