Even though it’s only been four weeks, there’s a chance that your favorite college football team has already ruined their chances of making a decent bowl game. For example, Boston College saw their season pretty much end a week ago when they got battered at home by an inferior Kansas team. For fans looking to find another team to rally behind for the remainder of the season, here are five bandwagon-worthy squads.
1. Auburn
This one was pretty obvious. The Tigers weren’t expected to be an elite team this season. Especially after losing quarterback Jarrett Stidham, their top wide receiver in Darius Slayton, and their best defensive back in Jamel Dean, to the NFL. However, they have proved everyone wrong by starting off 4-0, beating two other great teams in the process.
Auburn’s true freshman quarterback Bo Nix has been incredible so far this year. His last-second touchdown pass against Oregon completed a huge comeback in his first-ever start and put him on the map. Nix has looked like a seasoned veteran and will only get better. Last Saturday, the seventh-ranked Tigers knocked off Texas A&M and looked pretty comfortable doing so. Not only was their offense able to move the ball against a stout defense with ease, but their defense limited A&M quarterback Kellen Mond. The sky is the limit for this Auburn team, but they still have to overcome a hard upcoming schedule.
2. LSU
LSU is a team that was expected to be where they are right now, but they were not expected to be this dominant. The no. 4-ranked Tigers were supposed to win tough games behind their elite defense led by safety Grant Delpit, who could be a top-five pick in next year’s NFL Draft. Their defense has been solid, but it has not been the focal point of LSU’s successes. In their first four games, the Tigers have put up no less than 45 points and have averaged 57.8 points per game.
Quarterback Joe Burrow has changed from a slightly above-average game manager to a Heisman contender. He has thrown for 1520 yards and 17 touchdowns, while only throwing two interceptions this season –– looking like a future NFL starter.
Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has also been an explosive playmaker on the ground and through the air. The Tigers’ best win came two weeks ago away against Sam Elingher’s high powered Texas team. It will definitely not be their last statement win this year.
3. Iowa
Iowa has looked incredibly strong this year, and have certainly earned themselves a spot on this list. They’re a well-coached and disciplined team with NFL-ready talent and a clear identity. Kirk Ferentz’s team rarely makes mistakes, and they use their strength and power to wear down teams as the game wears on. Although star tight ends T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant have moved on to the next level, Iowa’s offense will remain productive behind a stellar offensive line, a trio of capable running backs, and quarterback Nate Stanley, a possible first-round pick in next year’s draft.
The 14th-ranked Hawkeyes boast one of the country’s best defenses as well. Edge rusher A.J. Epenesa is almost certainly a top-five pick next year and will continue to torture opposing quarterbacks for the next few months. Iowa has a few touch matchups coming up soon, but I think they’ll be challenging Ohio State for the Big Ten title come December.
4. Virginia
Virginia started out the year as one of the most underrated teams in the country, coming in unranked. Now the Cavaliers are ranked 18th in the nation, boast a 4-0 record, and have beaten two decent ACC opponents, Pittsburgh and Florida State.
Although they’re losing key pieces on both sides of the ball, they’re returning a lot of experienced and skilled players. Dual-threat quarterback Bryce Perkins is a hidden gem in college football. He possesses the ability to use his leg to extend plays, has great arm strength, and reads defenses well.
I expect Virginia to upset a Notre Dame team coming off a tough loss to Georgia this Saturday. If the Cavaliers go into South Bend and knock off the Irish, a lot of people will be talking about them, and they’ll be the clear favorite to face Clemson in the ACC Championship.
5. Pittsburgh
Unlike all of the others, Pittsburgh isn’t ranked or undefeated. In fact, they’re 2-2.
However, both of Pitt’s losses have come against great teams. They lost to Virginia in the season opener and fell to Penn State 17-10 almost two weeks ago. The Panthers under Coach Pat Narduzzi have always been a physical, ground-and-pound team, but this season, they are much more versatile and balanced.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett has improved a lot from last year, and his progression in throw mechanics and football IQ have allowed for his role to increase. Last Saturday, behind the last-minute Philly Special (or Pittsburgh Special) touchdown catch by Pickett, the Panthers knocked off seventeenth ranked UCF. At the end of the game, over 50,000 Pitt fans in a packed Heinz Field chanted “Overrated!” as a shot at UCF.
The passion and energy surrounding the Panthers make them a perfect bandwagon team to root for.
As always, let me know what you think. Do you plan on hopping on the bandwagon of any of these teams? Are there any teams here that I didn’t mention?
