ESPN's Jesse Palmer talks Ohio State QB battle, most underrated team in college football

With the college football season looming right around the corner, we chatted with ESPN’s Jesse Palmer about a few topics

The month of August is slowly leaving us, which necessarily isn’t a bad thing. That’s not a bad thing because that means the college football season is just around the corner. In a little over a week, on September 3, the top programs in college football will begin to take the field with the ultimate goal of being one of the four teams in the College Football Playoff. From there, of course, they hope to be hoisting the national championship trophy.

Before we can get to those points, though, we have to get through another fantastic and exciting regular season. Since the season is right around the corner, we sat down and talked with ESPN college football analyst Jesse Palmer to delve into some topics we’re talking about heading into the campaign.

Next: Top 30 College Football Head Coaches in 2015

Jack Jorgensen: Jesse, first off, thank you for taking the time to sit down with us at such a hectic time in your schedule before the season starts. Of course, while there are a lot of talking points heading into this season, I have to ask right off the bat: Who is the Ohio State starting quarterback on September 7 against Virginia Tech?

Jesse Palmer: It’s going to be Cardale Jones, definitely. At 6’5″, he just possesses the skills that you just can’t teach and we saw that last season. He gives you a decisive advantage especially on third down and short yardage, which is always one of the more valuable assets. When you watch the tape, it really is hard to go back and criticize him. At the same time, though, you can say the same thing about J.T. Barrett. You really can’t make the wrong decision here, and it’s not going to be easy for Urban Meyer. You just have to stick to the decision you make.

JJ: Who’s your team to watch for this season that’s not a member of one of the Power-5 conferences?

JP: BYU is the team to me that, potentially, can be a nice storyline come the end of September. Taysom Hill, this season, will be the best quarterback on the field in every game that they play. Their schedule is meaty and really is essentially a Power-5 schedule. You’re playing Nebraska, UCLA and Michigan just in the month of September there. If they can pull out at least two of three from there, they’ll open some eyes.

JJ: Switching back to the Power-5, who in your mind is the most underrated team in college football going into this year?

JP: If I had to choose and underrated team this year, I’d probably say North Carolina. The ACC is so wide open this season, especially when you’re talking about the Coastal Division. They can be explosive on offense with Marquise Williams under center, and the hire of Gene Chizik to run the defense is a huge key as well. From a schematic standpoint, Gene definitely helps on defense. Also, what else is key is that in the regular season, they’re not playing Florida State , Clemson or Louisville. They could potentially have an easy road to the ACC Title Game.

Next: SEC Programs Ranked By Statistical Greatness

JJ: Lastly, in regards to college football, who could be a surprise team in the SEC?

JP: Definitely Tennessee in the SEC East. Much like I said about Taysom Hill, Joshua Dobbs will be the best quarterback on the field in every game they play. His legs are able to make up for any poor pass protection, and this team can start translating all Butch Jones has done with this program into wins on the field. This is definitely a team that can take the SEC East.

JJ: Before we let you go, tell us a little bit about your involvement with the AllState AFCA Good Works Team.

JP: This award is one of the most prestigious that you can be a part of. AFCA has tried to shine a light on a lot of positive things off the field. Having been a college player myself, I understand it’s hard to balance school and a social life. 11 players from the Football Bowl Subdivision, 11 players from the Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III and the NAIA are involved with this award that rewards commitment to community service and volunteering.

JJ: What was the experience like voting on the panel for the members? Was it a tough decision, and if so, why?

JP: It was. This was the first time I’ve done it and you have to go through all the resumes. It’s really, really hard to distinguish what all the players are doing; all these campuses and and what these student-athletes are doing. I can say this, it’s way easier voting on an All-American team.

JJ: Jesse, thanks for your time and good luck in the ESPN booth this upcoming season.

JP: Thanks for having me.

More from College Football

Home/College Football

ESPN’s Jesse Palmer talks Ohio State QB battle, most underrated team in college football

By Jack Crosby | Aug 25, 2015

With the college football season looming right around the corner, we chatted with ESPN’s Jesse Palmer about a few topics

More from College Football