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College football 2018: Biggest X-factor on every Top 25 team

By Derek Grochowski

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Miles Sanders (24) of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs for a gain in the game between the Washington Huskies and the Penn State Nittany Lions on December 30, 2017 at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, AZ. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Miles Sanders (24) of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs for a gain in the game between the Washington Huskies and the Penn State Nittany Lions on December 30, 2017 at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, AZ. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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OXFORD, MS – OCTOBER 29: Auburn Tigers running back Kerryon Johnson (21) is lifted by Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Prince Tega Wanogho (76) after Johnson scored on a short touchdown run during the football game between Auburn and Ole Miss on October 29, 2016, at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, MS. (Photo by Andy Altenburger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images).
OXFORD, MS – OCTOBER 29: Auburn Tigers running back Kerryon Johnson (21) is lifted by Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Prince Tega Wanogho (76) after Johnson scored on a short touchdown run during the football game between Auburn and Ole Miss on October 29, 2016, at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, MS. (Photo by Andy Altenburger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images). /

13. Prince Tega Wanogho, Auburn Tigers

Jarrett Stidham is one of the top quarterbacks in the country this year. He has all of the weapons around him to be successful. They will be able to score with any team in the SEC. Their defense had some turnover but still should be good enough.

What is the team’s biggest x-factor if they are solid in all of the skill positions? It will be on the offensive line. Offensive tackle Prince Tega Wanogho will be the real key of the offense. Stidham will be the flash and numbers but Wanogho will be behind the scenes making sure the offense is running smoothly.

Wanogho is still learning the position, he is rough around the edges but he has the raw talent to be great. He did not have a permanent starting job last season but he will be moving into a permanent role this season. It does not matter who the quarterback is if he is constantly under pressure. If Wanogho struggles Stidham will not be able to perform like he should. The same can be said for the running game. Kam Martin is very talented but it won’t matter if he does not have any running lanes to hit.

It won’t take long for the high octane Auburn offense to get a test. They open against Washington who will be bringing a talented front seven and a talented secondary. The real matchup comes in the last week of the regular season. Everyone knows it is coming and is one of the most heavily anticipated games of the year. Auburn versus Alabama in the Iron Bowl.

If Wanogho can be the rock of the offensive line, the defense steps up and Stidham is as advertised it will be an amazing matchup, possibly to decide the SEC West.