Top Five Mid-Season Underachievers In College Football

Arizona State: There was a great pre-season buzz about the Sun Devils. Quarterback Rudy Carpenter, who threw for 25 touchdowns and 3202 yards in 2007, was set to have a phenomenal year under the veteran tutelage of Coach Dennis Erickson. After a pre-season ranking of No.15 in the country, the Sun Devils have withered away with six straight losses and a 2-6 overall record.

Georgia: A 7-2 win-loss record is not bad, but it is when you were pre-season No.1. Also, it is not only that there are two losses on Georgia’s schedule, but the manner in which the games were lost. Alabama at home? Georgia was beaten decisively.

While heading down to the infamous cocktail party in Jacksonville, the Bulldogs would have been better off staying at home. The Dawgs lost a big game, and believe this, they feel violated. There is much pride to be salvaged after that crushing blow.

Auburn: With an offense struggling for production under coordinator Al Borges, the acquisition of Tony Franklin from Troy looked to be a breath of fresh air for the Tigers. Actually, the exact opposite happened. The Auburn offensive has been unorganized, sloppy, sluggish, and down right pitiful.

The combination of losing defensive coordinator Wil Mushcamp to Texas and dismissing Tony Franklin in the middle of the season has taken its toll on Auburn. That proud pre-season ranking of No.10 in the country is a distant memory as the Auburn Tigers have lost their way. Auburn is currently 4-5 with four straight losses.

Clemson: Blessed with all the talent and a workable schedule, this was supposed to be Tommy Bowden’s year. Apparently, nothing has gone to plan as the once No.9 ranked Clemson Tigers are 4-4 with losses to Alabama, Maryland, Wake Forest, and Georgia Tech. Oh, by the way, they don’t have their head coach anymore. So is it going to get worse or better this season? No idea.

Wisconsin: If there was a Big Ten team that had the potential to challenge the illustrious Ohio State Buckeyes in 2008, it was going to be the Badgers. While kicking off the season at the No.13 slot in the polls, the national recognition seemed to be too much for Wisconsin.

They are now 4-5 with unexpected losses to Michigan, Iowa, and Michigan State. The highly consistent Bret Bielema, who is good for nine or ten wins with a solid bowl appearance, is struggling mightily in 2008.

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