Heisman favorites, COVID-19 and why Clemson won’t miss a beat

Alabama lost five first-rounders, and 10 draft picks overall, and is still favored to repeat as national champion. So, of course, we’re picking someone else.

Texas is feeling good about itself after hiring the Tide’s offensive coordinator to run its program, Michigan will beat Ohio State or “die trying,” its coach said, and Cincinnati hopes to crash the four-team playoff. Get ready to hate the term NIL. Here are 50 things to know about the upcoming season.

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1. Clemson shouldn’t miss a beat with D.J. Uiagalelei stepping in for Trevor Lawrence at quarterback. Uiagalelei was terrific in two starts last year as a freshman, including passing for 439 yards in a double-overtime loss at Notre Dame.

2. For those who missed that scintillating game against the Irish, Uiagalelei’s last name is pronounced ooh-ee-ahn-guhluh-lay. His dad, Dave (6-4, 350), used to be a bodyguard for celebrities, including Meek Mill.

3. Georgia, which had to replace its top six defensive backs, opens with Clemson next Saturday in Charlotte, N.C. (10:30 p.m.) in the best nonconference game of the early season.

4. One of those replacements is cornerback Tykee Smith, who transferred in from West Virginia. Smith is on the watch list for the Nagurski Award given to the nation’s best defensive player. Smith injured his foot midway through August and might not play against Clemson.

5. The best nonconference games in September (besides Clemson-georgia):

Sept. 4: Alabama vs. Miami (at Atlanta), 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 5: Notre Dame at Florida State, 10:30 p.m.

Sept. 11: Oregon at Ohio State, 3 p.m.