Every single year the experts attempt to predict how the college football season will play out including projections for which school will win every power five conference. Then there are those surprise teams nobody saw coming that completely turn those predictions upside down. We took the time to break down which teams we think have the potential to shock the college football world and contend for conference championships this coming year. Here is a look at the most likely of the potential surprise contenders from each power conference.
ACC: North Carolina State
Clemson is the defending ACC and national champion. Florida State is the favorite to dethrone the defending ACC Atlantic division winners. That leaves the Wolfpack as a talented team that hasn’t been talked about nearly enough this offseason. North Carolina State has an absolutely loaded defense with Bradley Chubb ready to emerge as a superstar while the tandem of Justin Jones and B.J. Hill are primed for big seasons. Meanwhile, the offense has just enough talent to hold its own. The Wolfpack will play Clemson, FSU and Louisville this season so the opportunity will be there to surprise in the ACC.
Big 12: TCU
The Big 12 appears to be wide open once again heading towards the 2017 season with Oklahoma State and Texas joining the reigning Big 12 champion Oklahoma as the talk of the offseason. However, TCU has been somewhat overlooked based on the talent they have on both sides of the roster. Consistent quarterback play from Kenny hill will be the key to the Horned Frogs potential and if their passing game can establish some stability then this team can be very dangerous. The TCU offense managed 10 points or fewer against each of Virginia, Oklahoma State and Kansas State last season. If the Horned Frogs improve on that side of the ball, they could contend in the Big 12 this coming season.
Big Ten: Northwestern
Penn State turned a lot of heads with a Big Ten title last season. Ohio State still represented the conference in the College Football Playoff and will be the favorite to win the conference this season. However, there are a couple of teams that could surprise. One of them is the Nittany Lions. The other is Northwestern. The Wildcats have struggled to maintain a high level of success over the course of a full season. That said, they could have their best offense in almost a decade and their defense brings a ton of experience and talent to the table. Meanwhile, Northwestern will avoid both Michigan and Ohio State in crossover play and they will host Penn State. The Wildcats are still a long shot to win their conference championship, but a favorable schedule could really help them as a surprise contender in the Big Ten.
Pac-12: Washington State
Washington and Stanford are considered the preseason favorites to win the Pac-12 North division. Don’t be surprised if the Cougars end up in the mix as well. Washington State’s offense is absolutely loaded with quarterback Luke Falk leading the way. Falk has garnered buzz as a potential first round pick in the NFL and he has an excellent cast around him to provide support. Meanwhile, the Cougars have concerns in their defensive secondary but their defensive line and linebacker core can help mask some of those issues. Mike Leach is prepared for some high scoring shootouts in 2017. With a potentially elite offense leading the way, don’t sleep on Washington State in the Pac-12.
SEC: South Carolina
Alabama is king of the SEC. Auburn and LSU are considered the most likely to challenge the Crimson Tide’s supremacy. South Carolina hasn’t received a ton of attention this offseason but they could be a capable team that flies under the radar heading in to 2017. Skai Moore’s return will put the Gamecocks defense over the top and the offense actually can’t be any worse than it was last season. After scoring 14 points or fewer seven times a year ago, there is nowhere to go but up for the South Carolina attack. The Gamecocks should also benefit from a favorable schedule as they will avoid Alabama, Auburn and LSU. If South Carolina can take care of business against Georgia and Florida in consecutive weeks in November, they could end up in the mix as a surprise contender in the SEC in 2017.
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