College Football: Contenders, pretenders in 2020 preseason AP Top 25

Dark-horse national title contender: North Carolina

It’s pretty sad to think that I predicted that North Carolina would go 1-11 last season. While I was very wrong on that, just hear me out on this.

The Tar Heels almost beat Clemson at home last season. While they ultimately finished 7-6 with two overtime losses after a rough start to the season, the Tar Heels showed a lot of cohesion and unity that not many teams are able to replicate. They return 17 starters, including 10 on offense.

If everything falls right, which is what we are saying when we discuss “dark-horses”, the Tar Heels could end up beating Clemson and finding themselves in the national championship. While not likely, it’s a possibility, and outside of the six teams I named previously, North Carolina has the best chance.

Dark-horse top 10 team: Cincinnati

If there is a season that an AAC team can gather recognition, it’s 2020. Cincinnati is a very solid team in the AAC, returning 10 starters on defense, and dual-threat quarterback Desmond Ridder.

Last year, Cincinnati boasted the top defense in the conference and scored almost 30 points per game. If they can maintain that, they can go toe-to-toe with any school in the AAC and find themselves within the top-10 and a big-time bowl appearance.

Dark-horse top 25 team: Florida State

With all of the drama and negativity that has surrounded Florida State this offseason, wouldn’t it be quite the story to come back, overcome and finish the season in the top 25? There is a ton of talent on this team from wide receiver Tamorrion Terry to defensive tackle Marvin Wilson all the way to cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. It’s hard to see Florida State not being competitive.

Head coach Mike Norvell has been good everywhere that he has been. He was phenomenal at using the talent at Memphis, a school laced with NFL players across the roster. He found ways to utilize them.

If everything falls into place, this team could find itself with a strong showing in the ACC.