College football predictions 2023: Sleeper to win each Power 5 Conference
By Andrew Tineo
Big Ten sleeper to watch: Wisconsin Badgers
The alter-revolving door of Big Ten West teams to make the Conference title game should be no different in 2023. But the team to break through and win the league has been nothing but. Luke Fickell enters year one hoping to create more consistency along the offense.
The Badgers have among the best running backs in college football, after back-to-back 1,200 yard-seasons from Braelon Allen.
What holds the key for this run is SMU transfer Tanner Mordecai and how far he can take the passing game.
After sitting behind Kyler Murray, Jalen Hurts and Spencer Rattler, he transferred to the Mustangs to prove he was a starting-caliber quarterback. He’s thrown for over 7,100 yards and 70-plus touchdowns in his two seasons in Dallas.
Phil Longo says Tanner Mordecai reminds him of Sam Howell.
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) August 1, 2023
"He's even-keeled all the time. Very poised.
"He's not going to be erratic under pressure. He handles things the way we want him to handle it."
The offensive line brings back key starters, and although they took a step back defensively, it’s more than enough in an offensive-handicapped division.
Big 12 sleeper to watch: UCF Knights
When a league has the depth the Big 12 does, many teams flash as those to exceed expectations. Texas and Oklahoma should be no secret, and Kansas State is attempting to defend the title.
No one is forgetting TCU’s elegant 2022 campaign and the Texas Tech hype only spikes with each day.
UCF poses the most significant threat heading into 2023 out of the new programs, with the most exciting player, John Rhys Plumlee.
JOHN RHYS PLUMLEE IS HAVING A NIGHT!
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) October 14, 2022
He finds Kobe Hudson for his 7️⃣ th total TD 😱 pic.twitter.com/5ziYq32pEy
The Knight’s offense has a similar feeling to 2012 West Virginia with a dynamic quarterback and two proven playmakers to accompany him in senior transfer receivers Javon Baker and Kobe Hudson.
Add in that season was West Virginia’s introduction to the league and the familiarity feels a bit more validated.
Defensively, they should get significant tests, including road environments at Boise State, Kansas State, Oklahoma and Texas Tech. All four have returning quarterbacks.
The offense should provide a ton of fireworks and make the first year of the Big 12 era in the bounce house memorable.
The UCF Bounce House goes crazy🔊
— PointsBet Sportsbook (@PointsBetUSA) July 29, 2023
Two straight penalties for Cincy to start the game back in 2018
CFB is back next monthpic.twitter.com/TuxZ8ZGrlT