bowl projections, and preseason predictions pouring in. Let's throw in ten of the most daring predictions as well, as a possible foreshadowing of what could be a wild season near the top of the rankings after several teams made significant improvements during the offseason.
Following Georgia's first national championship since 1980, many analysts predicted the Bulldogs would be one of the top teams in the country last season. Still, few predicted first-time playoff entrants Cincinnati and Michigan would muddy the title picture down the stretch.
This fall, we may see more newcomers in the championship battle, especially if the SEC continues to beat up on each other during the regular season, producing only one playoff representative for the fourth time in five years.
This summer, before the 2022 season, here are ten of college football's most daring predictions.
Candidates for the College Football Playoff Although NC State will not win the ACC Championship Game this season, Wolfpack supporters will be thinking final four — and justifiably so — after the Wolfpack ended Clemson's 34-game home winning streak on Oct. 1. The Tigers haven't lost at Memorial Stadium since 2016, making them the college football team with the longest active home winning streak. Last season, NC State broke the hex against Clemson with an overtime win in Raleigh. The Wolfpack is arguably the Tigers' most formidable opponent this fall, given the Wolfpack's returners following a nine-win season. With this win, NC State will be ranked in the top ten nationally after five weeks.
The veteran-laden Cougars, headed by returning quarterback Clayton Tune and numerous multi-year players on both sides of the ball, have a chance to produce the best squad Dana Holgorsen has ever coached, making Houston the Group of Five favorites this fall. If the Cougars get by UTSA and Texas Tech in September, they'll be favorites in every game the rest of the way, and they won't have to play Cincinnati until the AAC championship game. There's a reason Houston is slated to play in a New Year's Six bowls this season.
To end the 2022 season, we'll see College Football Playoff parity again, with Utah's first-ever participation in the final four as the Pac-12's third different program to reach the semifinals of all time. Oregon and Washington have both been there, and the Utes can do it if they can navigate a schedule that includes a road trip to Florida, Oregon, and a home game against USC.
We believe that winning the Pac-12 with Cameron Rising at quarterback and going 12-1 overall will be enough to capture the No. 4 seed. Utah may require assistance from other sources unless they go undefeated, which would secure their playoff berth.
Last year, Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker raised expectations for the Spartans by leading them to an unprecedented 11-win season in only his second season, which implies a repeat performance in 2022 will have to fall short of another top-10 finish, right? While the stock price of Mel Tuckerremains high after winning a New Year's Six bowl game, I'll take profits and sell, dependent on how the 2022 calendar unfolds. Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Michigan are among the five nationally-ranked teams that Michigan State will face. This may be a little unfair, but there's a reason why the Spartans' win total has been lowered to 7.5.
Not to put any more pressure on Scott Frost this season, but Nebraska's game versus Oklahoma in Lincoln in late September is possibly the most crucial game of his coaching career thus far. Frost's contract buyout alters dramatically on Oct. 1 due to new language, and the game against a former Big 12 opponent will serve as a litmus test for him moving forward. If rookie quarterback Casey Thompson is the genuine deal and Nebraska can take advantage of a soft early-season schedule, the Huskers maybe 3-0 heading into that game.
With a week off before facing Big Ten adversary Indiana after the Oklahoma game, the Huskers should be 5-0 and undefeated.
The conference's move to Rutgers on Oct. 7 has been discussed as a bold forecast.
Is anyone betting on whether Oklahoma's Brent Venables or USC's Lincoln Riley wins more games in his first season? Sooners supporters aren't going to appreciate my response.
The Trojans' new coach, who led Oklahoma to three playoff berths in five seasons at the helm, has the roster to win big in Year 1 out West, but he'll have to get through Utah in the conference title game to get closer to the ultimate prize. Given the talent Riley has recruited through the transfer portal, I would estimate USC's victory total this fall to be 10.5 wins, including the postseason. Another player from Miami is Mario Cristobal.
A first-year coach to keep an eye on who has the potential to make a significant impact with the Hurricanes.
HENDON HOOKER, TENNESSEE QB, SETS TWO PASSING RECORDS.
The University of Tennessee's record books will be rewritten this season thanks to All-SEC quarterback Hendon Hooker. Hooker has thrown a touchdown pass in 12 straight games entering the 2022 season, which is a program record (Heath Shuler, 1992-93). When the Volunteers torch UT Martin at home in October, that streak will end. Before that crucial Week 8 opportunity, Hooker will have to be at his best against Florida, LSU, and Alabama, among others.
DALLAS TURNER AND WILL ANDERSON JOIN FOR 30-PLUS SACKS
Alabama's outside linebacker group is ridiculous this season, and it's one of the best in the country. Last season, the Will Anderson-Dallas Turner tandem combined 26 sacks and 41 tackles for loss. Anderson is the best defensive player in college football, and Turner is a rising star. Anderson was so dominant in Alabama's April spring game against a makeshift offensive line restricted by injuries that head coach Nick Saban had to bench him at one point to allow Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young to throw. Anderson had two sacks in 2.5 quarters, both coming during a three-snap stretch in the first half.
TEXAS WON THE BIG 12 FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2009.
The widely held belief this summer in the ultra-competitive Big 12 is that the conference champion would win nine — maybe ten — games this fall after navigating a landmine-filled schedule. The Longhorns will rebound from their Week 2 setback to top-ranked Alabama to impress during Steve Sarkisian's second season following a five-win disaster in 2021. If the offensive line is sold and Quinn Ewers is the impact player, many of us expect him to be in Austin; Texas has the talent to dominate the conference in scoring offensively this fall.
OHIO STATE WINN YEAR-END AWARDS
Coach of the year, Heisman Trophy winner, and College Football Playoff champion, In 2022, will the Ohio State Buckeyes be able to complete the trifecta? The conditions are excellent for this prediction to come true. Given that quarterback C.J. Stroud is a favorite for an award, Ryan Day is 34-4 overall coming into his fourth season as a head coach, and the Buckeyes are the most talented team in the Big Ten. Two of these projections, however, will be influenced by Jim Knowles and the performance of Ohio State's new defense, as well as whether the Buckeyes realize their full potential as the nation's top team.
Login To Leave a Comment