As players get older and more experienced, last year’s seven-win season turns into an 11-win campaign that ends in a prestigious bowl game. TCU came up big last season by making it to the national championship game, and there’s sure to be surprises this year. Each of the past five seasons have seen at least three NY6 teams who haven’t played in one of these games in the past five years, so looking for surprises is a great way to find value. Here are a few for your radar.
Texas
The Longhorns might sink their playoff chances in Tuscaloosa in Week 2, but there’s enough there for them to make a run at the Big 12 title. The Longhorns’ five losses las season all came by seven points or less, and they return 10 starters on offense. If Texas doesn’t get wounded too much against Alabama, the pieces are in place for a 10-win season and a Fiesta Bowl slot.
Texas A&M
Youth wasn’t exactly the ideal situation in College Station. Texas A&M melted down in the SEC West meat grinder, leading to the Aggies missing a bowl game. But A&M returns 20 starters on both sides of the ball and is much more prepared to handle things this year. Visiting Tennessee won’t be easy, but if the Aggies live up to their potential, they could sneak into the top 10.
Oregon State
Did you know Oregon State won 10 games last year? Quietly, Jonathan Smith has turned the Beavers into a genuine Pac-12 contender, as his teams play hard and make life tough on opponents. Utah was the only team to beat Oregon State by more than three last year, and the Utes come to Corvallis this season. With no USC on the slate, the schedule makes a run possible.
Florida State
OK, Florida State isn’t sneaking up on anyone this year. The Seminoles finished No. 13 overall last season, but they still haven’t played in an NY6 bowl since 2016, so it makes sense for them to find themselves here. This is Mike Norvell’s best team yet, and if a schedule that includes LSU and a road game at Clemson doesn’t trip them, the Seminoles should be thinking Orange Bowl.
Iowa
Fans of offense, shield your eyes. Actually, Iowa’s offense should be at least watchable this year with Cade McNamara at quarterback, and the defense and special teams remain robust. Plus, there’s no Ohio State or Michigan on the schedule, and the Hawkeyes only play four true road games with Northwestern moved to Wrigley Field. Stranger things have happened.
[…] The opener is a tricky one against MAC favorite Toledo, and the Illini face Maryland, Minnesota, Iowa and Kansas away and Penn State and Wisconsin at home. If the young returnees can’t grow up […]
[…] Former Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara comes in at quarterback this year, and with an improved offensive line, there are reasons for optimism in Iowa City. The Buckeyes and Wolverines both drop off the slate this year, so if Iowa’s offense is even slightly competent, the Hawkeyes become the Big Ten West favorite. […]