We've put together our top 10 biggest surprises of the year:
1. Clemson Bursts into National Title Scene
The Clemson Tigers have recovered from last year's 6-7 disappointment and already posted 6 wins in the first half of the season with an unblemished record. The Tigers started off their surge onto the national scene with a win over defending national champion Auburn - the Auburn Tiger's first loss of this year. Clemson followed up with a win over ranked Florida State, and solidified their standings with a victory at Virginia Tech. The Tigers have two more games before they travel to undefeated Georgia Tech in a huge ACC matchup.
2. Ohio State's Foundations Crumbling
Following the many off-season scandals and the departure of Jim Tressel, many wondered how the Buckeyes would look when they finally took the field this season. Week one looked as expected, with a 42 - 0 shutout against Akron. It was in week two when Toledo almost beat the Buckeyes at home that fans started to worry. The Buckeyes lost at Miami to a struggling Hurricane team, then to Michigan State at home and on the road to Nebraska. The 3-3 Buckeyes had their foundation ripped out from underneath them this offseason, and it's going to take some time before they can stand tall again.
3. Seminoles Enter Free Fall after Climbing to the Top of Preseason Hype
The Florida State faithful had high hopes for this season. A top ranking, a new quarterback, and a hyped up defense. Perhaps the glory days were returning. The Seminoles put up big numbers against Louisiana Monroe and Charleston Southern, but then the Oklahoma Sooners came to town. OU won 23-13, sending the Seminoles into a downward spiral. Florida State lost again at the upstart Clemson Tiger's Death Valley, but with Clemson's success this wasn't too much of a surprise. Things really got bad this past weekend when the Seminoles lost at Wake Forest. Florida State is in free fall, and now no games are guaranteed wins.
4. Missouri Struggles to Post 2 Wins in 5 Games
There was a lot of speculation as to how well James Franklin would fill Blaine Gabbert's shoes at Missouri. This Tigers team has had success in recent years, but after the loss of several key players, the Tiger faithful weren't sure if the success could be maintained. Thus far, it hasn't. The Tigers managed a win in week 1 against now 1-4 Miami Ohio, then lost an anticipated matchup at Arizona State. The Tigers rebounded at home against a non-D1 team, then lost at Norman. They appeared to be turning things around after exceptional play against the Sooners, but perhaps the Sooners were just hung over after their victory at Florida State. The Tigers played terribly in a loss at Kansas State this weekend, and unless things improve they will be lucky to win 3 of their remaining games.
5. Wake Forest Posts 4 Wins, Including Upset Over Florida State
If the week one overtime showdown with Syracuse had gone their way, the Demon Deacons would now be 5-0. Wake went on to beat NC State, Gardner-Webb, Boston College, and finally Florida State. Wake is now a contender in the ACC. They face Virginia Tech this week at home, but after knocking off FSU, a win against a struggling VA Tech team is not out of the question. Jim Grobe is a great coach who instills a great deal of discipline in his players. Don't be surprised if the Deacons continue to improve.
6. Syracuse and Pittsburgh to the ACC
The Big East has struggled to stay afloat as an AQ conference despite having 8 teams that often are not respected. But now the Big East will likely not survive for long with the loss of Syracuse and Pittsburg to the ACC. TCU was scheduled to head to the Big East in 2012, but are now looking into the stalling Big 12 conference. The future of the college football landscape is uncertain, but Syracuse and Pittsburgh have hopefully found a foothold they can use to support themselves going into the future. This will also further elevate the ACC's dominance in basketball.
7. North Carolina State Falling off the Map
NC State sure misses Russel Wilson right about now. The former quarterback transferred after helping to lead NC State to the most success they've enjoyed in recent years. He is now leading Wisconsin in a strong national title run. Meanwhile the NC State Wolf Pack have fallen to 3-3, and 0-2 in the ACC. They've lost to Wake, Georgia Tech, and Cincinnati, and only have one win over a division 1-A team (Central Michigan). That means they need to post 4 more wins to make a bowl, since only one non-D1 game counts towards bowl eligibility. With NC States remaining schedule - and the way they've been playing - that may be tough.
8. Wisconsin and Wilson a Very Happy Couple
The adjustment period was more than complete this past Spring for Russel Wilson. He looks like he's been running Wisconsin's offense for years. The transfer QB has led the Badgers to a dominant 5-0 start, including a huge win over Nebraska at home. With the Big 10 and Ohio State down this year, Wilson looks to keep this offense rolling. Perhaps more surprising than Wilson's success and chemistry with the team is the fact that many now consider him the Heisman front-runner.
9. Kansas State Quietly Climbs up the Polls
The Kansas State Wildcats simply play sound football. Coach Bill Synder uses his personnel to perfection. They do what they do well, and don't try to do anything outside their capabilities. They don't receive a lot of national attention, but their sound fundamental football has earned them a 5-0 record and a number 17 spot in the AP poll. These haven't been cupcake wins, either. K-State knocked off number 15 Baylor at home, and beat Miami on a 4th quarter goal line stand. The Wildcats will go as far this year as their personnel can take them.
10. The Pac-12 More Than a Little Top Heavy
I don't think many consider the Pac-12 a power conference like the SEC, but we were a little surprised by how bad they are this year. With the exception of Oregon and Stanford (and for the moment Arizona State - they are notorious for falling apart later in the season) the Pac-12 is weak. Arizona, Colorado, and Oregon State only have 1 win each. The Pac-12's overall non-conference record is 20-12, but only 14-12 without Oregon, Stanford, and Arizona State. But more than the record, the quality of these teams is less than mediocre. Time will tell, but the Pac-12's bowl record is not likely to be good.
Another notable surprise is the success of Michigan. What do you all think? Leave a comment below and let us know what aspects of College Football have surprised you most this 2011 season.
No comments:
Post a Comment