Why Louisville, Tennessee, and Pittsburgh May Surprise
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by user The Beast
One year ago, preseason magazines across the country picked Louisville and Tennesse to contend for the national title. Pittsburgh was also pegged as a top 25 team. However, these high expectations were not met, as Tennesse and Pitt eached finished 5-6. Louisville did finish 9-3, but many thought they could go 12-0.
Now why will these teams surprise? Thats because they don't have all of these expectations on their shoulders. Nobody is expecting these guys to contend for a title, with maybe the exception of Louisville. The highest I've seen the Cards ranked is #11, still out of the top 10. Few people have even pegged Pitt and Tennesse to win their own conference. How is it that they can do much better?
In 2004, people thought West Virginia could 11-0 and to the title game as a result of their weak schedule. They however, failed to meet these expectations. Then in 2005, with Louisville, expected to go 11-0, West Virginia went 11-1 with a Sugar Bowl win over Georgia.
Can you see the pattern? When a team doesn't live up to their expectations the previous year they will often come back the next year and meet them. Thats one of the reasons why Louisville will be in the title game and Tennesse and Pitt should have great years.
Date
Mon 08/07/06, 6:38 am EST
