EAST CAROLINA

East Carolina’s offense should be exciting to see. They have depth at each level but taking better care of the ball and protecting their quarterback is high priority. ECU’s defense returns plenty of starters with added depth but must improve in all areas including stats to make enough stops. The first three non-conference games could range their record between 3-0 and 0-3 depending on overall performance. They also must outplay some AAC opponents for a chance at bowl-eligibility. Most importantly, the season finale against Cincinnati should be the highlight of the season. For nearly 40 years, Cincy consistently struggled at Greenville, North Carolina. Their only big victory there was 42-26 back in 2002. The Bearcats only won four in 12 all-time meetings there. Cincy’s New Year’s Six Bowl and even a playoff opportunity could ride on this game alone. If they’re unable to overcome the Greenville struggles, East Carolina could have their biggest win of the season in program history.

SMU

Cincinnati and UCF are potential conference title contenders while SMU finishes behind them. However, Cincinnati has small flaws on offense while UCF has big flaws on defense. Both could work in the Mustangs’ favor. They return the most players (20 of them) on both sides, has depth behind them, and adds key transfers that could play right away. Also, transfer Oregon linebacker Isaac Slade-Matautia gives this defense a much needed upgrade. Their schedule is manageable but the start of late October will become challenging starting at Houston. They play at Memphis, back-to-back against UCF at home and Cincinnati on the road, and then their home season-finale against Tulsa. Those last five games will show if they’re proven AAC title contenders.

OKLAHOMA

This is my highest ranked Underrated Team since #6 Auburn back in 2015. The rules for conference champs being excluded are exempt for this season thanks to COVID. Anyway, Oklahoma is underrated for one reason…playoffs. They’re 0-4 all-time. They lost to Clemson, and three straight SEC opponents: Georgia, Alabama, and LSU. Why? Defense. For nearly a decade, that hindered them from becoming an elite football team that had an elite offense since Baker Mayfield took the role in 2015. Thanks to defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, who upgraded this porous defense to average in two seasons, they could be what decides Norman’s fate in 2021. Since they return a good amount, including bringing in guys through recruiting and transfers, this could finally be their chance to win their first ever playoff game since it existed in 2014. Clemson, Alabama, Ohio State, and others are reeling from QB replacements. Of the Top 4 teams ranked in the AP polls, Oklahoma is the one with the experienced quarterback. Winning a playoff game would be a huge step forward in the program’s progress of being truly elite.

TCU

TCU looks poised for a surprising year, and the Big 4 must be prepared for them. The obvious strength comes from special teams and defense. That’s all they need to disrupt some good competition in the Big 12. For them to survive and conquer the Big 12, their offense must come through. That starts with quarterback Max Duggan. He’s an agile runner and a capable thrower. If he’s half as good as Trevone Boykin, watch out for TCU. However, lessening turnovers and taking care of the ball are top priorities. They also have a challenging road schedule against Oklahoma, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, and Iowa State. Defense travels and TCU’s versatile athletes, run game, and tricky play-calling should give them plenty of opportunity. Duggan’s passing and right amount of big plays will be the X-factor for the Horned Frogs this season.