The Sleeper Teams That Could Win A Super Bowl

Baltimore Ravens

Despite all of last year’s hardships, they still managed to make the playoffs. In 2023, the Baltimore Ravens offense will look different after the departure of Greg Roman. Lamar Jackson is healthy and they addressed their weakness, the wide receiver position. According to PFF, before the 2022 season the Ravens wide receiver group ranked 29th in the league, and that halted the success of this team.

Their wideout group didn’t have a wide receiver with over 500 yards receiving. This group was restructured with the additions of Odell Beckham Jr and Zay Flowers. These two will add big play ability and spread the field along with Rashod Bateman while taking pressure off of Mark Andrews.

The defense will once again look to hold their weight. They finished with the third-lowest points scored against them (315). With the additions of Rock Ya-Sin and Trayvon Mullen in the secondary, the Ravens get much-needed depth in the secondary. David Ojabo is expected to play a huge role up front for the defensive line and they added Jadeveon Clowney to add depth in the trenches.

In a division where you have to face Joe Burrow twice a year and now Deshaun Watson who’s said to look like the Houston version of himself, they need enough talent on both sides of the ball to compete. It’s too early to say they can dethrone the Cincinnati Bengals in the division, but they can be good enough to make the Bengals sweat a little.

New York Jets

There’s a bad man suiting up in Gotham green which instantly makes them Super Bowl contenders. Aaron Rodgers brought hope to New York and they’re trending in the right direction. In Rodgers’ favor, this may be the best offense he’s ever played on. Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, Corey Davis, and Mecole Hardman are a group that could be one of the best in the league. They added Dalvin Cook who can be lethal on the ground and receiving out of the backfield to pair nicely with Breece Hall who burst on the scene last season.

The New York Jets look to win the AFC East for the first time in 20 years. On paper, they may be the best team in the AFC but still have to prove it against the Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, and Kansas City Chiefs. If these three are solidified as the top three in the conference, the Jets have more than enough to be the giant slayer.

Detroit Lions

With Rodgers out of the division, it’s time for the Detroit Lions to strike. The hype around the Lions is very much deserved and the NFL agrees. They have four primetime games and five nationally televised games for a reason. They finished the season winning eight of their last ten and were on the brink of a playoff berth.

Their units were polar opposites, which held them back from a playoff appearance. The offense was one of the best in the league, finishing in the top half in total points scored, yards per game, and PPG. The defense was the worst in total yards allowed, yards per game, and points allowed.

Going into 2023 they loaded up with talent on both sides of the ball. Offensively they added David Montgomery and Marvin Jones Jr in free agency and drafted Jahmyr Gibbs. On the defensive side, they improved drastically. They added Cameron Sutton, Emmanuel Moseley, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who was tied for first in interceptions last season (six). Expect this unit to perform a lot better than what last year’s group showed.

The Lions open up against the Chiefs and have tough road matchups with the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys but the rest of their schedule isn’t too gut-punching. A healthy and consistent Lions team has a ceiling of 12-13 wins and a great chance to win the NFC North.

New Orleans Saints

It’s been a tough road for the New Orleans Saints after the retirement of Drew Brees but Derek Carr may be the missing piece. Playing in a very favorable division, the veteran experience of Carr can be what raises the bar for this team. Last season Chris Olave showed he’s one of the best young playmakers in the NFL. Michael Thomas looks to be healthy and the rookie wide receiver, A.T. Perry, could have a huge impact. They will start the season without Alvin Kamara, but they added last year’s rushing touchdown leader, Jamaal Williams who will be a nice counterpart when Kamara returns.

The defense is returning nine starters and is capable of championship-caliber football, which they showed in the second half of the season. In their last 10 games, they’ve only allowed 14.5 points per game. Led by Cameron Jordan and Marshon Lattimore, there’s elite potential for this unit. The success of the season won’t rely solely on defense, but they will need defensive dominance in a conference loaded with offensive firepower.

There are three teams in the NFC that most feel are the teams to beat. Then it’s fair game for anyone else to fill in the four playoff spots. If the Saints get the best version of Carr the only thing standing in their way is themselves.

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What Could Make The Cowboys the Top Team in the NFC

Dak Prescott

The team goes as Dak Prescott goes and as long as he’s behind center, the Cowboys are a threat. As a starter, Prescott has never had a losing season and he’s underappreciated. He’s faced an abundance of criticism based on last season but a new season is upon us and the interception talk is getting old. Last year isn’t a reflection of Prescott’s career, he’s actually been an efficient boost for the Cowboys offense.

