College Football 2015: Five biggest surprises of first half

Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis Tigers

Memphis won 10 games last year and head coach Justin Fuente put himself on the radar as one of the best coaches from the Group of Five who could be in line for a Power Five job in the near future if he wanted it. This year, Memphis is undefeated, ranked in the top 25 and coming off an upset win at home against the Ole Miss Rebels.

This was a signature win for Fuente who could have interest from the USC Trojans and South Carolina Gamecocks when the season ends and his work with quarterback Paxton Lynch will be a big reason for that. Lynch has developed into a legit NFL Draft prospect and may be one of the first three-five signal-callers taken in the 2016 draft.

The American Athletic Conference is loaded with talented teams like Tom Herman’s Houston Cougars and Matt Rhule’s Temple Owls who have great cases to be on this list as well, but it looks like Fuente’s Tigers could be the winner and gets a New Year’s Six bid.

Next: Utah Utes