Every season, a few teams come from nowhere to surprise us with an unexpected run. Last season, we saw an Army team sneak up and win eight games. There were several others in the AAC alone last season. Who will be the teams that we may need to keep an eye on in 2017?
Memphis: The Tigers won 8 games last season, but could they be the team to watch above even USF in the AAC? They are the favorite in the West, and could win at least 10 games.
SMU: The Mustangs look like they could turn a corner and hit up a bowl game this season. They have a first rate receiver in Courtland Sutton, and they look like they could be a surprise team in the West race.
NC State: The Wolfpack are probably the fourth best team in the Atlantic Division, but they could make a move, and if there is a team in the ACC that people need to watch out for, it's them.
Iowa State: The Cyclones had games against Texas, Texas Tech, and Baylor locked up last season, and then imploded. If the Cyclones turn those three close losses into close wins, they go bowling last season. The Cyclones may find a way to win those games in 2017.
Maryland: If there is a surprise team to be found in the Big 10, it may be Maryland. The Terps showed some signs of life last season, and they may be around to push their way up this fall.
Wyoming: The Cowboys are well aware that Craig Bohl's former team, North Dakota State, beat Iowa in Iowa City last season. The Cowboys have a chance to do the same. If the Cowboys get out to a quick start with QB Josh Allen, look out.
Oregon: The Ducks won just 4 games in 2016, and the defense completely imploded. With Willie Taggart as coach, and a talented young offense, the Ducks could make a major move back to a good place in the PAC-12 North.
Missouri: Of course the Tigers could be the worst team in the SEC East, or they could make a shocking move that nobody sees coming. The offense is loaded, but the defense is questionable. If the offense could win some shootouts, this could be a shocking team.
No comments:
Post a Comment