Sports AFCA Coaches Poll: Georgia’s rise was projected in August last year despite Alabama’s preseason Sports AFCA Coaches Poll lead.
The national champions returned to the Top 25 within weeks. The unbeaten Bulldogs won their second straight title. As we advance to 2023, the likelihood of a three-peat, which has never happened, is increasing.
TCU surprised many. The Big 12 preseason poll had the national runners-up finishing sixth. This is a regular pattern: teams outside the Top 25 in August often make a significant impact in September.
Here are five unranked teams from the preseason Coaches Poll that could surprise in the coming weeks.
Iowa: Despite offensive issues and criticism of offensive coach Brian Ferentz, Iowa has made progress. Cade McNamara, a Michigan transfer quarterback who could boost the offense, is critical. Iowa’s position group includes Michigan transfers Erick All and Luke Lachey. McNamara can protect and improve the offensive line. The Hawkeyes’ defense should be among the top in the Big Ten and Bowl Subdivision. With these circumstances, Iowa may surprise and challenge for a New Year’s Six bowl.
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Kentucky: After a promising start in 2022, Kentucky struggled and won only seven games. The leading cause was the offense’s SEC-low yards per play. The Wildcats anticipate their offense to improve this year, with former offensive coach Liam Coen back. Coen led the 2021 team to a 10-3 record and 6.4 yards per play. Even though the SEC is tough, Kentucky is on course to finish second behind Georgia.
Pittsburgh: The loss of defensive tackle Calijah Kancey is concerning. The team’s plan works under coach Pat Narduzzi. Phil Jurkovec, a Boston College transfer, boosts the offense as quarterback. Pittsburgh aims to lead the ACC despite many unknowns.
UTSA: Coach Jeff Traylor has led UTSA to consecutive Conference USA wins. UTSA can show off its speed, toughness, and experience with the new AAC format. Veteran quarterback Frank Harris improves their attack, setting up a vital game against Tulane.
Coach Chip Kelly transformed UCLA’s program. The offense’s eighth-place score and fifth-place yards per play illustrate the team’s progress. After QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson left, five-star true freshman Dante Moore may win the race. UCLA might be a good Big Ten club in 2024 if the quarterback situation improves. UCLA can win the Pac-12 if Kelly handles the quarterback position correctly.
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What does AFCA Coaches Poll mean?
Each week, the Coaches Poll releases the top 25 NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) college football, Division I college basketball, and Division I college baseball teams. The official title for the football poll has been the US LBM Coaches Poll since 2023.
How did the coaches vote in the Coaches Poll?
Coaches submit a Top 25 list, assigning 25 points for their first-place pick, 24 for second place, and so on down to one point for the 25th spot.
Who is number 1 in college football 2023?
Michigan secured a 27-20 victory over Alabama in a thrilling CFP Semifinal at the Rose Bowl. Meanwhile, Washington emerged triumphant with a 37-31 win over Texas in the CFP Semifinal at the Sugar Bowl. Notably, Georgia dominated with a 63-3 victory over Florida State in the Orange Bowl.
Who is ranked number one in college football?
The latest AP Top 25 poll released on Sunday revealed a new leader at the top. After a major upset on championship Saturday, Michigan has claimed the No. 1 spot thanks to their impressive 26-0 victory over Iowa in the Big Ten Championship Game.