In his best season (2021), he was fully healthy and put together an MVP-like season. Only two years removed from 2021, he didn’t forget how to play football. Being the quarterback of the Cowboys, the bad will outweigh the good but he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the league, regardless of how the media portrays him. He gets the heat for the playoff shortcomings but playoff wins are a team accomplishment and he’s the reason why they get there.

The Cowboys were a playmaker away from the NFC Championship, in what is considered Prescott’s “worst” year and they lacked consistent weapons outside of CeeDee Lamb and Tony Pollard. Prescott will be in a new system with surrounding weapons that are very good. He will have an MVP-caliber season and the chance to silence critics.

The Cowboys Defense

Led by Parsons, the defense was already scary and will be even better this upcoming season. As a unit, they forced 33 turnovers which led the NFL. They added some size in the middle by drafting Mazi Smith to complement Johnathan Hankins and the interior. Clearly, Dan Quinn is a headache for offensive coordinators. They decided to spice up the defense this offseason, which gives Quinn more versatility.

There’s a no-fly zone in Dallas and their secondary is menacing. They traded for former DPOY Stephon Gilmore, extended their star cornerback Trevon Diggs, and Daron Bland emerged last season. The three-headed monster consisting of Jayron Kearse, Malik Hooker, and Donovan Wilson at the safety positions will bring physicality and athleticism. This defense is going to be a problem for opposing offenses and the X-factor for success.

The Outside Weapons

Trading away Amari Cooper really hurt the Cowboys offense, which showed in the postseason. This offseason, they addressed the wide receiver issue and acquired Brandin Cooks. Last season they had 27 passing plays that went for more than 25 yards, which ranked them 20th in the league.

Throughout training camp, the Prescott to Cooks connection has been special and they’re starting to build chemistry fairly quickly. Cooks, who’s surpassed 1,000 yards receiving six times in his career can spread the field and gives Prescott the downfield threat the offense lacked. Lamb exploded last season, finishing with career-highs in receptions, yards, and touchdowns all while Prescott missed five games. Michael Gallup is getting back to his pre-injury form and will be a huge red zone threat.

The Running Back Room

Pollard showed why he’s one of the most versatile backs in the league. He had 1,378 all-purpose yards and 12 total touchdowns. This year he steps into the role of top running back. He didn’t put the ball on the ground once last season which is huge considering his amount of touches. Deuce Vaughn will be last year’s version of Pollard and greatly impact the offense.

Vaughn was an all-purpose yard merchant while at Kansas State. He has the ability to be a threat out of the backfield as a pass catcher. His athleticism adds an element to the Cowboys offense they’ve been missing, the screen game. With his small frame behind those big offensive linemen, this will play a huge role in getting his play-making ability in the open field.

What Stands in The Cowboys Way?

It’s simple: inconsistency. Regular season and playoff losses shouldn’t always come down on the shoulders of Prescott, it’s the team as a whole. This team has shown moments where they looked nearly unstoppable like Christmas Eve against the Philadelphia Eagles and against the Minnesota Vikings. They’ve also had moments they’ve looked flat and unprepared, such as Week 18 against the Washington Commanders.

It’ll come down to the team being efficient as a unit. They need their playmakers to show up in big moments, their coaches to make the right decisions, and not play down to their competition.

This Cowboys team is just as dominant as the other two in the NFC. If they can remain healthy and consistent throughout the regular season and postseason, they can get over the hump and be the NFC’s top team.

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Here’s How The College Football Playoff Will Pan out

6. Tennessee Volunteers (10-2)

It’s the next-man-up mentality for the Volunteers. Luckily for the Vols, they will return their top three rushers, as well as Bru McCoy and Joe Milton. Three consecutive matchups against Texas A&M, Alabama, and Kentucky will test the heart of this football team. Last season the offense was the recipe for success, but they’ll need the defense to improve. They ranked 127th in pass defense but have the opportunity to put together an impressive season.

Losses: South Carolina, Georgia

5. Florida State Seminoles (12-1)

FSU finished last season with the number one offense and defense in the ACC. They will return 16 starters and pick up where they left off. Mike Norvell and Jordan Travis will lead the Noles to their first ACC title since 2014. Despite one loss, the strength of the schedule won’t play in their favor. Their resume won’t be enough to secure a CFP spot, but they will get a birth in a New Year’s Six Bowl, most likely the Capital One Orange Bowl. Their first NY6 bowl apperance since 2016.

