The 2022 preseason AP Poll was released for fans to see on Monday. As always, college football fanatics across the country began arguing about who the poll underrated and overrated. This article will analyze the most underrated team and the most overrated team in the preseason poll.
AP Poll Overrated team: Wake Forest
In 2021, Wake Forest had a historic year for the program, winning 11 games and appearing in the ACC Championship. The offense, led by QB Sam Hartman, average 41.0 points per game, which was 4th in the FBS. Coming into 2022, expectations were the highest they’d been in a while for the Demon Deacons.
However, last week it was revealed that Hartman would be out indefinitely due to a non-football medical condition. Without Hartman, Wake Forest stands a very low chance of being ranked. The rushing attack wasn’t great, averaging less than four yards a carry in 2021. The Deacons’ defense was also average, ranking just 62nd overall in total defense last season.
This was a team that would go as far as Hartman could take them. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be very far this year.
AP Poll Most Underrated team: Arkansas
While the Razorbacks play the most difficult schedule in the country, they bring back a solid core of starters from a 9-4 team. KJ Jefferson, who was one of the best QBs in the SEC, returns to school. Additionally, four starters on the offensive line came back, which will give Jefferson a clean pocket to work with. RBs Raheim Sanders and Domonique Johnson will once again anchor a rushing attack that led the P5 in yards per game.
Defensively, Arkansas improved in the secondary, adding former LSU CB Dwight McGlothern and former Georgia CB Latavious Brini through the portal. They also added former 5-star linebacker Drew Sanders, who could help replace Grant Morgan’s production from last season. DB Jalen Catalon and LB Bumper Pool return to Arkansas, which will further bolster the back seven. With the new transfers coming in, Arkansas will be able to play more man-to-man coverage this year, which will give the Hogs more versatility.
There are questions for Arkansas at WR and DL. However, head coach Sam Pittman has been encouraged from what he’s seen from both position groups so far. If both groups can hold their own against SEC competition, the Hogs should have another terrific year.
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