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College Football: Teams Poised for a Stronger-Than-Expected Season

As the college football season approaches, several teams are flying under the radar, with expectations possibly not reflecting their true capabilities. This analysis highlights three programs across diffrent conferences that could surprise their doubters and contend for significant success.

Mountain West Conference – Colorado State

The Colorado State Rams were projected to finish fourth in the Mountain West Conference in preseason polls. Notably,no Colorado State player was named to the preseason All-Mountain West team. Despite this lack of preseason recognition,the Rams possess the potential to achieve a accomplished season.

Returning quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi brings a wealth of experience, having accumulated 6,450 career passing yards. His leadership was instrumental in Colorado State’s strong finish last season, securing victories in six of their final seven conference matchups, a momentum that could carry into the current campaign. With key conference games against UNLV and Boise state scheduled for November, Colorado State has an possibility to build momentum and potentially peak at the opportune time for a Mountain West title run.

Southeastern Conference – Ole Miss

Following a season that concluded with an No. 11 ranking in the final AP Poll and No. 14 in the CFP rankings, Ole miss was surprisingly predicted to finish seventh in the SEC’s order of finish. This preseason projection suggests the Rebels might potentially be underestimated heading into the season.

While head coach lane Kiffin is renowned for his offensive acumen, it is indeed the Ole Miss defense that presents a compelling case for the team’s potential. Linebacker Suntarine Perkins returns after recording 10.5 sacks last season.He will be joined on the defensive line by Da’Shawn Womack, a transfer from LSU. Defensive lineman Zxavian Harris and linebacker Princewill Umanmielen were recognized as preseason All-SEC honorees alongside Perkins, indicating a strong defensive front. The secondary has been bolstered by the addition of Arkansas transfer Jaylon Braxton, a former Freshman All-SEC cornerback, who is expected to strengthen the defensive backfield.

The offense faces a transition at quarterback, with Austin Simmons stepping in for Jaxson Dart. However, Kiffin’s track record suggests he can effectively manage this change. Ole Miss benefits from a favorable home schedule, hosting LSU, South Carolina, and Florida. While challenging road games against Georgia and Oklahoma lie ahead, the parity within the SEC could allow Ole Miss to finish the regular season with a maximum of two losses.

Sun Belt Conference – Arkansas State

Continuity is a significant factor in college football success,and the Sun Belt Conference saw many teams considerably impacted by the transfer portal. However, Arkansas State managed to retain key talent, which could position the Red Wolves for a run at a conference championship.

Arkansas State was predicted to finish third in the Sun Belt West division, receiving only one frist-place vote. Nevertheless, the team possesses the necessary components to challenge for the division title.

Quarterback Jaylen Raynor is set to return, as is preseason all-conference wide receiver Corey Rucker and running back Ja’Quez Cross. This offensive trio could prove to be the most formidable in the Sun Belt. While the defense experienced significant personnel changes during the offseason, defensive end Bryan Whitehead is returning, providing a key presence on the defensive line. Despite the challenges, the Red Wolves have the potential to compete for the West division title this fall.

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