There’s only two months left before the regular season begins. There’s no disruptions from any pandemic as college teams continue their offseason progression and improvement. Whether 2020 made a difference for all 130 teams (despite a few not playing at all last season), there’s remnants of 2019 that’ll be included for what’s to come. Before I go into the underrated teams information, I want to say that the Games to Watch series has permanently concluded. I had some great times when I first started the series in 2015, but now my focus is on the underrated teams 100%. I may also exploring a new name for this series, but that still remains to be determined.
As I bring you the sixth season of the Underrated Teams, I’ve listed and changed a few rules to make it clear for anyone that doesn’t understand how this works. It’s not guaranteed that the picture below will be the team, but I have a couple of locks in mind. It’s all based on returning and incoming players, coaches, injuries, their previous and current schedules, and their current strength of schedule. I’ll discuss rankings sometimes, but it won’t be relevant in this series (thanks to the committee’s ignorance of Florida not budging from #7 after a bad LSU loss last season) until November or the end of the season depending on what I decide. I’ll explain more about all of this in a couple of weeks or so.
For now, here’s an organized shelf with my potential 2021 Underrated Teams to watch out for.
EAST CAROLINA – Returning quarterback Holton Ahlers, backs Rahjai Harris and Keaton Mitchell, and a depth of receivers make up an offensive firepower. Can this offensive line protect their quarterback, and can their defense improve with plenty of starters returning with added depth?
TULANE – Quarterback Michael Pratt led all freshmen last season with 20 touchdown passes after his first start in the fourth game. They have an offseason with no pandemic, which helps Pratt improve his passing efficiency. This team could be a force to be reckoned with in the AAC in Willie Fritz’s sixth year.
FLORIDA STATE – Quarterback Milton McKenzie was very impressive in the spring game after returning from a near career-ending leg injury back at UCF two seasons ago. However, the Seminoles must clear their shoddy offensive line and receivers’ constant dropped passes.
VIRGINIA – The Cavaliers may be one of the Underrated teams to have a better turn out in 2021. Optimism is on their side as they don’t play Clemson nor Florida State. Quarterback Brennan Armstrong needs more help while the defense must cut down 30-plus points allowed that caused four of their five losses.
MARYLAND – The Terps recruited well under coach Mike Locksley, but when will they pay off? The losing seasons continue with their coach’s 6-17 record in three seasons. Taulia Tagovailoa, Tua’s younger brother, leads a potentially talented group on both sides and Maryland has a slight chance of winning six games this season.
IOWA – Last season, the first two losses were by a field goal or less. Iowa’s defense was one of six teams in the nation to not allow over 30 points all season (Wisconsin, Northwestern, Marshall, San Diego State, BYU). The Hawkeyes’ defense should be a force once again despite losing defensive fronts Chauncey Golston and Daviyon Nixon. Can quarterback Spencer Petras improve in Year 2?
OKLAHOMA – A playoff win would be a huge step forward for the team after defensive coordinator Alex Grinch improved the defense in two seasons. Quarterback Spencer Rattler returns to an elite offense with Heisman hopes too. The only question is if defensive end Isaiah Thomas’s recent arrest affects the defense’s step forward?
TCU – Potentially an underrated Big 12 team with key returners on both sides, including quarterback Max Duggan, defensive end Ochaun Mathis, and Memphis transfer safety T.J. Carter. Lack of quarterback play hindered their offense last season, but Duggan is the answer and their defense will take TCU as far as they can.
WESTERN KENTUCKY – Houston Baptist transfer quarterback Bailey Zappe passed for 1833, 15 touchdowns, and one interception in their four-game season. Western Kentucky’s coach Tyson Helton snagged Zappe and three other HBU players after hiring former Houston Baptist offensive coordinator, Zach Kittley. This could be a major offensive upgrade for Helton’s team. If the Hilltoppers’ defense finds their 2019 form, they’re in a three-way battle with Marshall and FAU in the East division.
UTSA – This is their first winning season since 2016 and they return 21 players with nearly everyone on offense. Quarterback Frank Harris and running back Sincere McCormick leads the offense, but their passing game must improve. With everyone back on defense and more time in the offseason, there’s no excuse of improving their numbers to compete with UAB and Louisiana Tech in the West.
LIBERTY – Returning quarterback Malik Willis, third year head coach Hugh Freeze, and the Liberty defense are major keys to taking Liberty to heights they could never imagine in just four FBS seasons. They could start their season 8-0 before November. Liberty has only three teams to worry about: Hugh Freeze’s former team (Ole Miss), Louisiana, and Army. Those three will determine how real Liberty is.
MIAMI (OHIO) – Buffalo was likely to repeat, but coach Lance Leipold took the Kansas job after Les Miles was let go. The door is now open for the Redhawks to return since 2019, but they must earn it. Their season was cut short to three games due to game cancellations over COVID. After the first three of four games in September, they’re fully prepared to compete with the conference for everything they got.
EASTERN MICHIGAN – The Eagles are on the outside looking in, but it doesn’t stop them from crashing the party sometimes. They return nearly everyone on both sides and quarterback Preston Hutchinson should be better behind his offensive line. Their defense, however, determines their 2021 season.
HAWAI’I – Todd Graham’s team will be more formidable and could spoil a couple of good teams. With returning keys on offense and defense, no Boise State on the schedule, and home games against San Jose State, Fresno State, and San Diego State, they could vie for the Top 3 in the West. They also won three of five games against Nevada and are currently on a two-game win streak against them.
WYOMING – The Cowboys’ season was dismantled by quarterback injuries. With a full offseason for training and practice, they should return to compete for the Mountain division. The majority from the 2019 squad is around for this season and their schedule is a tad favorable. Their real test starts in October and the offense must pick up the pace again.
UCLA – The Bruins showed potential the last two seasons, and 2021 should be coach Chip Kelly’s redeeming year. Offense and defense are stacked with either upperclassmen or seniors. Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson continues making strides and has the guys and depth to back it up. They’re challenged with LSU and basically the entire Pac-12 conference on their schedule.
WASHINGTON – The Huskies had their work cut out after Chris Petersen retired and COVID challenged new coach Jimmy Lake last season. However, they still finished 3-1 and the defense was still there. With a full offseason, the Huskies could become the Ducks biggest threat in the division, conference and playoff chances…in the first week of November.
KENTUCKY – Their schedule is favorable, the winner at quarterback could be a break for Kentucky’s offense, including Joey Gatewood and Penn State transfer Will Levis, and this defense is underrated but good. Their biggest challenge comes in October (Florida, LSU, at Georgia, and at Mississippi State).
LOUISIANA – There’s plenty of seniors, including QB Levi Lewis, that were given an extra year of eligibility due to the pandemic. The Ragin’ Cajuns could go undefeated if they defeat both Texas and Liberty on the raod. If the NCAA somehow allows a 12-team playoff this season, Louisiana is on the outside looking in and Lewis’s NFL chances could rise exponentially.
GEORGIA SOUTHERN – The Eagles triple-option offense should survive without Shai Werts, who moved on to Louisville to play receiver. However, they have one of the toughest schedules in the nation, including the first month of the season (FAU, at Arkansas, and Louisiana), and the last month of the season (Coastal Carolina, BYU, and Appalachian State). They lost four games by six points or less and lost to Coastal Carolina 28-14 (2 touchdowns allowed in the 4th quarter).
AT-LARGE TEAMS CONSIDERED
WEST VIRGINIA
MISSOURI
RICE
GEORGIA STATE
RUTGERS
SMU
NC STATE
The Wolf's Cave 
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