NCAAF Predictions: Who Will Rise to the Top?

As the 2024 college football season kicks off, fans and analysts alike eagerly await to see which teams will rise to the top and make their mark. With the expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP) to 12 teams, the competitive landscape is set to shift dramatically. 

This article explores the expert predictions, highlighting both overrated and underrated teams, and sheds light on potential standout players and coaches for the season.

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The Overrated Giants

Several powerhouse teams are flagged as overrated this season. Despite their storied histories, these teams face significant challenges:

• Texas: Despite its move to the SEC, Texas is grabbling with injuries and a formidable schedule. Additionally, they lost Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, and Jonathan Brooks to the NFL.
• Alabama: With the transition to a new head coach, Kalen DeBoer, the Crimson Tide is under immense pressure to maintain their legacy after Nick Saban’s retirement. Several of their best players transferred, which could lead to a less-than-stellar season by Alabama standards.
• Michigan: After three straight playoff appearances and a national championship in 2023, Michigan saw significant change in the offseason. Not only did their head coach, Jim Harbaugh, move on to the NFL, but they also said goodbye to their star quarterback (J.J. McCarthy), running back (Blake Corum), and wide receiver (Roman Wilson).

These teams might struggle to meet lofty expectations set by fans and media alike.

The Underrated Dark Horses

While some teams are overhyped, several others fly under the radar with the potential for breakout seasons:

• Notre Dame: It might be a slow start out of the gate as they travel to Texas A&M and try to adjust to a new offensive line, but a soft schedule combined with a stout defence and a new quarterback in Riley Leonard could have the Fighting Irish in the playoffs come December. The wide receiver corps is where the Irish could see the biggest upgrade.
• Tennessee: With Josh Heupel’s prolific offense and a talented quarterback, Tennessee could exceed expectations. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava could very well be a sleeper Heisman contender as the Vols seek to make the CFP for the first time.
• USF: Often overlooked, USF is coming off an impressive finish to the 2023 season. The best news? If they win their conference and they are better than any other Group of Five champions, they will be in the 12-team playoff per the new rules. With a strong class coming in and SMU now joining the ACC, the Bulls could be a serious dark horse to make the CFP.
• NC State, Rutgers, and Miami: Each of these teams has shown promise and could significantly impact the season. Miami, in particular, landed one of the top quarterback transfers in Cam Ward, and with Florida State suffering an early season loss, the ACC is there for the taking. 

These underdogs have the potential to disrupt the established order and make deep playoff runs.

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Coach of the Year Contenders

The Coach of the Year award often goes to those who exceed expectations in surprising ways. Here are some top contenders:

• Josh Heupel (Tennessee): Known for his offensive prowess, Heupel could lead the Volunteers to a standout season.
• Kyle Whittingham (Utah): Consistently successful, Whittingham is set for another strong year with the Utes.
• Greg Schiano (Rutgers): Known for making the most of limited resources, Schiano’s ability to exceed expectations could earn him this accolade.
• Dan Lanning (Oregon): With a steady upward trajectory and strong leadership, Lanning is positioned for success as Oregon enters the Big Ten.

These coaches are not only capable of winning but also inspiring their teams to reach new heights.

Heisman Trophy Watch

The Heisman Trophy is awarded to the most outstanding player in college football. Here are some key candidates for this prestigious award:

• Nico Iamaleava (QB, Tennessee): With a promising season ahead, Iamaleava is a strong contender for the Heisman Trophy.
• Ollie Gordon II (RB, Oklahoma State): As the nation’s best running back, Gordon II is set to shine if his offensive line continues to perform.
• Other Contenders: Carson Beck (Georgia) and Dillon Gabriel (Oregon) will have a lot of eyes on them as they try to lead their teams to a national title. Ohio State’s new quarterback Will Howard is also seeking to thrive in Chip Kelly’s high-speed offense.

These players are expected to deliver standout performances and could be game-changers for their teams.

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College Football Betting Insights

For those interested in betting, FanDuel college football offers interesting opportunities this season. Here’s a quick overview:

• Texas and Alabama: Despite being overrated, they still attract significant bets due to their strong fanbases.
• Underrated Teams: Betting on dark horses like SMU and UCF could yield high returns given their potential for upsets.

Conclusion

As the 2024 college football season unfolds, the landscape is set for thrilling competitions and unexpected twists. With the CFP expansion, both overrated giants and underrated dark horses have a chance to make their mark. Coaches and players alike will strive to outdo themselves, aiming for top honours and accolades. Whether you’re a fan, analyst, or bettor, the season promises excitement and unforgettable moments. Let’s gear up for a journey filled with passion, strategy, and sheer willpower.

By keeping an eye on expert predictions and betting insights, fans can enjoy a comprehensive view of the upcoming season, making it one to remember.