Top 10 Most Overachieving College Football Teams of 2019-2020
The 2019-2020 college football season brought plenty of surprises, and some teams went above and beyond expectations, turning heads across the nation. These overachievers didn't just meet their goals - they shattered them, proving that grit, determination, and maybe a little bit of good coaching can go a long way.
LSU completed a historic season in 2019-2020, finishing undefeated and winning the College Football Playoff National Championship. The team was led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Joe Burrow and a high-powered offense. I think we all assumed that LSU would be a pretty good team this year, 9-3 or 10-2 like normal. But they've blown away everyone's expectations, becoming one of the favorites to win the CFP title.
Oh, by far it's LSU. I did not think they would be ranked the best college team (thus far) in Division 1 coming into the season. Well done Tigers.
Edit: They just beat Alabama @ Alabama mind you. LSU is for real and if anything may have just punched a ticket to the CFP.
Baylor achieved an 11-3 record in 2019-2020, including a berth in the Big 12 Championship Game and the Sugar Bowl. The team's success marked a major turnaround under head coach Matt Rhule. Where do I begin with Baylor? Written off as a 6-6 team, maybe a minor bowl game like the Texas Bowl. Now, they're in the lead of the Big 12, looking to get a Big 12 title and a New Year's Six bowl game.
Congratulations Baylor! You blew your biggest game! Ironically, it was a 28-3 lead. Go sit in the corner next to the Atlanta Falcons and think about what you've done.
Ohio State finished the 2019-2020 season with a 13-1 record, winning the Big Ten Championship and earning a spot in the College Football Playoff. The team showcased a dominant defense and standout performances from players like Justin Fields and Chase Young. Ohio State was supposed to finally fall off with the departure of Urban Meyer. This was the year Michigan was to take over in the Big Ten. However, as Ohio State stands at 8-0, I'm not sure that what was expected actually happened.
Kansas State posted an 8-5 record during the 2019-2020 season, highlighted by an upset victory over then-undefeated Oklahoma. The team excelled in its first year under head coach Chris Klieman. Kansas State was written off by many sports writers as a bottom-tier team. One even projected them to go 3-9 and be the seventh worst Power 5 team. Now, they're a top 25 team with a big win over Oklahoma and a possibility of a Big 12 championship appearance.
They were projected as an afterthought crew but instead shocked the world by beating the Sooners, crashing what would have been a dream match between Hurts and Tua for good. Kansas State must have a decent enough defense to be that overlooked by most experts.
Cincinnati finished the 2019-2020 season with an 11-3 record, securing the AAC East Division title and a win in the Birmingham Bowl. The team's defense was a key factor in its success. A great team that was not thought of by many as a team as good as they were. They were the ones to knock off UCF and may be the one team from outside the Power 5 to make a New Year's Six bowl.
Minnesota achieved an impressive 11-2 record in 2019-2020, including a notable win over Penn State and a victory in the Outback Bowl. The team had its best season in decades under head coach P.J. Fleck. Did anyone expect Minnesota to be one of the contenders in the Big Ten West? Not me. They're undefeated for now, but let's see how they truly fare with many ranked teams left on the schedule.
PJ Fleck's Minnesota, in his first few years, had been nothing but an average team. Until this year, where he started the season undefeated, looking to get into a seriously good bowl game.
Illinois improved to a 6-7 record in 2019-2020, earning a bowl appearance for the first time since 2014. A major highlight was the team's upset win over Wisconsin. Here's another team that was supposed to be one of the worst teams in the country that first beat Wisconsin. Now, they have a legitimate chance to make a bowl game for the first time in five years.
SMU recorded a 10-3 season in 2019-2020, achieving its first 10-win season since 1984. The team boasted one of the nation's top offenses, led by quarterback Shane Buechele. SMU was widely regarded as one of the worst teams in the AAC, along with Tulsa. However, Sonny Dykes led them to a 7-1 start, with a chance at the AAC title and maybe even a good bowl game if they can keep up their high level of play.
Never would have thought they would be what, 8-0?
Indiana posted an 8-5 record in the 2019-2020 season, marking its best win total since 1993. The team earned a berth in the Gator Bowl under head coach Tom Allen. A team under Tom Allen that usually finishes with 3-6 wins, not expected to do anything. They have started the season 6-2, with a legitimate chance at a good bowl game.
Navy had an 11-2 record in the 2019-2020 season, including a victory in the Liberty Bowl. The team's turnaround was fueled by quarterback Malcolm Perry's dynamic rushing performances. Navy was supposed to remain a terrible team with a mediocre at best offense. Instead, they started 7-1 and look to finish with 9-10 wins.
Louisville improved to an 8-5 record in 2019-2020 after going 2-10 the previous year. The team won the Music City Bowl in head coach Scott Satterfield's first season.
Memphis achieved a 12-2 record in the 2019-2020 season, winning the AAC Championship and earning a spot in the Cotton Bowl. The team was led by a prolific offense under head coach Mike Norvell. They have flown under the radar in my opinion, but they were able to handle business against previously undefeated SMU.