College Football Top 25: 10 non-ranked teams who could crack the late-season polls

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Dec 22, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Memphis Tigers tight end Alan Cross (40) celebrates their win over the Brigham Young Cougars in the Miami Beach Bowl at Marlins Park. Memphis won 55-48 in a double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

No. 1: Memphis Tigers

2014 Finish: 10-3, 7-1 AAC

If you want to talk about overlooked teams, look no further than last year’s AAC co-champion Memphis. The Tigers were 7-1 in conference and the other two losses were to top ranked Power-5 teams UCLA and Ole Miss.

The Rebels return to Memphis’ schedule this season, with the other big non-conference games coming against Big 12 bottom-feeder Kansas and MAC power Bowling Green.

Quarterback Paxton Lynch is returning to lead an offense which scored 36.2 points per game last season, and he’ll be flanked by returning tailbacks Jarvis Cooper and Doroland Dorceus. This offense may set some AAC records.

Coming back with a strong defensive unit that finished 28th nationally in total defense, the Tigers will have their work cut out for them against some top offensive units, especially given that only three defensive starters are returning. This elite unit could take a tumble, but if they hold strong there’s nothing stopping Memphis from climbing the rankings this year.

Next: The Next Coach to Win Their First National Championship

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