Losses: LSU

4. Texas Longhorns (12-1)

Texas is back but for real this time! There are Texas-size expectations around Quinn Ewers and the Longhorns and there will be a huge leap in year three under Steve Sarkisian. Longhorns wideout Xavier Worthy is poised for a big year and will be the top target for Ewers. In week two they will travel to Tuscaloosa and lose a close one, which will set the tone for the season. They will secure their first Big 12 title since 2009 but are set to join the SEC in 2024.

Losses: Alabama

3. USC Trojans (13-0)

The Trojans season ended roughly, losing consecutive games while leading by double digits. This year the circumstances will be different. Caleb Williams and the offense have already put the world on notice, but their defense will be the X Factor. They will face four of College Football’s best quarterbacks. Michael Penix Jr. (Washington), Sam Hartman (Notre Dame), Bo Nix (Oregon), and Cameron Rising (Utah). If the USC defense can secure victories against all four they’ll be in a great position to win the Pac-12 and secure a College Football Playoff berth.

Losses: None

2. Georgia Bulldogs (13-0)

As a back-to-back national champion, there’s a bullseye on the back of this program. Carson Beck is next under center for the Georgia Bulldogs and the nation’s top tight end, Brock Bowers also returns for another season. UGA saw a lot of their defensive threats drafted in the spring but are still expected to be the number one defense. A matchup in Knoxville against the Volunteers could be a trap game, but their schedule is fairly favorable. The Bulldogs have taken the top spot in the SEC and look to maintain it.

Losses: None

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (13-0)

A field goal kept the Buckeyes out of the National Championship last season. The quarterback position is a question mark but their skill positions are loaded. Ohio State may be WRU, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka are next to show why. The defense will have to limit the big plays to secure another title. Last year they gave up five 70+ yard plays from scrimmage which ranked 128th, four of those in the final two games. They have road games at Notre Dame, Wisconsin, and Michigan to strengthen their resume. After running the table they will show why they’re a powerhouse.

Losses: None

Allstate Sugar Bowl

Caesars Superdome – New Orleans, LA

4. Texas (12-1) vs. 1. Ohio State (13-0)

The 2009 Fiesta Bowl was the last time these two met. Quinn Ewers, an Ohio State transfer plays an old friend. Both of these teams will come in with two potent offenses. Led by the Buckeyes one-two punch, Harrison Jr and Egbuka will be too much to handle. Texas will keep the game close but the Buckeyes playmakers will get the best of the Longhorns defense.

OSU 52 UT 45

Rose Bowl Game

Rose Bowl Stadium – Pasadena, CA

3. USC (13-0) vs 2. Georgia (13-0)

If history plays a role it won’t be favorable for the Bulldogs. USC is one of the four teams that Georgia has never beaten (0-3), their last matchup being in 1960. This time around the Bulldogs might be a little too much. This game will feature two of college football’s best offenses. The UGA defense will be the difference maker, getting stops when it matters the most.

UGA 44 USC 38.

CFP National Championship

NRG Stadium – Houston, TX

1. Ohio State (14-0) vs. 2. Georgia (14-0)

Winner: Ohio State

The two met in the playoff semifinals last season. Ohio State led by 14 but UGA would rally back in the fourth quarter and win after the Buckeyes missed a 50-yard field goal. Georgia will be playing for their third consecutive National Championship but as Lee Corso would say, not so fast, my friends! Similar to the majority of the season, the Buckeyes wideouts will be a matchup nightmare. Georgia will continue to strike back and keep the game within arm’s reach but Ohio State’s offense will secure the win. They will win their ninth championship title with a score of 45-41.

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What’s Cooking in Duval County?

A threat in the AFC is the answer. Going into their bye week, the Jaguars sat at 3-7 with the third-worst odds to make the playoffs. Lawrence pulled his best Michael Jordan impression and took it personally. To end the season, the Jaguars won six straight, snatched the AFC South away from the Tennessee Titans, and clinched a home playoff game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Things didn’t start out well in the wildcard game at TIAA Bank Stadium. The Jaguars had five first-half turnovers and would fall behind 27-7. In the second half, Lawrence once again channeled his inner Jordan. He would throw four touchdowns and rally the team to another miraculous comeback. Riley Patterson would kick a game-winning field goal for a 31-30 victory.

Scary Hours in Jacksonville

Lawrence was special in his second year. He was named to the 2023 Pro Bowl, making him the first Jaguars quarterback to earn the nod since David Garrard in 2009. After his second-half resurgence, he has big expectations going into the year. He’s entering his third year but is already being considered a top-10 quarterback.

