A “farewell season” for collegiate football could be described as the 2023–24 season. The College Football Playoff will increase the number of eligible teams from four to twelve starting with the 2024–25 season. The College Football Playoffs have included fourteen different teams since they began in the 2014–15 season. Unsurprisingly, Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, and Georgia are among the groups of teams with the most occurrences.
Check out the recruiting rankings for the past few years if you want a solid wager to make on which teams will advance to the postseason. The best teams are often those that will succeed, especially when competing in the CFP. There are always exceptions to the rule (looking at you, Texas A&M), but how can we identify the next “sleeper team” in a sport that has been dominated by a small number of teams?
The TCU Horned Frogs were that team during the previous campaign. TCU had incredible +23000 preseason odds to win the championship, according to Sports Reference. With a combined win/loss record of 11–25, teams like Iowa State, Nebraska, and Arizona State had better odds. Even though the Horned Frogs lost to the Georgia Bulldogs in the championship game (by a score of exactly 58 points), the odds were not in TCU’s favor for them to advance as far as they did. So how do we locate the following TCU? Here are our five best predictions for some “sleeper” teams in college football despite the fact that the sport is incredibly unpredictable. These opinions are brought to you by a sportsbook reviews website.
3. Florida State Seminoles
When Jameis Winston was the quarterback, Dalvin Cook was the running back, and Jalen Ramsey was in the secondary, the Seminoles last qualified for the College Football Playoffs. It goes without saying that FSU has experienced a bit of a dry spell since their last CFP appearance. Will they succeed in returning for the first time since the 2014–15 campaign?
Coaching
How does one become a coach at Florida State after working at Central Arkansas? Mike Norvel, the Seminoles’ current head coach, should answer that. Norvell guided the 2019 Memphis Tigers to the best 11-1 record in school history prior to his most recent position with FSU. Since his first season with the Seminoles, Norvell has improved, going from a 3-5 record to a 10-3 record, with notable victories over Florida and Oklahoma in the Cheez-It Bowl. It’s likely that Norvell will get FSU into the CFP if he keeps up this ascent.
Quarterback
It might not be the quarterback you expected to have received the top PFF rating among Power Five quarterbacks last season. It wasn’t Bryce Young or CJ Stroud, two 2023 NFL Draft picks. It wasn’t highly regarded 2024 NFL draft prospects Drake Maye or Caleb Williams. Jordan Travis, a student at Florida State, received a 91.7 last year, which was the highest score. Travis has undoubtedly been electrifying, and if he keeps moving up the ladder, he might be the catalyst for the Seminoles’ postseason run.
Schedule
The Seminoles face the LSU Tigers in their season opener. The Tigers, who are most likely heading into the season as a Top 25 ranked club, might provide the Seminoles the boost they need to improve their resume. A victory over the Tigers may also provide the team some breathing room in case a team like Clemson or Pitt were to slip up later on. The likelihood that FSU will face several Top 25 opponents on their schedule is highly encouraging for their chances of making the playoffs.
2. Washington Huskies
The Washington Huskies haven’t participated in the CFP in a long time, much as the aforementioned Seminoles. In 2016, the Huskies made their lone and only postseason appearance. This club was stacked with NFL draft picks. as well as other players who would go on to play in the NFL, like Budda Baker, John Ross, Byron Murphy, and others. That club ultimately lost their first-round game, but will they be able to bounce back?
Coaching
For CFB coaches, Kalen DeBoer isn’t exactly a household name, but his recent success shouldn’t be understated. DeBoer got his start in the NAIA, where he won several national titles and coach of the year awards. He took over as Fresno State’s head coach in 2020 and guided the team to a 3-3 record in his first season and a 9-3 record in his second. He guided the Huskies to an 11-2 record in his first season in charge, including remarkable victories over Texas, Oregon, and Oregon State in the Alamo Bowl. DeBoer is off to a fast start, and if he can maintain it, the Huskies might be in good shape.
Quarterback
The signal caller for the 2023 Huskies was involved in one of the greatest transactions of the last few years. Michael Penix Jr. moved from Indiana to Washington and performed admirably. Penix set all-time highs for his career with his amazing 4641 throwing yards, 31 passing touchdowns, and only 8 interceptions. Penix may lead the Huskies offense to great heights.
Schedule
Boise State and Tulsa are the opponents for Washington’s first two games of the year, but the team goes on to play in some high-profile games later on. The Huskies will have numerous opportunities to secure that crucial victory to support their CFP case in games against Oregon, USC, and Utah. The Huskies will need to be prepared to compete for their CFP ticket because Oregon and USC will probably be competing for their own chances.
1. Tar Heels from North Carolina
The one that might cause the most brows to furrow is this. Not even close to making the CFP, the Tar Heels. Despite this, UNC concluded the season with a very respectable 9-5 record, including an outstanding victory over 22nd-ranked Pitt. Since the college football playoffs’ beginning, Clemson has been the sole representative of the ACC. Here’s why I think that might alter this coming year.
Coaching
Without a doubt, Tar Heel head coach Mack Brown has encountered a variety of challenges. At Florida State, Brown began his coaching career in 1973, which is precisely 50 years ago. Since then, he has won quite a few awards, including Coach of the Year in 2008, two Big 12 conference championships, and a National Championship with the University of Texas in 2005. Coach Mack Brown is aware of what it takes to succeed at the highest level because that Texas team is regarded as one of the best college football teams of all time.
Quarterback
Since that Texas squad in 2005, it’s safe to say that Mack Brown hasn’t had a quarterback with as much talent as Vince Young. Drake Maye, the current Tar Heels quarterback, wants to change that. In 2022, Maye’s second season, he threw for 4,321 yards, 38 touchdown passes, and just seven interceptions. Caleb Williams, the winner of the Heisman Trophy, has heavy competition from Maye for the position of quarterback 1. He undoubtedly possesses the talent, but if his individual success also benefits the team, the Tar Heels’ signal caller might be able to put his squad in contention for a postseason place.
Schedule
Given the inclusion of clubs like Campbell and App State on the list, the Tar Heels’ non-conference schedule won’t astound anyone. Their internal league schedule, though, ought to offer some favorable matchups. UNC faces ranked opponents Pitt, Clemson, and NC State in their next games. Although the Tar Heels don’t have to be perfect, dominating the competition would be beneficial for their playoff hopes.
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