College football is one of the most predictable American sports. The best teams routinely sign the best players, which in turn allows them to remain on top. There are few usurpers at the top levels. But that doesn’t mean surprises don’t happen.

Let’s try to predict them. To be truly bold, I’ll try to limit these bold predictions to things that aren’t very likely, but that have some real chance of happening nonetheless. If I can hit four of these 14, I’ll be happy.

1. LSU, BAYLOR, MINNESOTA AND LOUISVILLE SET FOR A DIP

In 2019, these were the four most surprising teams at the Power 5 level, relative to preseason expectations set by Vegas. They combined to go a ridiculous 40-8 in the regular season. My bold prediction is that they’ll do no better than a combined 34-16 in the regular season. These teams were a combination of good and lucky, and if a couple are no longer good or no longer lucky, the group’s combined record could crater.

2. EXPECT BOUNCEBACK YEARS FOR ...

Arkansas, Northwestern, Nebraska, NC State, Arizona, and Purdue.

These were arguably the most disappointing Power 5 teams, relative to preseason expectations. Vegas had expected them to combine for 42 wins in the regular season. They instead combined for 23. Yikes.

But that should change. Some of these teams had poor close-game luck. Others had injury luck that they don’t want to repeat. And yet others had poor coaching. A few of those with bad coaching have changed staffs or coaches.

Four of the six schools making a bowl is firmly in the “bold, but possible” category.