The college football season kicks off in 52 days. Just like the heat wave blanketing the East Coast, the debates are raging about the BCS contenders. Will Bama repeat? Can OSU break through with Pryor? Will the Big East or ACC get a team back into BCS Championship? Does Boise deserve a shot if they go undefeated again? Can Brian Kelly work the same magic at ND as he did with Cincinnati? Over the next seven weeks, all the major questions leading into the 2010 season will be analyzed.
First up is finding out who will be this year's surprise teams. Every season there seems to be a handful of teams that come out of nowhere and capture the headlines. Their impact can be monumental, e.g., Rutgers' dramatic victory over Louisville in 2006, or just part of a feel good story, e.g.'s, Houston, Idaho and Temple in 2009. Regardless, these surprise teams always make a splash.
The top five teams to surprise in 2010 will be:
Notre Dame. After under performing over the last two seasons, the Fighting Irish are poised to make another run at a BCS bowl game. Kelly steps into a perfect situation - low expectations with a solid group of returning players. The schedule is not easy, but it is manageable. Look for ND to post a nine or ten win season.
Boston College. BC returns a a lot of talent from 2009's 8-5 squad. The schedule is not difficult - in fact, the Eagles should finish the season on a six game win streak. HC Spaziani's defense will be much improved, and that should make BC an ACC title contender.
South Florida. The game against Florida on Sept. 11th will tell a lot about the Bulls. While no one is expecting a win, USF should make it a competitive game. New HC Skip Holtz did wonders at ECU winning back to back CUSA titles, and he should bring the focus and discipline that seemed to be lacking at times under Leavitt. He also has the luxury of inheriting ten returning starters on offense. USF will contend for the Big East title.
Michigan State. At times last season, Michigan State looked great, and other times they looked like they belonged in Division III. HC Dantonio is a solid coach, and the pieces are in place to make a run into the upper third of the Big Ten. If the Spartans make it through October with just one loss, they should get to nine wins and play in a New Year's Day bowl game.
Texas A&M. With Texas and Oklahoma State likely rebuilding this year, the Big 12 South appears to be open for a new contender - even if it is temporary. The Aggies return the nucleus of talent on offense that averaged over 32 pts per game and gained over 6000 yards in 09. The defense looks to be improved with nine returning starters. November's schedule is brutal with OK, Nebraska and Texas, but two are at home. A&M is a contender, and will likely make it to the Cotton Bowl.
Bonus Team is Auburn. Auburn's pick of Gene Chizik to replace Tommy Tuberville was widely criticized, but if his first season on the sidelines was any indication of the future, school officials will get the last laugh. Chizik's decision to hire Gus Malzahn as the OC and Ted Roof paid off, and year two might bring some serious dividends. With 15 returning starters and more depth, the Tigers will challenge the Tide for the SEC West crown.
Next Up: The top five teams most likely to disappoint.
Recent Comments