This college football season will be the first to feature the new 12-team playoff format. Unlike the traditional 4 team playoff battle, there will now be 12 teams competing in this year’s playoffs. This change provides exciting opportunities for historically less-dominant programs to shine on the biggest stage of college football. Here is a list of the potential dark horse candidates to look out for this year:
#1. Boston College (24 Ap Poll): Boston College has had an extremely surprising season so far. With new coach Bill O’Brien, the Eagles’ offense has been nothing short of spectacular. Their defense has been equally amazing with almost perfect play over the course of the season. The Eagles are led by junior quarterback Tommy Castellanos. He is the perfect dual-threat quarterback with possibly the quickest legs of any QB in college as well as a great improviser which Bill O’Brien has been able to use to the team’s advantage this season. One of the best aspects of the offense has been the running game; the offensive line has done a great job creating holes for the Eagles’ backs, who have accumulated 3 100+ rushing yards. Another outstanding player for the Eagles this season has been freshman defensive back Carter Davis. With 12 total tackles, Davis has been running all over the field like a madman for the Eagles. When asked about the season, Junior Jeremy Lavoie, who attended the opening game, says, “It’s definitely the best chance they’ve had in years. If they beat Missouri, the rest of their schedule does not seem too difficult.” Jeremy brings up a fantastic point. BC plays a tough road game versus the number 6 Missouri Tigers this Saturday. With a win, they are in a great position to make and possibly win this year’s college football playoffs. However, a loss could severely hurt the team’s playoff odds.
#2. Tulane (Unranked): The Tulane Green Wave is a member of the American Athletic Conference. They have largely gone overlooked, but if they win the conference they become at least the 6th highest-ranked conference champion in college football. If this were to happen they would have a guaranteed spot in this year’s playoffs. While Tulane lost their second game to the 14th-ranked Kansas State, the rest of the schedule does not pose as much of a threat to the team’s success. Freshman Quarterback Darien Mensah and junior receiver Mario Williams have great chemistry which shows in their on-field play that can pose a threat to any top-team secondary. Their rushing attack, led by Makhi Hughes, is also strong and keeps defenses on their feet. They have a critical game against the 15th-ranked Oklahoma this Saturday and if they are able to win then there’s no doubt, in my mind, that Tulane will be able to secure a spot in the playoffs come January.
#3. North Carolina (Unranked): The University of North Carolina has flown over the general public’s radar this season due to their unflashy schedule. However, the Tar Heels are currently 2-0 on their season and the rest of their schedule does not have any major threats. While the team does eventually have to play Boston College in the latter half of the season, that game could be up for grabs by that point of the year. When asked about the team, freshman Zac Abusheleih replied, “I don’t know how UNC wouldn’t make the playoffs with Omarion Hampton.” The aforementioned Omarion Hampton is North Carolina’s running back who has racked up 200 yards in his first two games. Hampton is regarded as one of the best running backs in all of college football and is a major offensive weapon. That being said, Hampton is not even the best player on the Tar Heels. Sophomore linebacker Amare Campbell has already recorded 2 sacks and 12 tackles on the season. With 2 great leaders and a favorable schedule, this team is a strong dark horse candidate for the playoffs this season.
