- Copyright 2024 © CollegeFootballPoll.com
- About CFP / Contact
- Legal Statements
It might seem strange to some other countries, the emphasis that Americans put on college football. This is because many other countries simply have amateur football and professional football, and the college teams in those countries are not really supported by anyone. However, the opposite is true in America as college football commands a great amount of respect and admiration. The biggest games are televised and many people can watch; this demand should illustrate how popular the sport is. College football, like the NFL, also has a large betting scene and bettors might be surprised how many choices they have to place bets when looking for more sites online.
Usually, around the start of every season, sports commentators, analysts and generally those interested in sports will draft a ‘way-too-early top 25’ list that is essentially a forecast on how the top 25 teams in college football will perform throughout the season. Though this is always fun to do, it usually consists of the same 25 teams, albeit with different rankings for differing opinions. This is why it might be more interesting to look at the teams that exist outside of the top 25. These will be teams that are still worth talking about and may even break into the top 25 list itself.
Houston Cougars
The moniker for this team out of Texas is rightfully earned, as this is one team that can certainly be fierce when it wants to be. Some people have tipped the Cougars to be a potential 2022 New Year’s Six bowl participant and one only must look at their past performance to see why this might be true. In 2021, they won 12 games and even played for the AAC title, showing that this is a team that shouldn’t be so easily dismissed. The cougars are known for having a formidable offense, thanks to the efforts of head coach Dana Holgorsen and a few star players - quarterback Clayton Tune and running back Alton McCaskill
Iowa Hawkeyes
The Hawkeyes inclusion on this list may surprise some, as they are certainly not an exceptional team. However, everyone loves an underdog and no one suits that bill more perfectly than the Hawkeyes. There is no doubt that the team struggles to score goals thanks to a woeful offensive line-up, but the talents of defensive coordinator Phil Parker has meant that the defensive showing is generally good. The team will likely be looking to improve their offensive play this season, which might be best approached with new players.
Fresno State Bulldogs
This is another team that could easily break into the top 25 depending on their performance this season. Many will have heard of the Bulldogs thanks to Jeff Tedford. This is because the head coach is one of the game’s best quarterback makers in that he always knows how to get the best out of them. Tedford sat last season out due to a heart condition, but the return of the coach and other star players might give the Bulldogs the momentum they need to have an especially good year.
These are some of the most unexpected college football teams that could take it up to another gear this season, but as always, only time will tell who succeeds and who fails.