Stewart Mandel’s early top 25 doesn’t mirror a lot of the most notable college football predictions that have been made about Fox Sports’ Top 25. The top10, in particular, might surprise a few people, particularly the fact that there are four local teams featured. This isn’t even taking into account the fact that two of these four teams made it into the top ten.
Mandel was one of the several people that took special note of the clear weaknesses in TCU’s offense, especially considering all the pieces they lost. None the less, Mandel had no qualms placing them at a surprising number 6.
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Mandel hasn’t downplayed his decision to place the Frogs at such an important position in the top ten. Indeed, it is a decision that has attracted some skepticism about his analytical abilities.
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But one cannot ignore the reputation Forrest Sawyer garnered, the Redshirt Sophomore impressing practice observers and showing the potential to surprise naysayers, even when compared to the likes of Kenny Hill.Â
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Of course, Mandel’s explanation might not be enough to quell some opposing voices that do not understand his decision to put TCU so close to the top five. Mandel himself isn’t saying that these are the only reasons TCU has his attention, also pointing towards all the pieces and opportunities Patterson has to play with this time round.
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TCU won eleven games last year and they only had a half-strength defense. By bringing back eight starters, the Frogs have essentially given Patterson everything he needs to do wonders this time round.Â
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Coming in at number seven and closely trailing TCU is Oklahoma (the Sooners), whose position could be imputed to the ton of talent they have on offense.
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Even while praising Oklahoma’s secondary, Mandel was quick to make some concerning comments about the defense. While accepting that Oklahoma indeed has a strong secondary, success of the defense will depend on Oklahoma’s ability to make changes at the front, especially when it comes to the pass rushers.Â
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Baylor was positioned at number 12, just outside the top ten. Mandel agrees that the Bears have quite a lot of talent (especially if you scrutinize the skill positions). However, he also thinks that there are a lot of factors that could cost the team the season.
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Mandel took note of the fact that the Bears are quite stacked at the backfield. There is every reason to expect QB Seth Russell to return; with any luck, he will have the physical ability to compete with Jarrett Stidham; that isn’t to say that the team will not take several steps back, but if they do it will be as a result of rebuilding up front.Â
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It has already proven necessary to replace starters like Spencer Drango and Shawn Oakman. Texas A&M is taking a lot of battering from the press. The continuous deterioration of its quarterback situation has attracted a lot of criticism. As far as Mandel is concerned, A&M’s situation isn’t so desperate that they might fail to take the 25th spot in Fox Sports’ early rankings.Â
When all is said and done, there is something quite bold about Mandel’s top 25, though, whether or not his prognostications will prove to be true remains to be seen.