In the wacky, wide-open world of the new Big 12 Conference, both Iowa State and Kansas State have aspirations of winning the league and earning that automatic bid to the College Football Playoff. ISU played for the conference title last year, while KSU has been a consistent presence among Big 12 contenders for many years.

Perhaps the feeling around Georgia's football program is just a sign of college football starting up. There's a point during every offseason where everyone feels like they have a chance. Everyone starts the season 0-0 and the anticipation for a new season builds to such a peak that the excitement can overshadow any potential shortcomings of a team.