FAVORITE TEAMS

I finished the Lindy’s Sports magazine and researched on all 130 teams. The highlight from the past few weeks were transfers, and it’s looking more and more like a college version of the free agency. It was met with some negative feedback, mostly by some coaches and former players including former Auburn quarterback Jason Campbell and current New Mexico State coach Doug Martin. The reality is that it’s here to stay but the rules will be tweaked a bit. Notable teams affected by players transferring out were Oklahoma, Virginia Tech (for the past couple of seasons), Temple, Tennessee, Georgia’s defensive backs, and the SEC overall. Also, there are key positions that’ll gain the most attention this season outside the quarterback spot: tight ends and defensive linemen.

UConn and Old Dominion return after not playing in 2020. New Mexico State opted out of 2020, but chose to play two spring games FCS opponents in El Paso since the state of New Mexico was restricted due to COVID-19 protocols. Of those three, UConn and Old Dominion may have the most upside in 2021 with their schedule and returning players.

I’m almost done filling out the Underrated Rules and will have this posted in a week or two. I’m also considering adding three at-large teams to make 24 underrated teams instead of just 22. I’m still hashing things out, but I’m on course of finishing by late July or early August. It’s a new decade, a different world, and changes will be coming for sure.

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NEW TEAMS CONSIDERED

NORTH CAROLINA STATE (ACC ATLANTIC)

The Wolfpack have been on my radar since March. I’ve heard positive things about their team and returning players. A healthy Devin Leary returning is a great sign for the team. This offense also includes duo backs Zonovan Knight and Ricky Person Jr., a stacked receiving corps, and the offensive line. Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu was talked about during the spring game and has NFL potential. The defense has an abundance of experience led by linebacker Payton Wilson and they should improve this season. They schedule is challenging but NC State is up for it as long as leaders Leary and Wilson are healthy.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE (C-USA EAST)

Mid Tenn was nowhere near my ping until I read that NC State quarterback transfer Bailey Hockman arrived. Speaking of NC State quarterbacks, he was pretty good while Leary was out for the season with a broken fibula. He went 6-4 as a starter in two seasons while throwing 64.3 percent. He must improve on his touchdown interception ratio (14 TDs/15 INTs in two seasons) if he wants to lead the offense. Their light schedule outside of Virginia Tech and Liberty gives them optimism for a bowl return, but their run defense must improve in order to make it realistic.

WESTERN MICHIGAN (MAC WEST)

Western Michigan’s program has been consistent since 2014 thanks to PJ Fleck. He made this offense dangerous and haven’t slowed down even after his departure for the Minnesota coaching job in 2017. They have not averaged under 32 points per game since 2013 (17.2 ppg). It should continue with second season starting quarterback Kaleb Eleby (potential NFL prospect), running back La’Darius Jefferson, the offensive line (allowed 7 sacks in a 6-game season), and receivers Skyy Moore and Jaylen Hall. However, the defense allowed 30 plus points four times last season and that must lower the average to compete for a divisional title.

FRESNO STATE (AT-LARGE)

Fresno State finished the season with a 3-3 record but felt overshadowed by some of the Mountain West teams. Losing to Hawai’i, Nevada, New Mexico in Vegas, and cancelling games with San Jose State and San Diego State could do that to a program. Their offense (especially passing) was engineered impressively by quarterback Jake Haener, running back Ronnie Rivers, and receivers Jalen Cropper, Keric Wheatfall, and Josh Kelly. It could be their step forward to competing for the West title. However, the offensive line must protect their quarterback better after allowing 24 sacks in six games, and the defense must be at least a quarter of what they were in 2018 (14.1 points allowed per game) after allowing 30 points on average in two seasons.

CURRENT UNDERRATED TEAMS

AAC – EAST CAROLINA (EAST), TULANE (WEST)

ACC – VIRGINIA (COASTAL)

BIG TEN – IOWA (WEST), MARYLAND (EAST)

BIG 12 – OKLAHOMA, TCU

C-USA – UTSA (WEST)

INDEPENDENT – LIBERTY

MAC – MIAMI OF OHIO (EAST)

MOUNTAIN WEST – WYOMING (MOUNTAIN)

PAC-12 – UCLA (SOUTH), WASHINGTON (NORTH)

SEC – OLE MISS (WEST), KENTUCKY (EAST)

SUN BELT – LOUISIANA (WEST), GEORGIA SOUTHERN (EAST)

AT-LARGE TEAMS CONSIDERED

(Not included with their conference, but will be considered independent alongside Liberty)

WEST VIRGINIA

MISSOURI

GEORGIA STATE

RUTGERS

SMU