College Football Power Rankings: 4 Biggest Early-Season Shockers

We've arrived at Week 7, and there remains 13 unbeaten teams in college football.

At the midseason mark, four teams have proven to be much better than anyone predicted.

While there may have been some dramatic, unforeseen improvement in players over the summer, it seems the biggest surprise has been in the teams' coaches. 

Whether it be age or past failure, former weaknesses might just be the lucky charm for these teams this season. 

Clemson

Clemson became the first ACC team to win against three ranked opponents in three consecutive weeks, beating defending champs Auburn, and standouts Florida State and Virginia Tech.  

The Tigers have jumped from being unranked in the preseason to standing at eighth in the polls this week.  

With first-year quarterback Tajh Boyd and offensive coordinator Chad Morris, the presence of rookies was enough to breed doubt.

Coach Dabo Swinney is the youngest coach in the ACC, but his youth might be the key.

Fans are holding on to that hope as they face Maryland, North Carolina and No. 12 Georgia Tech in the next few weeks. 

Kansas State

If Swinney's success is in his youth, Billy Snyder's might be in his maturity.

This Wildcats head coach took a hiatus from football from 2006 to 2008, and he wasn't expected to bring much to the table this year. Kansas State hasn't been winning handily or scoring much, winning four of its five victories by a mere 15 points. 

Yet, even if the Wildcats are sneaking by, they stand at 5-0.

Regardless of the close games, a win's a win—and they've had more than predicted.

Illinois

Possibly the biggest surprise in coaching turnouts this season is Illinois coach Ron Zook. The Illini are now 6-0 under leadership with a less-than-favorable resume. 

Zook's past includes getting fired from Florida after being called the "37-game mistake" and going 0-4 against rival Missouri. His current record with Illinois is 34-45.

The surprise of him bringing such improbable success to the team is shared by polls and fans alike. His eclectic personality and often irrational decision-making adds to the awe.  

In a seven-point lead over Indiana, Zook opted for a two-point conversion.  When questioned by the media, Zook couldn't remember whether they had been in the lead or behind when the call was made.

But, whatever the method behind the madness, it's working. 

The Illini face Ohio State on Saturday, pitting offensive coordinator Paul Perino and defensive coordinator Tom Bradley against each other.

With tough Big Ten foes down the line, Illinois will keep on shocking us if they continue to remain undefeated. 

Georgia Tech

Last season's passing numbers between quarterback Tevin Washington and wide receiver Stephen Hill were not promising.

Prior to the season, there was uncertainty as to whether Washington would even be starting.

But, Washington has thrown 10 touchdowns and only two interceptions, boosting the Yellow Jackets to second in the nation in passing efficiency.

Beginning at only fourth in the Coastal Division standings, Georgia Tech has erased the projections by moving to first.

At 6-0, this is the Yellow Jackets' best record since 1966.