Off-the-Radar Teams That Might Shock Us This Fall
One of the beautiful things about sports is the unpredictability. When things that are expected to happen don't, it gives fans memorable moments that they'll never forget.
And it seems that almost every year in various sports, there are teams who come out of nowhere to shock the sports world, overperforming and reaching a level that they weren't supposed to.
With the dog days of summer and then the playoffs in Major League Baseball upon us and football season just around the corner, it's time to sit back and assess which teams might be this fall's biggest surprises.
Oklahoma State Cowboys Football
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Recent history hasn't been kind to the Oklahoma State Cowboys—who always seem to jump out to fast starts and then blow it late in the season—but maybe 2016 will be different for the boys in Stillwater?
For one, head coach Mike Gundy is a proven stud, guiding some of the most explosive offenses in the country year-after-year and capable of beating anyone on any given night.
With a favorable schedule and the, presumed, slip by the Baylor Bears following their offseason turmoil, Oklahoma State and its 17 returning starters should race out to a hot start once again and, just maybe, maintain a high level of play to compete for a national title.
Los Angeles Dodgers
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Following the injury to ace Clayton Kershaw—which required the three-time NL Cy Young Award winner to be placed on the disabled list on June 30—many thought that Los Angeles Dodgers' season was all but dead.
Funny how the tone has changed nowadays, though.
In Kershaw's absence, the Dodgers have played .600 baseball, trending upward as they climb the NL West and NL wild-card standings as they fight for a playoff spot.
With the recent acquisitions of Rich Hill and Josh Reddick from the Oakland Athletics in a deadline deal, the Dodgers have put themselves in a good position for a late-season run—especially as the team has figured out the outfield situation with the demotion of Yasiel Puig.
Louisville Cardinals Football
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It seems as if the Louisville Cardinals are on everyone's preseason sleeper list as they get ready for the 2016 campaign, as head coach Bobby Petrino has brought life back to the program that he helped shape years ago before leaving and then returning.
While Petrino has shown he has the guile to be a great head coach—especially in terms of offensive innovation—it's the 18 returning starters that has Cards fans excited about what this team may be able to accomplish this season.
Games against Florida State and Clemson in the first five weeks of the season could go a long way in determining the fate of Louisville early on, but if they survive those tests, the Cardinals will be one of the most talked about teams in all of college football.
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Detroit Tigers
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It might not have been an easy first half to the season for Detroit Tigers players or fans, but things have turned around in a big way since about mid-July, giving supporters hope that the playoffs aren't just a dream anymore.
After hitting rock bottom and finding themselves 7.5 games out of first place in the AL Central on July 5, Detroit has roared its way to a 14-8 record since, putting the pressure on the division-leading Cleveland Indians and becoming the hottest team in baseball.
With former Cy Young Award and MVP Justin Verlander finding his old form lately and a potent roster that boasts both former All-Stars and experienced players, the Tigers are a scary team.
Houston Cougars Football
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Remember last season when first-year head coach Tom Herman had his Houston Cougars sitting at a perfect 10-0 and primed to crash the College Football Playoff? The program is hoping for a repeat in 2016, as the Cougs return key components that could lead them to similar success.
Led by quarterback Greg Ward, Houston has a favorable schedule given it doesn't play in a Power 5 conference but has the daunting task of running the table to earn respect of voters to seriously be considered for a national championship run.
If the Cougars can upset the Oklahoma Sooners in their opener and get some help to convince the nation that they're a Top Four team come December, Herman will be showing off his custom grill with a big ol' smile.
Houston Astros
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Don't look now, but last season's surprise team, the Houston Astros, are currently just 2.5 games back of a wild-card spot in the American League, making a late push to get back to the postseason once again.
Riding an 18-7 mark from mid-June to the All-Star break to end the first half of the year, the 'Stros have come alive, relying on the explosive bats of Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, George Springer and others to get back in the playoff picture.
If reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel can turn things around and dominate as he did last year, Houston could find itself playing October baseball.
USC Trojans Football
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With 11 claimed national titles and a legacy of greatness at USC, it might be a little bit strange for the football team to be considered a sleeper in 2016, but after the changes that the Men of Troy have endured over the past few seasons, that's where the program currently stands.
No longer the hot shots with Heisman Trophy-contending players year-after-year, SC has the opportunity to restore its image with an upcoming campaign that could be special.
Led my new head coach Clay Helton—who filled in as interim head coach last season to finish 6-4 at the helm—the Trojans have star-studded talent all over the field, with flashy wide receiver, return man and cornerback Adoree' Jackson at the top of that list.
The team will be breaking in a new quarterback this year, and the schedule includes an opener with Alabama in Dallas and 11 games against bowl teams from last season. But if there's a time for the Trojans to prove they're back, 2016 is it.
New York Mets
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This year's New York Mets sure seem as if they're trying to follow the same script as last season's New York Mets—which ended in a World Series appearance after a midseason trade for slugger Yoenis Cespedes.
After going out and trading for slugger Jay Bruce, who leads the NL in RBI (83), the Mets look bound to make another late-season run behind a more lethal lineup and, more importantly, a talented array of pitchers in the rotation.
Currently sitting just 1.5 games back of a wild-card spot, New York may just be the team no one else wants to play if it reaches October.
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