With just a few weeks left in the 2010 college football season, it is time to look at this year’s surprise teams as well as disappointments. Up until a few weeks ago my list might have looked a bit different, but recent action on the field has forced me to make some updates to my report card.
Sinking Fast
Utah – Rated #5 just two weeks ago, the Utah Utes ran into a buzz saw with the TCU Horned Frogs came to town, losing 47 to 7. This past Saturday, Utah was the favorite at Notre Dame, but couldn’t muster much of anything, losing to the Irish 28 to 3. Utah is now #23 and with San Diego and BYU remaining, there is a good chance that this team will finish 8-4.
Texas – When was the last time the Longhorns didn’t go bowling? That would be 1997. After starting the season at 3-0, the Longhorns have lost six out of their last seven including four straight games. They’ll probably beat Florida Atlantic, but getting past Texas A&M this year isn’t a sure thing. Even if they finish at 6-6, Texas isn’t the team the AP had ranked #5 in the preseason.
Others – Rutgers, Wake Forest, Washington
On the Rise
Syracuse – They’ve been the Big East doormat for the past few years, a major disappointment for fans in upstate New York. Though they may not win the Big East Conference this year, at 7-3 they’ll be heading for a bowl, something few expected at the beginning of this year.
Army – Another team from upstate New York on the rebound is Army who most likely will be invited to a bowl this year, making their first post season appearance since 1996. Games with Notre Dame and Navy remain, but Army has definitely shown that the Black Knights are competitive.
Virginia Tech – After losing its first two games, including one to FBS James Madison, the season appeared to be a lost cause for the Hokies. They still need to beat Miami and Virginia to win the ACC Coastal Division and if they win the ACC, they may be a Top 10 team just in time for bowl season.
Others – Texas A&M, Hawaii,
Disappointments
Cincinnati – The Bearcats weren’t expected to challenge for the Big East Conference title this year, but in a weak conference they’re finding themselve tied with Rutgers for last place. At 3-6, they still have to win out to be bowl eligible. Finishing at 4-8 seems to be a more likely scenario.
Oregon State – The Beavers were a preseason #24 pick, but they’ll have a tough time winning the rest of the way with games against USC, #6 Stanford and top-ranked Oregon remaining. Finishing at 4-8 seems likely.
Others – Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech
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