RE: G5 top 10
Just off the top of my head, here are 10 schools I think are serious contenders for the Gof5 spot (in alphabetical order):
Boise State - Many people are writing them off. I wouldn't overlook them. They were able to be maintain their success from Hawkins to Peterson, and might be able to maintain it under Harsin now.
Cincinnati - Double-digit wins in 5 of the last 7 years. It would be wise to keep an eye on the Bearcats.
East Carolina - A senior QB who has proven he can play and a defense that looks to be improving from the early years of the Ruff era. Big question is whether the Pirates can weather the schedule (@ South Carolina, North Carolina, @ VT, UCF, @ Cincinnati).
Fresno State - I almost left them off because they've got big shoes to fill at QB, but as is the case with UCF, I think the Bulldogs have enough talent to keep them in the hunt to defend the conference title. And if you've got a shot at the MW title, I think you've got a shot at the access bowl.
Houston - New stadium, sharp young QB, close games with BYU, Louisville, UCF and Cincinnati. Turn those close losses into wins and the Coogs are the real deal.
Marshall - Beat ECU and Maryland, nearly beat VT, and bring back a great QB. A lot of talk about a weak schedule, and they struggled on the road last year, so one loss and they are most likely out of the picture. But 13-0 vs a weak schedule is still hard to do and could get them the access slot.
Northern Illinois - 11 wins, 11 wins, 12 wins, 12 wins the last 4 seasons. NIU should be a contender.
San Diego State - 8 or 9 wins each of the last 4 years. Some scary losses last year, but more consistency puts them in the MW title conversation.
Utah State - 2 years ago, they were a 2-point loss to Wisconsin and a 3-point loss to BYU away from an undefeated year. Last year they lost the MWC title game to Fresno and beat NIU in a bowl game.
UCF - With 11 wins in 2010 and 10 in 2012, O'Leary seems to be over his even-year jinx. If UCF continues to play D at a high level and can find a capable replacement for Bortles, repeating as AAC champs could be in the cards.
Like I said, this is just off the top of my head, so I'm sure I've left off some solid teams...
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