Christian Kirk, who is coming off the best year of his career, gets a new playmaker to draw some attention. Calvin Ridley is a much-needed veteran to help an explosive but underrated receiver core. Ridley will open up the offense and give Pederson more offensive versatility. The last time he played a full season he finished with 90 catches and 1,374 yards. He will be adding value to a wide receiver core that’s talented but has its issues. They tied for second in drops (29) but have much room for improvement.

Evan Engram recently signed a long-term deal. Locking up their weapons gives Lawrence a lot of options to spread the ball around to an offense that showed they’re capable of being one of the best.

How Good Can They Be?

A Super Bowl contender! It starts with winning the division, which they’re favored to do so. However, they need to start how they finished. After their week 14 victory against the Titans they turned into the 1972 Miami Dolphins and rode the momentum. From a rocky 10-game stretch to being a fumble away from the AFC Championship they’re headed in the right direction and could be playing in early February.

Who Stands In Their Way?

They will be tested this season and their schedule is tough. Their biggest matchups will come against the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. In 2009, the Jaguars beat the Chiefs but lost to the 49ers. Since then, they’re a combined 0-11 against both teams. They will also face the tall task of the Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, and Baltimore Ravens.

Keys For Success

Protect the quarterback and the football. The offensive line showed value, especially by keeping Lawrence off the ground, he was only sacked 27 times. Holding on to the football will be a focal point. They fumbled 19 times and lost 13 of them. As long as Lawrence stays upright and healthy, along with ball security being addressed the sky is the limit for the offense.

The defense will be the difference maker. They have shown shades of being impactful but they need consistency. They tied fourth in takeaways (27) but struggled to sack the quarterback. They only had 35 which ranked 26th in the league. Foyesade Oluokun, who led the NFL in tackles in consecutive years, and Tyson Campbell have shown they’re studs but the surrounding cast has to step up.

It Was Always The Jags

The Jaguars have opened a lot of eyes and 2023 is their chance to prove they aren’t a fluke. The ceiling is high for Lawrence and the Jaguars. Weeks 14-18 along with the playoffs proved they found their franchise guy and are a force in the AFC. Don’t be surprised if Lawrence ends the year as an MVP candidate and possibly brings their first-ever Super Bowl to Duval.

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Why This Elite Quarterback Deserves His Flowers

Don’t let the debate shows fool you. Dak Prescott is an elite quarterback and he’s proven himself. The star on his helmet leads to too much criticism, but he’s the type of guy you should want to lead your team.

With Prescott behind center, he takes the offense to a new level. In 2016, the Cowboys offense finished fifth in total offense and scoring. In 2019, they were first in YPG and sixth in scoring. In 2021, they were first in total offense and scoring.

As a starter, he has a 61-36 record and a 27-7 record against the NFC East. In the last two seasons, the Dallas Cowboys have won 12 games, which they haven’t done since the 1994-1995 season.

With him on the field, Dallas is a contender and a threat to anyone in the league. Without him, they’re 9-8 and a completely different team.

Prescott Compared To Other Elite Quarterbacks

Josh Allen has been a household name since he entered the league in 2018, and his and Prescott’s numbers are almost identical. Excluding the 2020 season because of a season-ending injury to Prescott, both quarterbacks have played in 60 games.

Prescott missed five games this past year. In those 60 games, Allen has 39 wins, and Prescott has 37. Prescott had a higher completion percentage in 2018, 2019, and 2021. Another interesting stat, both are 2-3 in the playoffs, if we ignore the 2020 season.

Since Justin Herbert entered the league in 2020, he’s been one of the most intriguing quarterbacks, but Prescott has probably been better. Despite Prescott missing five games their numbers are alike. They’re tied for wins in the last two seasons (19). Herbert has thrown for 63 touchdowns and only has three more than Prescott.

How about Aaron Rodgers? Since Prescott entered the league he hasn’t been that far off from Rodgers. Not including the 2017 and 2020 seasons due to season-ending injuries. Both quarterbacks have 50 wins and Rodgers only has two more playoff wins.

Turnover Machine?

No, Prescott is not a turnover machine. He had a string of interceptions which a few were bad luck. Receivers dropping and tipping passes, and miscommunication was a factor for the interception total. Despite an outlier year in interceptions, Prescott is tied with Joe Burrow (2.0) and has a lower interception percentage than Josh Allen (2.3), and Lamar Jackson (2.3), just to name a few.

