College Football 2014 Preview: Everything you need to know heading into this season
Over the next few weeks, theScore will be taking an in-depth look at the upcoming college football season, providing a guide to what you need to know before the last week of August is upon us. From quarterback battles, to players who could be the next Johnny Manziel, and coaches worth watching this season, we make sure you are well equipped for the autumn rush.
Here is our full series so far, and what you can expect in the days to come.
College Football Power Rankings: Florida State rules all
Forget the AP poll: This is where all the magic is.
THE FIX: FULL SERIES
The Fix is a look at major storylines following this year's top college contenders, and how teams will handle these challenges heading into the season. Will Alabama promote the right QB? Did Michigan State peak in 2013? All these questions about your favorite teams will be answered.
16 games you need to watch this year
We do the heavy lifting for you with our week-by-week guide of what to watch this season.
5 high-profile coaches with a lot on the line in 2014
There hasn't been a play run in the 2014 college football season, yet some coaches already find themselves facing more pressure than others. For some, the pressure is on because they have failed to perform up to expectations in recent years, while others may be getting their final kick at the can. These five college football coaches have a lot at stake entering the 2014 season.
Johnny who? 5 players who could be the next Manziel
This list is not refined to who can replace Johnny Manziel in terms of talent and buzz - but who will be the most interesting to follow through the season based on personality, skill, stats, and controversy. It won't be easy to move on from Johnny Football, but there are some early contenders.
5 teams that won't live up to the hype in 2014
The college football season is fast approaching, and many teams have turned their hype machine to its highest setting. It can be hard to make sense of all the noise coming from each of the programs, with every team holding onto hope that this could be their year. These five teams won't live up to the hype in 2014.
7 (REALLY EARLY) Heisman candidates
The Heisman Trophy won't be awarded until December, but with the college football season about to start it's never too early to take a look at who could be hoisting the hardware.
5 breakout players for 2014
The college football world has been spoiled with a pair of thrilling breakout players over the last two seasons, with Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel busting onto the scene in 2012, and Jameis Winston emerging in 2013. These five players are poised for breakout seasons in 2014.
2014 Conference winners betting odds and predictions
Bettors have little time remaining to get in their futures bets for the upcoming season. Here's a look at odds comparisons for the power-five conferences for the 2014 season, with a team worthy of a closer look for each.
5 storylines you need to know for Week 1
Let us be your guide to everything that happened during the off-season (and then some).
5 things you need to know about the new playoff format
This year will be nothing like last, so here is a guide on what to focus on now that the NCAA is implementing a playoff format. For example, there is (a bit) less pressure to finish the season No. 1 because the top four teams will take part in the post-season.
Why Charlie Strong is the right fit for Texas
After 16 years under Mack Brown the Texas Longhorns enter foreign territory with new head coach Charlie Strong in 2014. The hiring of Strong was seen as a bit of a controversial choice at the time, but he proved at Louisville - and will continue to do so at Texas - that he is the right man for the job.
Petrino, Kiffin, Muschamp and 3 very different kinds of 2nd chances
Bobby Petrino, Lane Kiffin and Will Muschamp are three coaches that can all benefit from second chances during the 2014 season. How each of the three came to need another opportunity is worth investigating, as each coach took very different paths to get their second chance.
The AP Poll special: Top 25 previewed in 140 characters
Sure, you can read 1,200 words on Nebraska, but sometimes you just want to get to the point. Speed through the Top 25 with our quick guide to the only preseason poll anyone cares about.
5 teams with nightmare schedules
Some teams have it good - you just won't find any of them on this list. With the release of the Associated Press preseason poll Sunday, it's time to take a look at five teams that are going to have it tough this season, if the rankings are to be believed.
Why Mississippi State should have been in the preseason Top 25
The Bulldogs were overlooked on both the AP preseason Top 25 and the coaches poll, but this is not a team to be ignored in 2014. Dual-threat quarterback Dak Prescott leads a team loaded with returning starters that is poised to make some noise this season.
A closer look at the conferences
This is not your mother's conference preview: We will focus on the bare essentials (key matchups this season, top contenders, players to watch), but also fill you in on the obscure. Like when Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury revealed in May how he brought an ice cream truck filled with bottle service women from local clubs to practice when he was an assistant at Houston.
Big Ten Preview: So, uh, about that Braxton Miller injury ...
Pac-12 Preview: The conference has never been stronger
Big 12 Preview: Can anyone slow down Baylor's offense?
ACC Preview: Can Florida State have another perfect season?
SEC Preview: The nation's top conference wants its championship back
2014 College football futures betting: Win totals odds and predictions
The summer months are just about ready to give way to football season, which means an opportunity for bettors to cash in on the action on the gridiron. College football win totals can offer value to the informed bettor who follows the sport during the offseason. These four win totals are worthy of a closer look.
Why Ohio State will remain in playoff hunt without Braxton Miller
With the news of Braxton Miller's injury, the Big Ten picture was turned on its head, but don't write off the Buckeyes entirely. Ohio State remains very much alive in the conversation for the four highly-coveted spots in the inaugural College Football Playoff.
7 players you can't miss this season
In case they haven't already, there will come a time when people realize that Jameis Winston isn't the only interesting player in college football today. That time is now. We take a look at seven worthy college football players who have something to prove and are ready to turn some heads this season.
2014 College football futures betting: National Championship odds and predictions
The BCA-era is finally behind us, and the National Championship will be decided in a playoff format this season, slightly changing the dynamic of how bettors will decide upon where to find value in national title odds. Here is a three-pack of teams worthy of a closer look.
Repeating last year's success will be a difficult task for Auburn
After going 3-9 in the 2012 season, the Auburn Tigers were the surprise of the college football world last year, going 12-2 and making it all the way to the BCS National Championship Game in their first season under Gus Malzahn. While the turnaround was incredible, sustaining that kind of success will prove to be a lot more difficult this season.