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Most underrated college football programs of last 10 years

By Michael Collins

Dec 19, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Brigham Young Cougars defensive lineman Bronson Kaufusi (90) tackles Utah Utes running back Joe Williams (28) in the Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium. Utah defeated BYU 35-28. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Brigham Young Cougars defensive lineman Bronson Kaufusi (90) tackles Utah Utes running back Joe Williams (28) in the Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium. Utah defeated BYU 35-28. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 26, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Tyler O’Connor (7) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan State 45-12. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Tyler O’Connor (7) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan State 45-12. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Michigan State Spartans

Average Rank Movement, +12.33

Moved from unranked to top 25:
2008 (No. 24)
2010 (No. 14)
2013 (No. 3)

Another surprise on the list, Michigan State would not be tabbed as an underrated program in the minds of most fans. But even as recently as three seasons ago, voters gave the Spartans little chance of a good season – surprisingly enough a season which ended their highest final ranking since 1966.

Mark Dantonio has the respect of peers and the press, but oddly enough, his teams don’t always seem to generate the same.

2016 was a particularly tough season for Dantonio and the Spartans, and it’s very doubtful they’ll make the preseason rankings in 2017. Once again, Sparty will have to fight their way into the national picture, and don’t be surprised if they do just that.

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