A lot of things happen over the course of a college football season, and despite all the analysis from so-called experts, there are a lot of times when they are just flat wrong. I wrote this article to basically laugh at how dumb we all were a few months ago.
Remember when Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Michigan State, TCU, UCLA, and Georgia were all in the preseason top 25?
As most of us know, preseason polls are largely irrelevant. These six teams were all expected to be some of the top teams in college football this season by many “experts”, however, these teams ended up being the opposite. The six of these teams combined for a 29-43 record with only three of them even making bowl games, one simply because of their APR. Goes to show that we actually all know nothing about college football.
Remember when Clay Helton was on the hot seat?
If you recall, USC fans and the national media were ready to fire Clay Helton after a 1-3 start to the season. Rumors were already circulating by mid-September that the Trojans could make runs at Tom Hermann, or any other one of the hot coaching names. Helton then validated himself as USC ripped off eight straight wins in route to a Rose Bowl appearance. Funny how quick things change.
Remember when Florida State was the “safe” playoff pick?
At the start of the season, many (myself included) believed Florida State to be a no-doubt playoff pick and possible national champion. That all came crumbling down as the Seminoles came out at Louisville looking like Bill Cosby had slipped something into their Gatorade cooler. They got trounced in that game and then their playoff hopes were destroyed by the leg of a college kicker against UNC. Maybe they weren’t so safe.
Remember when Oregon was ranked?
I could’ve included Oregon in the first section, but this one was so bad I thought I’d make a point of it. In week 3, one of the biggest match-ups of the day was #22 Oregon on the road against Nebraska. Thinking this could finally be the year that Oregon puts everything back together, they proceeded to fail a two-point conversion attempt on almost every touchdown the entire game. The Ducks then lost 7 of their last 9 and fired their coach.
Remember when Houston was bound to make the CFP?
A few weeks into the season, Houston had climbed up to 6th in the rankings after a solid win against Oklahoma. Little did we know that Houston would then lose to Navy and finish the season 9-3, not in the final CFP rankings.
Remember when Texas A&M was in the initial playoff rankings?
This one is more recent and fresher in our minds, but in the initial playoff rankings Texas A&M was #4. People were up in arms over this and it looked like the SEC was going to continue their run of dominance. Then they lost to Mississippi State that same week. A&M finished 8-4 and now people want Sumlin fired.
Remember when Texas was back?
Lastly, I’m sure we all remember when Texas football was “back”. After a huge win against a secretly trash Notre Dame team, Texas football was declared “back” by media pundits all over the country. Just a few short months later they lost to Kansas and fired their coach.