Playoff Performances

Prescott isn’t to blame for the shortcomings in the playoffs, either. He has performed well enough to win and kept them competitive in each game. He struggled this past year against the San Francisco 49ers, but considering the lack of weapons outside of CeeDee Lamb and the injury to Tony Pollard, the Cowboys were undermanned.

In his rookie year against Rodgers, he trailed by 18 points going into the fourth quarter. Prescott and the offense tied the game with 35 seconds left to play. The defense needed one stop but gave up a 35-yard completion on 3rd & 20. Mason Crosby would hit a 51-yard field goal to win as time expired.

In the 2018 playoffs, he secured a Wildcard win against the Seattle Seahawks, the following week against the Los Angeles Rams, the defense allowed 459 yards of offense. Prescott would throw for 266 yards and one touchdown, the Cowboys would lose by eight.

Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this past season, all eyes were on number four and the Cowboys. Prescott completed 76% of his passes and finished with five total touchdowns.

Prescott Needs Weapons

Throughout the season, Lamb was Prescott’s only consistent target. Noah Brown, who finished second in receiving, only had 555 yards. Michael Gallup, who was coming off an ACL injury, finished with 424 yards.

Despite his “worst” year statistically, Prescott still kept the Cowboys in a position to be a competitor and a threat in the NFC. With three weeks left in the season, they had a chance to snag the No.1 seed with help from others. After his return, they finished fourth in scoring offense (27.5 PPG), an 8-4 record, and a trip to the Divisional Round.

R.E.L.A.X.- RELAX

Cowboys fans, breathe and trust your quarterback. If it makes it any better, Prescott has had a better seven-year stretch than some greats like Drew Brees and Ben Roethlisberger. He’s also accomplished a lot more than it seems.

In 14 seasons, Tony Romo had four playoff appearances and won three division titles. Prescott has accomplished the same in just seven seasons and missed most of the 2020 season.

The Cowboys best chance of winning a Super Bowl is with Prescott. He’s a winner, a leader, and one of the best quarterbacks in the game. They’re one playmaker away from a Super Bowl appearance and Prescott is due for a big year.

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Each game will be meaningful but there are a few that will hold massive weight as the season progresses.

Top Five NFL Games of 2023 That You Must Watch

Honorable mention:

Miami Dolphins vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Dolphins are dangerously looming in the AFC but continue to get better. They acquired Jalen Ramsey this offseason and expect Tua Tagovailoa to be fully healthy.

Miami earned a playoff spot last year and looks to carry that momentum into this season. Kansas City remains the team to beat in the AFC and the Dolphins will get their chance to show last season wasn’t a fluke.

The Tyreek Hill revenge game will be special but unfortunately, it won’t be in front of Chiefs Kingdom. These two will meet in Germany on November 5th.

Honorable mention:

Dallas Cowboys vs. Buffalo Bills

These two have a lot of history and if you’re a Bills fan, you probably have a bad taste in your mouth from the mid-90s. The Cowboys stood in the way of a Super Bowl win in two consecutive seasons.

This will bring fun matchups to watch like Micah Parsons vs. Josh Allen. The best to keep an eye out for are brothers Trevon Diggs and Stefon Diggs. This will be for respect and bragging rights between the two.

“Have you ever seen a brother cover a brother in the NFL?” asks Rich Eisen. Now he will get his answer when Dallas heads to Highmark Stadium in mid-December.

5. Buffalo Bills vs. Cincinnati Bengals

This AFC matchup is becoming one of the best to watch. After last year’s game was canceled, there’s been one official meeting between Joe Burrow and Allen. Despite a small sample size, these two teams aren’t too fond of each other.

Before last year’s matchup in the Divisional Round, Buffalo began selling tickets for the AFC Championship, which the Bengals didn’t take lightly. Cincinnati marched into Highmark Stadium with a chip on their shoulder and got a big win to advance to the AFC Championship.

This game may be crucial for seeding later on in the year so expect a high-scoring slugfest on Sunday Night Football.

4. Dallas Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers

These last two seasons have given us a rewind of the 90s. ‘Boys Vs. 9ers are two teams full of talent and grit.

Cowboys fans probably have this one circled on their schedule, especially if a Super Bowl appearance was on your Christmas list. In the past two seasons, the 49ers played the role of the Grinch by ending the Cowboys playoff run. This year’s matchup will live up to the hype like the previous two meetings. Both high-powered offenses may take a back seat in this game.

These defensive units are juggernauts so this may be a low-scoring game battled in the trenches.

