Just as every season there are a few teams that come out of nowhere to shock the college football world, there are a handful of teams that get hyped only to crash and burn quickly. Recent examples include Georgia in 2008 and Mississippi in 2009. The five teams most likely to disappoint in 2010 are:
LSU. With the talent on LSU’s roster, the Tigers are seeking another SEC title – which lately has meant the BCS title too. Unfortunately, LSU’s schedule is a minefield loaded with games that will ultimately cost the Tigers a shot at a great season. Beyond travelling to Auburn, Florida and Arkansas, LSU has a brutal non-conference schedule with games against West Virginia and North Carolina.
Pitt. Coming off their best season since 2004, Pitt seems to have the pieces in play to make a run at the Big East title. High expectations are understandable considering the Panthers return All-American running back Dion Lewis who rushed for almost 1800 yards last year. Like LSU, Pitt has a difficult non-conference schedule including games at Utah and Notre Dame and a home game against Miami. Coupled with Wannstedt’s history of losing some bizarre games, Pitt will underperform this year.
Miami. Once considered college football’s most elite program, the Hurricanes have not been a player in the national discussion since 2003. With QB Jacory Harris and an experienced defense leading the way, there are legitimate reasons to expect a BCS bowl caliber season. Miami will not get it though. After their tune up game against Florida A&M, Miami plays three consecutive road games at Ohio State, Pitt and Clemson, and then returns home to play longtime rival Florida State. The Hurricanes may be improved, but their record won’t necessarily show it.
Iowa. Iowa had a tremendous 2009 season going 11-2 capped with a convincing win over Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl. Since the Hawkeyes return almost all of their key players and get Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconsin at home this year, it is easy to understand why they should be a favorite to win the Big Ten. Despite the advantages, Iowa will underperform this year. Ricky Stanzi is a gunslinger and will cost the Hawkeyes two critical games.
Arizona. After suffering through a few miserable rebuilding years, Mike Stoops has this program headed in the right direction after achieving back to back bowl seasons. The Wildcats might take a step backward in 2010 because they are rebuilding their defense. Arizona also looked awful in their 33-0 loss to Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl which signals that they are still not ready to compete for the Pac 10 title.
Bonus:
Texas. This could be a boneheaded prediction because Texas is always considered a national title contender. The drop off won’t be considerable, but losing McCoy and Shipley will impact the Longhorns this year. In fact, Texas might lose back to back games for the first time since 2007 when they play Oklahoma and Nebraska in early October. Though it might be a stretch to call a 10 win season a disappointment, anything less than a Big 12 title is a down year for Texas.
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