ESPN Computer Predicts 5 Teams That Will Disappoint
NeIt's time to start thinking about the 2018 college football season. Who's going to surpass the hype? Who's going to disappoint?
ESPN's Football Power Index has released its early projections for the upcoming season.
Here are five teams that are going to disappoint, according to the computer model.
5 Teams That Will Disappoint In 2018
1. West Virginia
The Mountaineers are expected by many to start the year ranked inside the top 15. WVU got both its star quarterback and its star wide receiver back. However, the FPI is not nearly as high on West Virginia as the analysts. The computer model ranks West Virginia as the country's No. 36 team.
2. South Carolina
The Gamecocks are another trendy darkhorse pick by some analysts. Paul Finebaum, for example, sees South Carolina as a very tough opponent for SEC East division favorite Georgia. The FPI, though, isn't very high on Will Muschamp's team. It has South Carolina ranked No. 28.
3. Nebraska
The Huskers enter Year 1 of the Scott Frost era with a lot of optimism - and they should. The first season, though, could be a tough one. Nebraska's schedule is rough and ESPN's FPI doesn't see the Huskers faring that well. It ranks Nebraska No. 50.
4. Florida State
The Seminoles were really young in 2017 and they return a lot of their talent. They could be a popular College Football Playoff pick for some. However, the FPI sees them being more of a top 25 team than a top 10 team. It has FSU ranked No. 18.
5. Michigan
The Wolverines enter the 2018 season with some serious expectations. Michigan should have 5-star quarterback Shea Patterson behind center. This needs to be the year the Wolverines seriously compete for a Big Ten and College Football Playoff berth. A win against Ohio State might be necessary, too. The FPI, though, has Michigan being ranked outside the top 10.
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You can view the full FPI rankings here.