If Iowa marginally improves on offense, they'll sniff around top 10-15 and be in the playoff picture. Favorable schedule. They don't play Michigan and Washington is down their QB and HC.
Don't call it a comeback on Neal Brown's career and name rising up the carousel. Being an Air Raid disciple, we know he can draw up and execute a pass play, BUT last year WVU was a top 5 if not the best rushing attack in the nation. NB can coach, and he's not one dimensional.
Throw in an easy B12 minus Horns and Sooners. He could very easily win 11 games next season. Kansas St is the "elite...bellwether" program in that conference now...let that sink in for a minute.
Miami's return to glory seems inevitable in a NIL/pay for play era. It's always been a destination school in a destination city. They have more money and resources than anyone, and there's a 2-part ESPN documentary about what happens when Miami and their alumni spend those resources on players...it's legal now.
Money, boats, south beach, pretty girls...warm sunny coastal port city and all that comes with it. Plus, Florida's population has exploded which means more kids playing ball right in their back yard.
The rise of the SEC affected their southern talent dominance. Meyer and Saban penetrated that wall around their recruiting territories that was established and fortified late 80's through early 2000s.
The pendulum is ever swinging. Meyer gone, Saban gone, NIL has leveled playing field...only a matter of time before Miami hits it's stride again.
USC...see Miami's story arch...very similar. Warm, sunny, port city. We know what happens with rich private school alumni in a celebrity destination city uses resources, connections, and spends money...