Time for another ridiculous predictions piece here on SoBros Network! Why not? ‘Tis the season for college football futures. Week 0 is set to kick off tomorrow, so I better get these picks in before I lose the opportunity to do so. What kind of prognosticator would I be if I waited until the future happens to make my picks? I saw an interesting tweet from Brett McMurphy last week that had me scrolling the preseason AP Top 25 and looking for some potential underdogs who could rise up from beyond the top 25 and claim a top 10 spot by season’s end.
From unranked to Top 10: There has been at least one team every season in past 30 years – w/exception of 2011 & 2020 – that started season unranked but finished in final AP top 10 poll. Last year TCU, Tennessee, Penn State & Washington did. Which unranked team finishes in Top 10?
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) August 14, 2023
That is exactly what I am here to do today, Brett. I’m looking for this year’s “unranked to top 10” candidates. Here’s what I have in no particular order:
NC State – You’ll find three ACC teams on this list, and that’s because I think the ACC is going to be wide open this season after Clemson and Florida State. If either of those teams are upset, or fail to live up to expectations, I’m looking at some of these schools with fantastic cultural foundations set for success. I’m not going to call NC State a playoff team like I did last August. That would be foolish. But, don’t be surprised to see
Texas Tech – You might notice a thread here in that I’m picking teams that are poised to take advantage of wide open division/conference races. Throw the Red Raiders into the fold as that team from the Big 12, a conference that I legitimately don’t see a whole lot of depth in right now. They’re returning a lot on offense, and 2022 proved that this team might be ahead of schedule. Joey McGuire is cookin’ in Lubbock.
Pittsburgh – See: NC State, but replace Dave Doeren with Pat Narduzzi.
Kentucky – We say Kentucky every year, or so it would seem. 2023 is no different. I’m a fan of Devin Leary. I’m a fan of what Liam Coen did the last time he was the offensive coordinator at Kentucky. And, let’s face it…I may be old fashioned, but I’m still a fan of lining up, running the ball, and playing defense. The SEC East has no clear #2 as things sit now. I don’t think the Wildcats beat Georgia, but they should be able to stockpile wins in that division and could sneak into top 10 consideration as the SEC West will cannibalize each other.
Kansas – I may or may not have made a bet for Kansas to win the Big 12 in 2023. Jalon Daniels, my friends….Jalon Daniels. Enough said!
Illinois – It’s simple…Bielemaball is BACK in the Big Ten, baby! There’s a path for Illinois to take the next step here. Their defense is good enough, and the Big Ten West looks wide open. Why not the Fighting Illini? Why couldn’t they win the division, get into the title game, and play well enough to crack the top 10?!
Duke – Nobody thought Duke would win nine games in 2022, and while the schedule is tougher this season, Mike Elko has a strong foundation in place, and the Blue Devils are returning a ton of starters. I don’t see why we wouldn’t put them in the conversation with the NC States and the Pittsburghs of the ACC…teams that people are sleeping on that have a fantastic culture and a high floor because of it.
UTSA – Fuck it. Let’s put the Roadrunners in the conversation as well. I love me some Frank Harris. You think they won’t be top 10 if they run the table in 2023? Come on!
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Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley.
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