I should have everything done around next week. I managed to lock up nine new Underrated Teams. I’ll make sure to post the Underrated rules next week too so you will all have an idea how I set up my teams each season, but I’ll also include some first timers.
LOCKS
NC STATE (ATLANTIC) – Expectations are high but how will they manage being a mid-tier team. They could potentially start the season 2-1 or 3-0 before hosting Clemson, and hosting Clemson gives NC State a centimeter of hope knowing Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne are gone and coach Dave Doeren twice nearly came away with an upset win in 2016 and 2017. However, their four of five games between mid-October and mid-November are on the road (Boston College, Miami, Florida State, Wake Forest). That will tell the Wolfpack’s overall improvement before playing their home season finale against North Carolina.
VIRGINIA (COASTAL) – Last season, an upset over North Carolina sparked a 4-game winning streak before losing to rival Virginia Tech at the end of the season. This should bolster their confidence this season, but not many around the country will take notice. Fun fact: the Cavaliers are current Coastal division winners from 2019 and have not lost to UNC since 2016 (team expected to win division this season). They return the majority of the players from last season and hope their defensive backs are healthy after suffering from big plays with limited depth on that side. Virginia’s biggest challenge is to win a couple of road games (just like 2019) if they want back-to-back division titles for the first time in program history.
OKLAHOMA – This team was meant to be the underrated team with championship expectations. With a chance for their 5th playoff appearance, they may win their first one since the playoffs existed in FBS competition. Quarterback Spencer Rattler played a full year as starter and has a full offseason to improve. But the main reason they’re listed is because of their defense. That position proved their worth under defensive coordinator Alex Grinch and could be their destiny to not only win a playoff game, but likely impact their chances of winning their first national championship since 2000.
RUTGERS (EAST) – This is the biggest risks taken for an Underrated team since I chose UMass, and that didn’t work out. HOWEVER, coach Greg Schiano, in a limited season, instilled some attitude and confidence in this squad and forced 20 turnovers with over 50% of them being on the road. Before Schiano left, Rutgers had a decent advantage in that area and turnovers can make or break a team’s game and season. Leaning on that with overall improvement in other areas could lead to more wins. The first three games are winnable, then Michigan, Northwestern, Illinois, and Maryland are toss up games. It’s not guaranteed that they’re a bowl team, but a five-win season sounds optimistic as the program continues building momentum under Schiano.
IOWA (WEST) – There’s no question that I chose the Hawkeyes. Northwestern may take a step back, Illinois is a bottom feeder, Purdue’s offense is strong, but not their defense, and Minnesota looks formidable, but not enough to be a Big Ten West contender. Wisconsin is Iowa’s only obstacle of contending for the West and the Hawkeyes have the roster to do it. The only issue is quarterback Spencer Petras’ progression and the fronts on both sides (which eventually improves).
RICE (WEST) – Rice was pegged to improve last season, but COVID delayed all of it. However, Rice finished the season 2-3 and lost by ten points or less in all three of them. Despite Blaze Alldredge transferring to Mizzou, their defense will be the strength of the team and will do their best to put Rice in the best position to win each week. They could start the season 2-2, giving them a fighting chance to win six games to become bowl-eligible for the first time since 2014. They will also play outside of Texas only three times this season. If they can find the right quarterback, get their offensive line in gear and improve their run game, bowl-eligibility is possible.
FRESNO STATE (WEST) – They seem like a good underrated team to lean on. It’s unfortunate their games against San Jose State (which also had a Boise State matchup cancelled too) and San Diego State were cancelled. They finished 3-3, but it provided speculation on what’s to come in 2021. They return an abudant roster with plenty of talent and experience, especially in the receiving corp. Quarterback Jake Haener has a chance to be a Top 2 All-Mountain West quarterback with a full offseason. This defense could improve after the addition of Boise State/FIU transfer linebacker Tyson Maeva. Going back to the offense, they averaged 30 points per game for three straight seasons, but if their defense could improve up front and allow less than 30 points against some pass-happy teams, they are a potential division and conference contender.
UCLA (SOUTH) – It’s been three seasons since coach Chip Kelly took over, and honestly, there’s some progression with the roster. The record and numbers don’t show, but the overall performance says otherwise, especially last season. Despite finishing 3-4, they made some strides. Their four losses were by a combined 15 points. With the majority returning on both sides with a healthy quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, they may go a step further. They play a tough division in a competitive conference, but they have proven they’re ready to challenge the best of the Pac-12. The first game against LSU will show how serious this team is. They also must finish some close games if they want to be bowl-eligible.
LOUISIANA (WEST) – It wasn’t hard to choose the Ragin’ Cajuns as the underrated team for the Sun Belt West. Their schedule sets up for their third straight 10-win season. They play on the road at Texas, Georgia Southern, and Liberty. I can’t say they’ll defeat Texas, but the Longhorns are a mystery with a new coach, new staff, and new quarterback. Liberty is a tough matchup, but both teams play equal, which plays well for this experienced group. No matter what, quarterback Levi Lewis and coach Billy Napier gives puts this team in a position to win every week. If they play it right, they could play for a New Year’s Six Bowl appearance.
NEW TEAMS CONSIDERED
SMU (AAC) – A few weeks ago, SMU received Oregon transfer linebacker Isaac Slade-Matautia. He was slated to start for Oregon after tying for a team high 45 tackles. That puts SMU in position instantly for the underrated team for the AAC. Already having a strong offense, Slade-Matautia’s presence could improve this defense.
GEORGIA STATE (AT-LARGE) – They return to the at-large position but there’s some debate on whether they should be there or as at the Sun Belt position. They have a tough schedule, sure, but they return enough players on both sides to accept the challenge on their non-conference and the Sun Belt schedule. If they compete all season and stay healthy, they might finish second behind predicted East winner Coastal Carolina.
TULANE (AT-LARGE) – At the beginning, Tulane could easily take the AAC spot as the underrated team. But I continue to look at their schedule more and more each month and it’s difficult to say if they can measure up. They have key returns on both sides but winning six to seven games could become a premium unless they come away with a couple of big upsets.
CURRENT UNDERRATED TEAMS CONSIDERED
BIG 12 – TCU
C-USA – MID TENN (EAST)
MAC – WESTERN MICHIGAN (WEST), MIAMI OF OHIO (EAST)
MOUNTAIN WEST – COLORADO STATE (MOUNTAIN)
PAC-12 – WASHINGTON (NORTH)
SEC – KENTUCKY (EAST), OLE MISS (WEST)
SUN BELT – GEORGIA SOUTHERN (EAST)
AT-LARGE – KENT STATE
THE UNDERRATED TEAM
EAST CAROLINA
NC STATE
VIRGINIA
OKLAHOMA
RUTGERS
IOWA
RICE
LIBERTY
FRESNO STATE
UCLA
LOUISIANA
The Wolf's Cave 
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