With a couple of months to go before the college football season gets underway, now is the time of the year for the experts to make their early predictions for what they expect to see in 2017. A lot can change between now and September but for the most part we have a pretty good idea of how the rosters will look barring major injuries. While there are some obvious favorites at the top of every conference there are also some teams that have the potential to surprise in their respective conferences. Here is a look at the most likely of the potential surprise contenders from each non-power conference.
AAC: SMU
The Mustangs have improved from one win to two wins to five wins dating back to the 2014 seasons. Is 2017 the year they finally make the jump and contend in the ACC? Head coach Chad Morris is an offensive minded coach that knows how to get the most out of his attack. He has some outstanding weapons including wide receiver Courtland Sutton, who is potentially the No. 1 prospect at his position looking forward to the 2018 NFL Draft. The defense won’t be great, but SMU might have enough weapons to offset their lack of talent on that side of the football. The schedule isn’t great with road games at Houston, Navy and Memphis in league play but this year’s Mustangs might have the potential to surprise. After years of being overlooked, SMU could make some noise in the AAC this season.
Conference USA: UTSA
UTSA has posted a 28-33 record over the last five years but there are reasons to expect marked improvement in 2017. Dalton Sturm has made progress at the quarterback position and he will benefit from improved offensive line play and the fact that each of his top four wide receivers will be back in the fold. Freshman All-American Josiah Tauaefa headlines what should be a reliable defense. This group will be put to the test when they play Houston and Baylor to open the season. However, neither of those games will impact their Conference USA record, which will be decided by a fairly easy schedule in between showdowns with Southern Miss and Louisiana Tech. If UTSA can hold its own against conference opponents, they could surprise in the Conference USA.
MAC: Miami (Ohio)
Miami went 0-6 to open the 2016 season before rebounding with six straight wins to earn a share of the MAC East division title. A better start in 2017 will make a significant difference in their chances to contend for a conference title. The RedHawks will bring back the majority of their most talented weapons on offense including at quarterback and wide receiver. They also have one of the nation’s top cornerbacks in Heath Harding leading one of the best defensive secondary units in the MAC. Miami will have to win key matchups against Bowling Green, Ohio and Akron to have a shot in the MAC but it isn’t unreasonable to think they can win those games. The East division isn’t as strong as the West, so coming out on top in the inter-division games will be key to the RedHawks title hopes in the MAC.
Mountain West: Colorado State
Boise State and San Diego State are the obvious favorites in the Mountain West. Meanwhile, Wyoming has an excellent quarterback in Josh Allen and could be in the mix as well. One team that could surprise and enter the conversation as a legitimate contender in the mountain West is Colorado State, which has an offense that can put up incredible numbers in 2017. The Rams averaged 547.2 yards and 49 points per game over the final five games of 2016 and the majority of their offense is back including the QB-WR tandem of Nick Stevens and Michael Gallup. Colorado State has a tough early season schedule but their Mountain West slate isn’t overwhelmingly difficult. If the Rams can continue to put up monster numbers on offense then they could surprise as contenders in the Mountain West in 2017.
Sun Belt: Coastal Carolina
Coastal Carolina has the potential to make some noise in its first FBS season in 2017. The Chanticleers proved they could win with a 43-10 record over the last four years and they will be looking to make an immediate impact in their first season in the Sun Belt. Coastal Carolina won’t be eligible for postseason play in 2017 due to the transition period but they still have the potential to really shake things up. The Chanticleers will get their chances against Appalachian State, Troy and Arkansas State. Don’t expect them to be pushovers in their first season in the Sun Belt.
Click here to bet on the college football futures for the 2017 college football season right now. DSI will have all of the latest lines, spreads and props for this year’s action!
