College football rankings: Preseason teams everyone whiffed on after Week 1

# Preseason Picks Under the Microscope: A Closer Look at the Surprising Week 1 Performances ## Key Developments The first week of the 2022 college football season has proved to be a rude awakening for many preseason prognosticators. Several teams that were expected to be powerhouses this year have stumbled out of the gates, while some underdogs have delivered shocking upsets. As analysts re-evaluate their preseason rankings and predictions, it's clear that the opening games have shattered many assumptions about the top teams in the country. ## Context & Background Preseason rankings and forecasts are always a tricky endeavor in college football. With rosters in constant flux due to transfers, injuries, and development, it can be difficult to accurately assess how a team will perform once the real games begin. Additionally, the unpredictable nature of rivalries, home-field advantages, and unexpected breakout stars means that even the most diligent analysis can miss the mark. In recent years, the college football landscape has become even more volatile, with the rise of the transfer portal and the increasing parity between traditional powers and upstart programs. This has made the task of prognostication even more challenging, as the traditional models for evaluating team strength have been disrupted. ## Impact Analysis The surprising results from Week 1 have significant implications for the rest of the season. Teams that were expected to be playoff contenders, such as Notre Dame and Texas A&M, now find themselves in precarious positions, needing to rebound quickly to keep their championship aspirations alive. Meanwhile, programs like Kansas and Florida State, which were largely overlooked in the preseason, have injected new life into their seasons and newfound hope for their fan bases. The shake-up in the rankings will also have ripple effects on the broader college football landscape. Conference races, bowl game selections, and the eventual College Football Playoff field could all be impacted by these early-season upsets. Coaches, players, and fans alike will be scrutinizing every move as teams try to navigate the newfound uncertainty. ## Expert Perspective "This is exactly why we love college football," says veteran analyst Jack Wilkins. "The unpredictability is what makes it so compelling. These early-season games have turned the entire landscape upside down, and it's going to be fascinating to see how teams respond and adapt." Wilkins notes that the Week 1 surprises highlight the importance of depth, coaching adjustments, and player development. "The teams that can weather the storm and make the necessary improvements will be the ones that ultimately succeed. But right now, the slate is wiped clean, and anything is possible." ## Looking Forward As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the teams that stumbled out of the gate. Can they rebound and regain their footing, or will the opening-week setbacks prove to be too much to overcome? Likewise, the upstart programs that delivered shockers will face the challenge of sustaining their momentum and proving that their Week 1 performances were not mere flukes. The road ahead is full of uncertainty, but that's what makes college football so captivating. Analysts and fans alike will be closely watching to see which teams can navigate the twists and turns to emerge as true contenders. One thing is certain: the preseason prognostications have been turned on their head, and the race for the top spots is wide open.