The 2023 college football season is nearly upon us. We will have disappointments and surprises, with teams losing more than we expected, and teams shocking the world. Vegas has set the over under win totals for a variety of teams, so let's take a look at three teams that will surpass their season long win totals in 2023.
From: Jim Slosiarek (The Gazette)
1. Iowa Over 8 Wins
Kirk Ferentz will have a vintage Iowa defense next year. Iowa is going to be deep, physical, and explosive defensively in 2023. The Hawkeyes defense being good should be no surprise, as they have dominated Big 10 opponents for years. Iowa thankfully gets a massive upgrade at quarterback in Cade McNamara. McNamara, behind a great offensive line, should average 25 PPG (you are welcome Brian Ferentz). Just an average offensive season will go a long way for the Hawkeyes this year. Iowa has relied on their defense for years on end due to poor quarterback play and an anemic offense. Their offensive line is always going to be good, and still have a decent tight end room after losing Sam Laporta to the NFL. Iowa has a relatively easy schedule this year, and I believe they are penciled in for 9 wins this year.
From: Sarah Phipps (The Oklahoman)
2. Oklahoma Over 9.5 Wins
The Sooners should take a massive step forward in 2023. Brent Venables had a rough year one in comparison to the expectations of Oklahoma. After Dillon Gabriel was hit in the head during their Week Five matchup with TCU, their offense was never the same. Back to back losses to the Horned Frogs and Texas derailed their season after starting 3-1. Oklahoma was 0-4 last year in one score games including their loss to Florida State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Looking to their schedule, they have a relatively easy go in conference play as they get to square off against three of the new Big 12 teams this year. The Sooners should start 5-0, building momentum for the Red River Game against Texas. OU then has to travel to Lawrence and Stillwater. Oklahoma needs to win one or more of those games to get to 10 wins. I believe the Sooners go into Kansas and take care of business, as well as ended the Bedlam rivalry once and for all with a win at Oklahoma State, finishing their season at 10 wins.
From: Michael Wyke (Associated Press)
3. Texas Tech Over 9.5 Wins
Texas Tech is one of my favorite teams in college football heading into 2023. Joey McGuire is doing a fantastic job building the Red Raiders back to national relevance. TTU will be one of the best offenses in the country this year. 10 wins is admittedly quite a high number for a team that is not expected to be a national contender. However, Texas Tech is one of the teams that can be this year's TCU. As a believer in Tyler Shough as a quarterback, the pairing of Shough and McGuire should combine to create an electric offense in 2023. The defense is not a prototypical Big 12 defense either. They just sent Tyree Wilson to the NFL as a top 10 pick. Texas Tech is a massive underdog, but last year they shocked both Texas and Oklahoma, and also went 4-0 with Tyler Shough starting at quarterback. I love Texas Tech this year, and I think they could shock the world.