This is my third year writing about America's real pastime, college football. Just like previous years, I have decided to open up the season by giving you some squads to look out for. I am not saying that I'm the most knowledgeable college football person out there, but you generally do not see others in the field giving analysis of their picks after the season in regards to their accuracy. (See) Just like last year, I'll go out on a limb to mention teams you would not expect and why. Like every year, there will be shocking upsets and overtime thrillers that will change the landscape weekly. Here are MY teams that may do just that.
Arizona St. Why a Surprise? Should challenge Oregon for the "PAC-10" crown. All tough games are at home excluding the showdown with Oregon. ASU Moved to the passing version of the spread last year and averaged about 32 points per game. Everybody is back from the o-line and all the LBs are back making it one of the best cores in the nation. Went 6-6 last year but only one of those losses was over 11 pts, including Oregon.
Houston. Why a Surprise? Potential BCS Buster this year. Case Keenum is back along with an offense that came in as freshmen 3 years ago. Bryce Beall is a "scatback" but one of the most complete backs in the nation. Defense was horrible, but it brings back seven defenders so at least there is experience on that side of the ball. The most important fact is that no SEC or Big 12 team is on the schedule; so it is logical that Houston can beat every team it faces.
Missouri. Why a Surprise? Should challenge for the Cotton Bowl Spot aka being 2nd or 3rd in the Big 12. Gary Pinkel is a good coach (not great), so Mizzou will not fall far. In the era of the spread, Mizzou's stand out due to the use of their TEs while being able to run just enough to keep you guessing on defense. QBs come and go in this system so Mizzou should be fine if James Franklin can stay consistent. Every RB and WR comes back. The difference from the Chase Daniel years is that Mizzou plays defense now. Most of its d-line and LBs return from the nation's 6th best scoring defense. Impressive being that every Big 12 team runs some version of the spread (absent KSU).
Northwestern. Why a Surprise? Should make a run in the “Legends” division of the Big 10, behind Nebraska. Draws a great Big 10 schedule as they miss two of the co-champions from last year (No OSU, or Wisconsin.) Dan Persa is probably the best returning QB in the Big 10 and NW was literally competitive in every game that Persa was a part of. (Wheels did not fall off to after injury in Iowa game). 17 returning starters, including in all the offensive skilled positions. Defense is full of upper-classmen. Toughest game on schedule is at Nebraska; but Nebraska has to see Wisconsin and OSU before that.
Pittsburgh. Why a Surprise? Potential BCS Birth in Todd Graham's first year. Coming from Tulsa, Graham brings the same type of spread offense Gus Malzahn started at Arkansas while refining in Tulsa before leaving for Auburn. Only 4 road games including a toughie at West Virginia. Most of the defense (that was top 20 in every statistical category) is back.
Southern Miss. Why a Surprise? Potential BCS Buster this year. Returns 15 starters back from a team that went 8-5 last year. QB Austin Davis as well as four of the top five receivers come back sans DeAndre Brown, who was in the doghouse most of last year anyway. Like Houston, there are no Big 12 or SEC foes, which mean any losses (should) come in house. Last year, So. Miss lost 3 C-USA games by 8 pts, but also beat the eventual champion UCF by 10. Here's to a Houston v. So. Miss title game in December.
Teams that did not quite make the list but I will probably still take credit for since I put them in the article:
Baylor – 16 returning starters including 9 on one of the most balanced, prolific offenses in the nation. Only two tough road games, at Texas A&M and at Oklahoma St. Watch the TCU game.
Clemson – Suspect at QB, but 15 returning starters. Only tough games on road are at Virginia Tech and at South Carolina.
Kentucky – 14 returning starters, even though they lose Randall Cobb. Hopefully, Morgan Newton can have the QB spot to himself. Back 7 on defense all played last year, which can be good for a team that is in an unpredictable SEC East. Don't forget, in the last two of years this team knocked out Tim Tebow, nearly beat Auburn and beat South Carolina. Just saying, tough out.
Tulsa – Went 10-3 last year (all road losses), including losing only 2 C-USA games by a total of 5 points. Unlike the two previous mentioned C-USA teams, Tulsa has a HEAVY OOC schedule including both bigger Oklahoma schools and a trip to Boise. However, with 17 returning starters, including 8 on an offense from a team that was top 15 in every offensive statistical category, they will not be intimidated.
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