Bold Takes for the 2023 Season: Part One

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports | By Luke Brumm | Last updated 8/23/23

Before every season, people will come out with their predictions for the upcoming year that might make a few people scratch their heads. Well today we're going to be looking at some bold takes from the staff at Mike Farrell Sports. At the end of the season, we'll come back and take a look and how we did with our takes.

Alabama Loses Three Games

This one comes from me. Everyone seems to be high on Alabama again, when I just don't see a big difference from last season to this season. They did have the number one recruiting class, but freshmen won't win you a title. The offensive line needs work, the receivers seem to be the same as last year, the running back room is unproven, and the quarterback situation is very shaky. On defense, they lost a lot of talent from and defense that was already underwhelming last season. Because of Nick Saban, I wouldn't be surprised if they went undefeated, but I also wouldn't be surprised if they lost three games.

Neither USC, Oregon, Washington, or Utah Win the Pac 12

This is another one from me. I think the Pac 12 will cannibalize themselves and this will allow for a team such as Oregon State or UCLA to win the conference. UCLA doesn't have to play Oregon or Washington and Oregon State dodges USC. This also boosts the chances of this happening. The Pac 12 looks to be a very competitive this season in its last season being the conference we know.

A Quarterback doesn't Win the Heisman

This is the last one from me. The rest will be other MFS staff members. I don't think a quarterback will win the heisman this season. It is so hard to win the award twice, so it's hard for me to see Caleb Williams winning again. There is also a lot of talented players who are not quarterbacks. You have wideouts Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka at Ohio State, running backs Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards at Michigan, and TE Brock Bowers at Georgia might be the most talented player in the country. With all that being said, don't be surprised if a non-quarterback wins the Heisman in December.

Penn State Goes 11-1 and Makes the Playoff

This take comes from Cory Lemer. He believes Penn State goes 11-1 and makes the CFP. Here's what he had to say about it. "Penn State proves they were a force to be reckoned with and competed with Ohio State with a top ten line, a dominant run game, and a great defense. It wouldn't shock me to see the Nittany Lions upset Ohio State or Michigan and reach the Playoff."

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: