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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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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – APRIL 14: University of Miami Hurricanes Quarterback Malik Rosier (12) throws the ball as warms on the field before the start of the University of Miami Hurricanes Spring Game on April 14, 2018 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – APRIL 14: University of Miami Hurricanes Quarterback Malik Rosier (12) throws the ball as warms on the field before the start of the University of Miami Hurricanes Spring Game on April 14, 2018 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

8. Malik Rosier, Miami Hurricanes

It certainly felt like “The U” was back last season. Well, at least until the bottom of their season fell out with a loss to Pitt followed by a loss to Clemson in the ACC championship game. Then just to really let everyone know “The U” is definitely not back they got lit up by Wisconsin who scored 34 points against Miami’s highly regarded defense.

The good news is a lot of the defense will be back this year and again will be one of the best in the country. There are still question marks on offense and it looks like it will be the only thing holding Miami back.

The x-factor for the 2018 Miami Hurricanes will be Malik Rosier. Over 3,000 yards and 26 touchdowns in the air is not a bad stat line. What is bad is the 14 interceptions. Rosier was almost invisible during the ACC championship game where he had just 110 passing yards and two interceptions. It didn’t get much better in their bowl game against Wisconsin where he threw three more interceptions.

With the defense being the strength of this team it is really up to the offense to take it to the next level. They will get a tough test right out of the gate as they take on LSU in the first week of the season. If Rosier can show up to that game and be effective right away he will take a lot of the pressure off of himself and the team. An early stumble could spell trouble for the Hurricanes as they cannot afford to waste this year on a mediocre offense.

Miami was ranked as high as number two in the country last season, they can easily find themselves in the same position this year if they can take care of business during the regular season. Avoid losses like the Pitt game last season and have a strong showing in the ACC championship game.