By Max Feldman
Oklahoma
The Sooners have been at the top of the nation for the last three seasons offensively, largely because of Lincoln Riley’s innovative schemes and play calls. Having multiple future NFL players, specifically first round picks, certainly does not hurt their cause. Jalen Hurts looks like the leader at this point in the Heisman race, and CeeDee Lamb is as high level of a college skill player as we have seen in recent years. Riley uses multiple running backs, one of which is Jalen Hurts essentially, who is leading the team in rushing, to wear down the opposition play after play. After only three games, the Sooners have put up 677 total yards per game against Houston, South Dakota and UCLA. Yes, Might just be three games against mediocre opponents, but this Sooner offense, once again, is no joke. Look for Hurts, Lamb and Lincoln Riley to tear through the Big 12 in route to a College Football Playoff spot.
Oklahoma State
Moving from Norman to Stillwater, another of FOG top collegiate offenses resides in the state of Oklahoma and the Big 12. The name to know for the Cowboys is Chuba Hubbard. Hubbard is leading the nation in rushing with 521 yards, with an incredible 7.9 yards per rush and 7 touchdowns. The Cowboys have stacked up 547 yards per game behind Freshman quarterback Spencer Sanders. With all the Mike Gundy news and rumors, action speaks louder than words. Oklahoma State certainly is a nightmare to plan against with their zone, spread running scheme that easily puts linebackers and safeties in poor positioning. Sean Gleeson and Mike Gundy have engineered a high-powered offensive attack that will put up monster numbers all season.
Oregon
Widely known for the explosive offense of the past, the Oregon Ducks have finally brought back the high powered system that brought so much success. With debatably the top quarterback in the nation, in Justin Herbert, Mario Cristobal has solidified the offensive line with three future first round picks in Calvin Throckmorton, Jake Hanson and Penei Sewell. Former OK State offensive coordinator, Marcus Arroyo, has gotten a handle on the play-calling and has become far more consistent in year two in his role. Although there a multitude of wide receiver such as big bodied Penn State transfer Juwan Johnson and top 100 ranked freshman slot guy Mycah Pittman, they’ve put together three strong offensive outings, putting up 505 total yards per game. Double headed monster at running back with CJ Verdell and Travis Dye are doubling down on last year with a huge start and even more depth behind them, behind the best offensive line in the country. It is time to bring the Ducks back into the conversation as one of the most explosive offenses in the NCAA, as this year will surprise some folks.
Clemson
The Tigers continue to put skill players in the NFL year after year, and the trend will certainly continue. Trevor Lawrence, as expected, is the head of the dragon this year and is one of the top gunslingers in the country. Yet, there are no shortage of weapons. Tee Higgins, Justyn Ross and Travis Ettiene are all future first round selections and create mismatches in every outing. The Tigers have put up a gargantuan 544 yards per game and are just getting started. Dabo has cemented himself at the top of college football, between recruiting, offensive play calls and a growing coaching tree, the trend certainly will continue. The Tigers space the field and give their athletes room to perform, with Etienne’s run away speed and an elite decision maker in Lawrenece, game planning for Clemson is absolute nightmare for defensive coordinators. Clemson looks to be headed right back to the College Football Playoff behind this collection of offense talent and prowess.
UCF
The Knights have lit up the CFB world in recent years with speed and power. With Scott Frost departing for Nebraska, offensively minded head coach, Josh Huepel, has takent the reigns. Producing college stars in Sam Bradford, Landry Jones and Drew Lock in the past, Huepel has built a run & gun offense that has lifted UCF to a 3-0 start, including a blowout win over Stanford. The Knights have put up an impressive 51.7 points and 604 yards per game. Unlike most highly ranked offenses systems in 2019, the Knights are very balanced between the run and pass. The top four rushers thus far all average over 7 yards per carry. Former 3 star prospect and true Freshman, Dillon Gabriel, has secured the job at quarterback after injury-prone, Notre Dame transfer Brandon Wimbush began the year with the job. Yes, it is a new look, but do not expect much to change in Orlando as the Knights look to run the table.