As the 2023 college football season draws close, many of us are looking forward to the storylines ahead. In recent years, conference rivalries and battles have taken on more significance as there have been changes in the college landscape and new challengers emerged. The past few years have seen several surprising outcomes; more surprises could be in store in 2023.
We will reflect upon the 2022 season to provide a better understanding of how various teams fared and give an early 2023 conference preview. We’ll also look at some last year’s conference champions and examine their chances of finishing on top again.
Overview of the 2022 College Football Season
Two of the four playoff teams failed to win their conference championship (TCU and Ohio State), and four of the ten FBS championship games in the FBS included upsets. As a result, the current champs are no longer underdogs or surprising candidates. Many will see Tulane as more of a powerhouse in the NCAA rather than a charming Cinderella tale.
By winning the Big Ten title twice in a row, Michigan established that its first championship was no fluke and justified its inclusion in the conversation about the best teams in the country. While Utah, UTSA, and Michigan all won their respective conferences for a second straight year, Alabama and Baylor, teams that many experts predicted to have the best chances of repeating, both underachieved and did not even make it to championship weekend.
Potential Repeat Conference Champions
The following is a list of teams who seek to repeat their conference title and their chances of doing so:
1. Georgia
Since legendary Alabama won back-to-back national titles in 2011 and 2012, Georgia is the only college football team to accomplish the feat. Despite some roster changes, Georgia is once again stacked and has a feasible route to contention. The Bulldogs have an easier conference schedule than the rest of the SEC teams while also playing out-of-conference teams like Ball State, UAB, and Georgia Tech. Their biggest challenge will come on Nov. 18 at Tennessee.
2. Clemson
With seven conference crowns in the last eight seasons, the Tigers are the safest pick in college football. With the ACC doing away with divisions in 2023, Clemson’s path to the conference title game is pretty friendly. Their biggest threat will come early in the season on Sept. 23 against Florida State, who they could play again in the ACC Championship.
3. Michigan
With a 25-3 record (two losses coming in the playoff), two straight Big Ten titles, and consecutive years in the College Football Playoff, the Michigan Wolverines have been probably the most dominating college football outside of Georgia since 2021. With Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards leading the way, the 2023 version of this team has the potential to have the most potent rushing assault in all of college football. Better yet for Michigan fans, J.J. McCarthy is back behind center.
4. Utah
The Utes make an intriguing projection argument. Utah has won the Pac-12 twice in a row, earning them unprecedented visits to the Rose Bowl. However, the Utes have a history of poor starts and were underdogs in both of their Pac-12 Championship Game victories. Adding more fuel to the fire, USC and Oregon, both likely improved, stand as serious roadblocks to Utah winning a third straight Pac-12 title. In the end, the math confirms Utah’s place as a very serious Pac-12 contender again, but it won’t be easy.
5. Tulane
There are fewer superpowers at the Group of Five level; thus, Tulane’s entry at No. 5 is significant. With superstar quarterback Michael Pratt leading the way after rejecting the transfer portal to come back, the Green Wave is ranked in the top-35 in returning output. He’s a big part of why his club has become one of the finest defenses in the country at any level. Tulane’s victory over USC in the Cotton Bowl has given this team confidence that they not only can repeat in the conference, but threaten a spot in the College Football Playoff.
6. Kansas State
The Wildcats will again contend for the Big 12 title in coach Chris Klieman’s fifth season, but it won’t be as spectacular as the sensational 2022 season. On their journey to the championship game, the Wildcats dropped three games throughout the regular season, including a surprising loss to the aforementioned Green Wave. Additionally, the Big 12 has added some new teams which will add to the competition, including UCF, BYU, Houston, and Cincinnati.
Conclusion
The 2023 season promises to be another great year for college football, with many contenders vying to win their conference championship and make their case for the College Football Playoff. Georgia, Clemson, Michigan, Utah, and Tulane are just a few teams identified as potential repeat winners based on their performances in recent years.
With NCAAF betting becoming increasingly popular among sports fans worldwide, it’s essential to consider all factors before placing your wager. Be sure to study up on the game and research all the changes the schools have made as late August and September creep ever so closer.
