2015 College Preview-First Week Games, Heisman Candidates, Senior Watch

The next 5 storylines will cover important games and matchups that you, the viewer, must see this first week. In addition, I will be breaking down the Heisman watch and which players could surprise you in the running for college football’s most prestigious award. And finally, top college seniors will be discussed as they hope to impress scouts in the 2015 season.

Big games:

1. 

   Marquise Williams, UNC’s dark horse. (Getty Images)

   Battle of the Carolinas: UNC at South Carolina. Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC Thursday night at 6. This game marks the first time the game is not played at either schools campus since 1955. Tar Heels qb, Marquise Williams, had over 3,000 passing yds and 500 rushing yds last season, making him one of four remaining FBS quarterbacks to do so. Since the departure of star defensive end, Jadeveon Clowney,  South Carolina’s defense has struggled. The Gamecocks gave up 2630 passing yds, ranking below the top 50 at 52. Look for Williams to throw the short ball more for big gains to UNC’s receivers.

2. Texas Longhorns at #11 Notre Dame:Saturday at 7:30. Notre Dame has most of its starters returning, an FBS record 19 of 22. This includes returning senior Malik Zaire, who was a strong backup for  senior Everett Golson last season. Zaire’s strength is his legs. In the Music City Bowl, in his only start against LSU, the Notre Dame quarterback ran for 96 yds on 22 attempts with a touchdown. On the Texas side, their offensive line is considered one of the best, if not the best in the Big 12. Senior center, Taylor Doyle, anchors the offensive line.

Heisman Watch:

3. Ezekiel Elliot Ohio State RB-Elliot was in the running last season and was third in the nation with almost 2,000 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. The Junior tailback rushed for 246 yds and 4 tds in the Buckeyes route over Oregon in the College Football Championship.

Ezekiel Elliot is an explosive back, and will try and help lead #1 Ohio state to another championship. (Ghetty Images)

Senior Watch:

4. Tajae Sharpe UMass WR– Looks like the Minutemen will have a second Victor Cruz. The senior wideout from Newark ranked in the top 10 for receiving with 1281 yds and 7 tds. Massachusetts went 3-9 last season, but Sharpe could contribute to  a winning season, which has not happened since Victor Cruz  played.

Tajae Sharpe, almost identical to Victor Cruz on the football field, will try to lead Umass to its first wining record since 2007. (AP Photo/ Kevin Srakocic)

5. Dadi Nicolas Virginia Tech DE– VT is known for producing major contributors on defense, specifically lineman. Nicolas is a major threat for ACC quarterbacks, recording 18 tackles for a loss last season. Though he may not be a Heisman candidate, the Hokies 236 lbs. lineman could prove himself to be an NFL draft sleeper, presumably in the late first round.