College Football: 7 contenders that could backslide in 2015

5. Colorado State Rams

The Colorado State Rams were one of the best surprises of the 2014 college football season, finishing with 10 wins for the first time since 2002.

But 2015 is not shaping up to be a repeat of last year’s success. First, quarterback Garrett Grayson, who put up ridiculous numbers last year, is gone, as is running back Dee Hart. Every team claims to possess a “next guy up” mentality, but you can’t just replace 4,006 passing yards and 32 touchdowns (Grayson) and 1,275 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns (Hart), especially not  when you also have to replace a standout left tackle (Ty Sambrailo). Colorado State had an explosive offense in 2014, but with that much talent now departed it is hard to imagine the Rams lighting up the scoreboard as easily this year.

Oh, and head coach Jim McElwain, who increased his win totals each year he was with the Rams, is now the coach of the Florida Gators. So yeah, things are bit up in the air in Ft. Collins.

It’ll be interesting to see how the Rams handle the transition to the post-McElwain era. Sure, star wide receiver Rashard Higgins, who hauled in 1,750 receiving yards and 17 touchdown catches in 2014, is still around, giving the Rams at least one great weapon on offense. But quarterback Nick Stevens, who saw little action last year, will be dealing with an entirely new system under head coach Mike Bobo. The defense will be overhauled as well, with the Rams switching from a 3-4 to a 4-3. With so many uncertainties and new systems at play, it is hard to imagine the Rams pulling off a 10-win season in 2015.

Next: 4. Mississippi State Bulldogs