Who Will Make a Bowl Appearance in 2023?
Teams like Texas A&M, Miami, Appalachian State, Michigan State, FAU, and Auburn are all highlighted as potential candidates to reach bowl games in the 2023 season. These assessments are based on factors such as recruiting success, schedule strength, coaching changes, and previous performance.
Texas A&M's talent level within the program and the recruiting success under Head Coach Jimbo Fisher make it highly unlikely for them to repeat a 5-7 season. Similarly, Miami's disappointing 5-7 season is not expected to be repeated, especially considering their ACC schedule and opportunities for conference wins.
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Appalachian State: They have been noted as a team that missed the postseason due to a lack of bowl eligibility in the previous season, but with a schedule that excludes top opponents, they have a good chance to reach the required wins for bowl eligibility.
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Michigan State: Had a disappointing 5-7 season after an impressive 11-2 campaign in Head Coach Mel Tucker's first year. However, with revenge opportunities and manageable Big Ten games, they are likely to reach bowl eligibility.
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FAU: With new Head Coach Tom Herman and the addition of quarterback Casey Thompson, FAU is expected to have a path to bowl eligibility in their new conference, the AAC. Although they face tough nonconference games, their conference schedule provides opportunities for wins.
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Iowa State: Despite a disappointing 4-8 season in 2022, Iowa State is considered a program on solid ground under Head Coach Matt Campbell. With a few breaks, such as improved performance in close games and fewer turnovers, they should be able to get back to bowling. Key matchups against league newcomers BYU and Cincinnati could significantly affect their success.
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Nebraska: As year one of Matt Rhule's tenure at Nebraska begins, there's optimism for improvement over their 2022 season. Nonconference games against Colorado, Northern Illinois, and Louisiana Tech offer opportunities for wins. Additionally, the absence of powerhouse teams like Ohio State and Penn State from their schedule provides a chance for the Cornhuskers to return to a bowl game for the first time since 2016.
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Arizona: The Wildcats have a promising offense and the potential for defensive improvement with power conference transfers joining the team. Arizona could make a bowl appearance under Head Coach Jedd Fisch if their defense can be a reason of practical value. Key Pac-12 road games against Stanford, Colorado, and Arizona State provide opportunities for wins that can bolster their chances of postseason play.
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Virginia Tech: While the road to a bowl game may be more challenging for Virginia Tech, facing two nonconference games against Purdue and Rutgers offers a chance to secure wins against teams in transition. I suppose that the Hokies can perform well in their nonconference matchups and take care of business against Marshall and Old Dominion. In that case, their second-half nodule becomes more manageable and the possibility of reaching six wins increases.
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Auburn: Finally, Auburn is expected to bounce back under new Head Coach Hugh Freeze, aiming to avoid consecutive bowl-less seasons. With a relatively weaker nonconference schedule and a favorable cross-division opponent in Vanderbilt, they have a chance to reach the necessary wins in the SEC.
It's important to remember that these assessments are speculative and based on various factors that can change throughout the season. The actual outcomes will depend on how these teams perform on the field, how they overcome challenges, and how external factors play out.