Mike Golic Jr. joined Jordan Brenner and Peter Keating on the latest episode of the Underdogs podcast to discuss the underrated teams with the potential to make the 12-team College Football Playoff.
College football is always full of surprises. With the 12-team playoff and the shift from Power 5 to Power 4 in conference realignment, it’s easier to spot which teams might make the CFP. But what about the unexpected teams that no one sees coming?
Brenner and Keating shared with GoJo their formula for identifying underdog teams with a shot at making the 12-team College Football Playoff. Over the past decade, one or two unranked teams that began the season often ended up in the Top 10 of the playoff poll. When building their formula, Brenner and Keating focused on teams that started outside the Top 25 but made the playoffs, particularly those with odds of +35000 or lower.
Their criteria also included three top-50 recruiting classes over the past four seasons and new talent on the coaching staff; either the coach or the coordinator was in the first or second year. Brenner and Keating also considered teams with a strong track record, having previously won at least four games, and faced challenging schedules. This analysis highlights seven potential underdog teams to make the playoff, included here with odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook: Louisville (+450), Nebraska (+950), Florida (+320), Wisconsin (+1000), Kentucky (+1500), TCU (+1800), and Auburn (+700).
Out of the seven teams, GoJo felt the strongest about Nebraska due to the addition of true freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola. They have also revamped their personnel on the defensive and offensive line. He gave further input on Wisconsin, which did not have a great first year under head coach Luke Fickell, and Louisville’s coaching staff having the ability to get them to the playoff. Further, he emphasized that Nebraska stands out because of the upside Raiola can provide.
Given their appearance two years ago, Jordan also asks GoJo to comment on TCU’s playoff potential. Although he does not foresee them making a championship run, he believes they will have a better season than last. GoJo stressed, “What we saw last year was not a true reflection of what Sonny Dykes’ TCU program is going to be.” The Horned Frogs finished 5-7 last season and experienced roster turnover in key positions such as quarterback and wide receiver.
Meanwhile, Jordan did a home and home with GoJo, appearing on Friday’s edition of GoJo and Golic where he further expounded upon the discussion of potential CFP underdogs.
Watch or listen to the whole episode of Underdogs below and make sure to keep an eye on the Underdogs podcast feeds on Apple and Spotify as well as the Le Batard and Friends YouTube page for future episodes!
SHOW BREAKDOWN
College Football Season Preview Ft. Mike Golic Jr.
Is UMiami a worthy Underdog? Could TCU have another breakout season despite being unranked? This week on Underdogs Jordan and Peter are joined by Mike Golic Jr. to talk all things College Football. Plus an NFL Under of the week you’ll rush to put your money on.
Watch the full episode below!
VIDEO:
Be sure to check out more episodes of Underdogs on the Le Batard and Friends YouTube page and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts! You can also follow Peter on X at @PeterKeatingNJ and Jordan at @JordanBrenner.
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