College football is back, and the best teams from the past two years are still rolling. Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Oklahoma and Ohio are still on top. However there are several notable storylines this season that have nothing to do with college football’s elite. Here are three.
1. Jim Harbaugh’s tenure at Michigan.
Few would have predicted Harbaugh being on the hot seat so early into his job at Michigan, but Harbaugh’s job might be in jeopardy this season. Harbaugh accepted the head coaching position at the University of Michigan, his alma mater, after a successful tenure as the San Francisco 49ers head coach. The eccentric head coach was lauded as a savior–famous for his energizing antics and quarterback-whispering. However, Harbaugh’s time at Michigan has been good at its best and lukewarm at its worst, going 10-3 his first two seasons and 8-5 last season. Harbaugh was hired to make Michigan elite, and that has not happened. The Wolverines lost their opening game against rival Notre Dame, and each additional loss could pile up the pressure on Harbaugh to win.
2. Tragedy at Maryland and College Football’s “tough love” culture
On June 13, University of Maryland offensive lineman Jordan McNair died due to heatstroke from a summer practice. McNair showed extreme fatigue and symptoms of heat stroke during a practice on May 29, and ESPN reports that McNair’s coaches waited at least an hour before calling 911. McNair died in a hospital 15 days later.
According to ESPN, head coach DJ Durkin has been placed on paid administrative leave after external investigations revealed a pattern of abusive treatment he and his assistants inflicted on his players, including “intimidation, humiliation, and verbal abuse.” Durkin’s now infamous treatment of his players has sparked debate about “tough love” in football. For some, Durkin represents a determined, strong-handed man who pushes his players to be better. However, after McNair’s death, many are questioning Durkin and old-school football tactics. Scheduling practice during the hottest part of the day, denying players water and shaming athletes for their eating habits have been part of college football for years, but after McNair’s death these habits might finally begin to disappear.
3. Will anyone break up the elite party?
Though the recent college football playoffs have lacked diversity, several teams this year have the potential to sneak in. Notre Dame, Auburn and Stanford have all had strong starts to the season and are brimming with talented players. Smaller schools such as the University of Central Florida and Boise State could also have dominant years, though their strength of schedule could hurt them. Personally, I think the University of Wisconsin has the strongest chance of all outsiders. Star quarterback Alex Hornibrook and running back Jonathan Taylor return with experienced linemen and a talented overall team.
Regardless of what happens this year, college football is back, and fans can rejoice.