Projecting Every College Football Conference’s Surprise Team

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Before we know it, August 26 is going to be here and the first games in the new 2023 College Football Season will happen. The window to this season’s college football launch isn’t as wide as many believe, which is why in this blog we’re choosing the top surprise team to win each conference.

Check out college football betting lines, analysis, and the name of teams that can upset their lower odd opponents.

Projecting Every College Football Conference’s Surprise Team | MyBookie NCAAF Betting Preview

2023 NCAA Division I FBS season | 154th season of college football in the United States
August 26, 2023–December 9, 2023

American Athletic | Florida Atlantic Owls +920

The odds appear low, but that’s because Houston, Central Florida, and Cincinnati have left the American Athletic and moved to the Big 12.

FAU is the fifth-choice to win the conference. The Owls mustn’t play SMU or Memphis this season. Also, Casey Thompson arrives via Texas and Nebraska to play quarterback. Thompson may not even start if Daniel Richardson, a transfer from Central Michigan, is everything college football analysts say he is.

Bet Florida Atlantic to Win American Athletic
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Southeastern | Tennessee +1625

Tennessee is a top rival to Alabama and Georgia, which is why the Vols play the Tide and the Dawgs every season. In 2023, Tennessee travels to Tuscaloosa to take on Bama, but UGA heads to Rocky Top versus Tennessee.

New QB Joe Milton III had a massive game versus Clemson in the Orange Bowl. So replacing Hendon Hooker may not be as big of a deal as many believe. Also, sure, beating Alabama and Georgia will be tough, but Bama must replace Bryce Young and the Dawgs must replace Stetson Bennett.

Bet Tennessee to Win Southeastern
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Mid-American | Central Michigan Chippewas +2000

Central Michigan has a tough schedule for sure, but head coach Jim McElwain is one of the best non-Power 5 Conference HCs in the nation. Not only that, but McElwain had a bad 2022 season, Central Michigan won just 4 games.

If McElwain goes to Bert Emanuel Jr. at quarterback, the Chippewas should surprise their Mid-American opponents. Emanuel looks like one of the best rushing signal-callers in the nation.

Bet Central Michigan to Win Mid-American
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Mountain West | Wyoming Cowboys +1425

Many teams in the Mountain West depend on a high-flying passing attack. Wyoming is different. Head Coach Craig Bohl will lean on a rushing attack that got a boost after Northern Illinois transfer Harrison Waylee decided to join the Cowboys’ backfield.

The defense returns 10 starters from a unit that allowed an average of less than 24 points per game. If the offense comes around, Wyoming should challenge Boise State, Fresno State, and San Diego State for the conference title.

Bet Wyoming to Win Mountain West
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Pacific-12 | UCLA Bruins +1625

If five-star freshman quarterback Dante Moore hits the ground running, the Bruins’ offense should be close to what it was last season when it ranked fourth in the nation in yards per game.

The defense returns 8 starters. New defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn comes from the Baltimore Ravens. Lynn will install a defense that makes the Bruins much tougher in the red zone.

UCLA shows three difficult games: at Utah, at Oregon State, and at USC. No Oregon and no Washington on the schedule.

Bet UCLA to Win Pacific-12
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Big-12 | TCU Horned Frogs +1675

Quarterback Chandler Morris, who started last season before getting hurt, should have a decent season because the Horned Frogs have a great wide receiver room.

If the offensive line comes together, the Frogs will once again have one of the nation’s top offenses. The defense must improve. It can and should.

Bet TCU to Win Big-12
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Atlantic Coast | Miami Hurricanes +1875

Ups and downs in Mario Cristobal’s first season. If Tyler Van Dyke, Miami’s starting quarterback, can stay healthy, the offensive line should be good enough for the Canes to have a great offense.

The defense is loaded with talent. So although most don’t believe Miami will challenge Florida State or Clemson, there’s a chance the Canes surprise.

Bet Miami to Win Atlantic Coast
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Big Ten | Illinois Fighting Illini +3900

Illinois will require luck to upset Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, well, you get the idea. But the Illini might get that luck.

One thing Illinois has going for it is a good defense and an excellent rushing attack. Isaiah Williams is one of the best wide receivers in the nation and the offensive line returns three starters. So if you’re looking for a dog to upset the Buckeyes, Wolverines, Nittany Lions, or Badgers, it’s Illinois.  

Bet Illinois to Win Big Ten
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