3-Point Stance: Arik Gilbert, Potential Hiccups for Contenders, New Big XII Starters

So now what? He’s had 2 catches for 16 yards since that freshman season at LSU, and football is far and away the least of his concerns. And I know for a fact the powers that be at LSU, Georgia, and Nebraska knew of his issues and tried to help. But has everyone tried to help enough? Was Gilbert given chance after chance to play football because he’s so talented when the true focus should have been on his mental health?

They tried to get him help. But when is it time to say no more football? When was it time to say let’s not let this kid bounce from school to school as programs try to squeeze the last bit of talent out of him and say focus on everything BUT football?

I don’t know him at all. I can’t say what would have helped. I just found myself wondering aloud after seeing that video if enough was done for him and if the NCAA, who loves to deny players transfer waivers randomly, could have looked at this one and said, “let’s hold on.”

Stumbling Blocks for Contenders

— The five biggest threats to win it all this season appear to be Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, Florida State, and LSU. At least to me. Here are surprising games that could ruin their seasons.

1. Georgia — home against Kentucky in October

— The schedule is easy as can be, and some think South Carolina or Missouri could be the most dangerous unranked opponent, but Kentucky is scary. UGA has them at home, which is a massive help, and they will likely be double-digit favorite. But Kentucky has a potentially potent offense and a good defense and could hang. And if they do, it could come down to the fourth quarter.

2. Michigan — at Maryland in November

— Last year’s game was a good one, with Michigan winning by a touchdown and this year it’s in Maryland. Obviously, Penn State and Ohio State are the big threats, but this game is right before the Buckeyes and can’t be overlooked.

3. Ohio State — at Wisconsin in October

— As with Michigan, the big games are obvious for the Buckeyes, but on the road at Camp Randall? I know Wisconsin is ranked, so it’s not a true surprise game to pick, but it stands out to me as one that is being overlooked.

4. Florida State — at Pitt in November

— Pat Narduzzi is a good coach, and FSU isn’t overly familiar with Pitt. They got drubbed 41-17 in 2020, and this will be a tough game for the Noles, trust me.

5. LSU — at Missouri in October

— Mizzou is sneaky. They have Georgia all they could handle last season at home, and they could give LSU some problems if they get off to a solid start to the season. LSU obviously has FSU, Alabama, Ole Miss, and others, but keep an eye on this game.

Best New Big XII Starters

— And finally, Matt Perkins continues his look at the top new QB starters in the Power Five with the Big 12.

1. Will Howard, Kansas State

This might be cheating a little bit, as Howard played a lot last season, splitting time with an oft-injured Adrian Martinez. But entering the season, Howard is the unquestioned number-one quarterback for the Wildcats and brings a wealth of experience and dynamic playmaking to the position. 

2. Kedon Slovis, BYU

Slovis comes to BYU after previous stops at Pittsburgh and USC, where he was always well above average. The Cougars need a spark offensively after losing multiple key pieces on offense ahead of their first year in Big 12 play.

3. Chandler Morris, TCU

It's going to be darn near impossible for Morris to replicate what Max Duggan did in his magical 2022 season, but Morris is going to give it his best shot. There are a lot of new pieces on the Horned Frogs offense as well, so it may take a couple of games for them to find their rhythm. 

4. Garrett Greene, West Virginia

A true dual-threat quarterback, Greene gives a new look to Neal Brown's offense in what is a make-or-break season for the beleaguered head coach. Taking over for JT Daniels (who is on to his fourth school), Greene has the ability to move the chains with his legs and will add some new wrinkles to the playbook in Morgantown.

5. Rocco Becht/JJ Kohl, Iowa State

This is more of a bet on the upside of Kohl, who I think could end up being one of the top quarterbacks from the 2023 class. It will definitely be a rough season in Ames in the wake of multiple gambling scandals, but if he can weather the storm and take his lumps, he should be an upper-echelon starter in the conference as soon as next year.