3. Philadelphia Eagles vs. San Francisco 49ers

In a rematch of last year’s NFC Championship, the 49ers will be out for blood.

Philly entered last year’s game as the NFC team to beat and survived San Francisco’s punches. They got a pretty lopsided win but the 49ers were undermanned. Brock Purdy suffered an injury in the first quarter that would turn the tides. There’s uncertainty about who will be the week one starter, but whoever is under center can find success under Kyle Shanahan’s system.

The 49ers, who believe they would’ve won if healthy, will be hyped for the rematch.

2. Cincinnati Bengals vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes vs. Burrow in Burrowhead Stadium (as a few Bengals players call it)?

Mahomes is like this generation’s Superman but his kryptonite may have been discovered in Joey-B. In head-to-head matchups, Burrow is 3-1. This past season, the two met in the AFC Championship, Mahomes secured the win as the Chiefs advanced to the Super Bowl. This rivalry has ramped up fairly quickly, it’s similar to a Taylor Swift song because there’s a lot of bad blood.

This could be a preview of a third consecutive AFC Championship matchup.

1. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles

There’s no way the NFL is this nice right? Last year’s Super Bowl matchup didn’t disappoint. Philly maintained control for most of the game, then Mahomes happened.

The Chiefs put up 17 points in the fourth quarter to secure their second Super Bowl win in four years. These two come in with the best and second-best odds to win the Super Bowl this season. Philly will face a gauntlet of Kansas City, Dallas (twice), Buffalo, and San Francisco in five weeks.

The outcome of this game will most likely be vital for playoff seeding for both teams.

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A Prominent Program Raising Eyebrows

The Men of Troy are coming back for their spot as a “top dog” in college football. Thanks to the transfer portal, USC was able to load up on talent. They brought in an offensive mastermind and showed the college football world what they’re capable of.

 A new face in charge

After a few up-and-down years, Lincoln Riley was hired to revive USC football. He spent five years in Oklahoma before bringing his talents to the West Coast and didn’t come alone.

He brought weapons like Caleb Williams, Jordan Addison, and Travis Dye to Southern Cal to bring some juice. The question is can he lead USC to the promised land? In year one, he proved he was the right choice. The Trojans finished with an 11-3 record, competed for the PAC-12 Championship and Cotton Bowl, and had their first Heisman Trophy winner in 17 years.

With Riley at the helm, the program is headed in the right direction, especially if the goal is the College Football Playoff. At Oklahoma, he led the Sooners to three consecutive College Football Playoff appearances and coached two consecutive Heisman winners.

Offense vs. Defense

Offensive explosiveness was on full display for USC. The duo of Williams and Riley led a unit that ranked third in total offense and had the least turnovers among FBS teams (seven). Williams, who won the Heisman, had the best season of any USC quarterback that won the award. The offense is expected to take another leap in year two but the defense remains a question mark.

Although they forced 29 turnovers, defensive inconsistency shattered their CFP hopes. In their last two games, they saw double-digit leads vanish and finished the year ranked 103rd in scoring defense.

Ghost of Riley’s Past

Although Riley has a 1-3 record in the CFP, numbers can be misleading. In the CFP, the offense has answered the call. Averaging 41 PPG, the offense has been electric but the defense has struggled.

In the four CFP appearances, the defense is allowing 52 PPG. Multiple shots at the national title have been hindered by the defense but 2023 is an opportunity for Riley to get over the hump.

2023 Opponents

The Trojans come into the year favored to win the PAC-12, but their schedule isn’t a cakewalk. USC will face Utah, Washington, and UCLA in the Coliseum and have road trips to Oregon and Notre Dame. Utah, who defeated USC twice last year, will be the biggest challenge coming into the year. A sleeper matchup for the Trojans will be the Colorado Buffaloes.

Hype Around Next Year

In the 2024 NFL Draft, Williams is likely to be the No.1 pick. He will be the first USC player selected as No.1 since Carson Palmer in 2005. Riley can add the “Quarterback guru” to his list of accomplishments. This will be the third time in six years Riley has coached the No.1 pick.

Before going to the NFL, Williams could make history once again. If he wins the Heisman this season, it will be the first time in 48 years a player has won the award in back-to-back years. It would be the third time a school had a consecutive Heisman winner (Oklahoma ’17 & ’18, Alabama ’19 & ’20).

Expectations are high for the 2023 season and national championship aspirations are escalating. USC has the opportunity to win its 12th national championship and its last PAC-12 title before heading to the Big Ten in 2024.

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