Here it is. Some college football info after posting plenty of NFL stuff. It’s fun, but I love doing college football stuff. Here’s my first post of it in a while, and it’s purely guesses on who wins the conference. I will research information for the next couple of months to make my actual predictions. I’m changing my college football content and officially concluding The Underrated Teams postings. It’ll be different but also be the same as it has been for the past eight years since I got into it. Once I have everything together, I’ll hit the ground running right into Week 1 of the season. Have a great week, everyone!

AAC

MEMPHIS

Newcomers UAB and UTSA along with Tulane are favored in the AAC title game but watch out for Memphis. Quarterback Seth Henigan is a slinger and has plenty of options on offense. If their defense takes a slight step forward in 2023, the Tigers are legitimate AAC title contenders.

ACC

CLEMSON

The Tigers are a bit of a reach because of staff changes and inept offensive performance last season. But it’s hard to count them out when they seem more formidable than the majority of their ACC opponents. Quarterback Cade Klubnik has a chance to shine with the Tigers alongside running back Will Shipley (who bypassed millions at the NFL for one more shot) and receiver Antonio Williams (who was a standout as a freshman receiver). Defense went through changes but should still prosper. Florida State and UNC lurk behind, but the Tigers are still favored to win the ACC.

BIG TEN

MICHIGAN

There’s no reason Harbaugh’s Wolverines can’t pursue their third straight Big Ten title (and maybe third playoff appearance). They have plenty of returns on offense, including quarterback JJ McCarthy and running backs Blake Corum (returning from injury) and Donovan Edwards. Defense went through changes again but have no reason to not be Top 10-caliber again. Ohio State always puts doubt in the eyes of Ann Arbor, but it may not happen this season after the last two. However, watch out for Penn State.

BIG 12

TEXAS

Texas continues building their roster and program for the future move to the SEC in 2024. The roster looks better (as a Sooner fan, I’m not happy). Quarterback Quinn Ewers is the starter, so there’s no controversy with him and Arch Manning. Wait until next season in the SEC. Despite losing backs Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson, they should have a stable backfield, but watch out for these receivers across the lines ranging from Xavier Worthy to Jordan Whittington to Adonai Mitchell (Georgia transfer last season) to Ja’Tavion Sanders and so on. They could finally make their mark with so much competition and uncertainty across the conference.

C-USA

WESTERN KENTUCKY

C-USA loses six teams to the AAC but gain four newcomers (New Mexico State, Liberty, Sam Houston State and Jacksonville State). However, the Hilltoppers have reason to repeat. It all starts at quarterback. Austin Reed was electric last season and lead the team to a bowl victory in his first season as the starter. He could repeat this year along with leading receiver, Malachi Corley. If they perform well again, look out for their names in the 2024 NFL draft.

MAC

TOLEDO

It’s not hard to think that the Rockets could likely repeat, especially in the MAC. Dequan Finn and Jacquez Stuart’s return is enough to make them a threat again. Defense could be an issue but could also progress as conference play goes on.

MOUNTAIN WEST

BOISE STATE

As of right now, it’s Boise State and everyone else. Once Jake Haener left for the NFL, it left the Broncos as the potential favorites to not only return to the Mountain West title game, but to win it all this time. Unless something happens at the quarterback position, there’s no reason the Broncos can’t win the Mountain West title.

PAC-12

USC

We all know and assume what will happen in the Pac-12. Deion Sanders will be polarizing for the majority of the season, but the Trojans will dominate the national spotlight with very high expectations centered around the program, Lincoln Riley, Caleb Williams, and the Alex Grinch’s defense. They will be judged in their last six games of the season before the conference title game. Check out who their last six Pac-12 foes are: https://fbschedules.com/2023-usc-football-schedule/

SEC

LSU

Yes, I’m crazy for choosing anyone other than Alabama or Georgia, but hear me out. Both Georgia and Alabama have new quarterbacks. Texas A&M must figure out theirs. Is Tennessee’s quarterback Joe Milton able to replicate the performance Hendon Hooker did? Then, Spencer Rattler is in a “must prove it” season with South Carolina to try and challenge Georgia at least. Otherwise, LSU has their quarterback and have a shot to repeat and put down the Tide, the rest of the division, and hopefully win the conference to put Brian Kelly on top.

SUN BELT

JAMES MADISON

If anyone is unaware of James Madison, pay attention. They should compete for the conference title this season. Despite finishing at the top of the East division, they couldn’t play in the conference title game because of NCAA rules banning new teams in the FBS from playing in conference championships and postseason games for one season. Now, they’re eligible and should be stoked about it. Also, transfers Jordan McCloud (USF/Arizona) and Brett Griffis (Wake Forest) will battle for the starting spot.