Hey guys! Good news: we’re one day closer to college football. Go ahead and mark your countdown on your desks at work. I’m not the only one with a countdown on his desk, am I?
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Anyway, today we’re going to take a step back from the favorites in the college football conversation. I get it, it’s easy to pick Alabama, FSU, USC, and Ohio State to be your final four. It’s also lazy (looking at you, College Gameday.) There are plenty of other teams that should be getting the same attention in the playoff conversation. What about Penn State, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Washington, Clemson, and Stanford? Each of those teams has a legitimate shot to make it to the playoff.
But, this article is going to go a little deeper than that. Your friendly, neighborhood Poppa Bear is going to open your eyes to the dark horses that need a little more love (especially from ESPN). Let’s have a look, shall we?
Oklahoma State – The Cowboys aren’t exactly flying under the radar lately, but are still seemingly left out of most playoff conversations. Mike Gundy (and his sweet beautiful mullet) boasts a talented roster and maybe the most explosive offense in the BIG 12. Starting QB Mason Rudolph should find himself in the Heisman conversation by the midpoint of the season. RB Justice Hill (solid name) should serve as a quality supporting act to Rudolph. WR James Washington leads one of the top receiving groups in the country. Expect a lot of points, and the Cowboys to contend for the BIG 12 and a spot in the final four.
Auburn – According to many in the college football world, including coaches in the ACC, it’s Alabama’s world and the rest of the SEC is fighting for scraps. Enter: the Auburn Tigers. Gus Malzhan has certainly increased the potential of the offense with the addition of Jarrett Stidham in the offseason. If Stidham is half of what’s been advertised, the Tigers are getting a major boost from the last several seasons. Kerryon Johnson is already established as a threat in the backfield, giving Auburn the potent offense it’s been lacking. If they can take down Clemson in week two, which I believe they will, the Tigers could be undefeated for the Iron Bowl. If they put Alabama away, hello playoff.
Kansas State – I don’t have many rules here; but if you don’t love Bill Snyder, you can just get out right now. Coach Snyder returns 14 starters to a team that went 9-4 last season, including the dismantling of TCU and Baylor. QB Jesse Ertz returns, after a solid 2016 campaign, also filling the role of leading rusher for the Wildcats. Ertz’s dual threat should keep Kansas State explosive, while 6 returning starters will lead the defense. The addition of a BIG 12 title game will award style points to the conference champion, and will carry more weight in the eyes of the playoff committee.
Miami – What a difference a year makes, am I right? Mark Richt was fired from Georgia after going 9-3. The next season, he goes 9-4 at Miami and ends up on this list. Good for Mark Richt. Sure, the Hurricanes have to deal with the loss of Brad Kaaya, but Malik Rosier has enough potential to get the job done. Combine him with 15 returning starters, including RB Mark Walton, and see if the Hurricanes can make some noise. Their schedule is also kind to them, dodging Clemson and Louisville this season. If they can take down FSU, the Hurricanes can roll into the ACC Championship with a spot in the playoff on the line.
TCU – Don’t let last season fool you; Gary Patterson is one of the best coaches in college football. Patterson has managed to beef up his defense, which will be much needed to compete in the BIG 12. The biggest question? QB Kenny Hill. Last season, Hill couldn’t find his stride or any chemistry with his group of receivers. Granted, they didn’t do him any favors by dropping more passes than any other team. With the addition of QB coach Sonny Cumbie, Hill might become one of the better QB’s in the conference. If there’s hope for TCU, it hinges on Hill.
Northwestern – Coach Pat Fitzgerald will be boasting one of the most experienced teams in the BIG 10 this season, with the Wildcats returning 15 starters. QB Clayton Thorson and RB Justin Jackson (who should end up being the school’s all-time rusher) will lead the offense, without any major WR preseason threat. While there are holes to fill in the linebacker group, the defensive line is arguably the deepest the Wildcats have ever seen. It also doesn’t hurt that Northwestern avoids Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State in regular season conference play. If there was ever a year, this is it.
Notre Dame – Nah. Just screwing with you. They don’t belong here.
Have a great day, folks! Poppa Bear loves you.
Poppa Bear is the lead SEC contributor for the SoBros Network, and serves as our resident expert on the human anatomy, fixin’ stuff, and tomatoes. Follow on Twitter:@SoBroPoppaBear
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