Every college football season there are surprise teams that explode out of the woodwork and make believers out of the entire nation.
This season has been no different, with several programs rising dramatically despite not being ranked in the preseason.
Here are three risers who will end their seasons right in bowl games.
3. Michigan (No. 13)
Based on the rankings, if Michigan beat No. 11 Virginia Tech, it would be considered an upset.
But Michigan is the better team in my opinion, highlighted by the play of quarterback Denard Robinson.
Robinson has passed for over 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns this season, while running for 1,163 yards and 16 touchdowns. Combined with sophomore running back Fitzgerald Toussaint, the Wolverines have averaged 235.7 rushing yards per game, 12th in the nation.
On top of this, the defense has allowed just 17.2 points per game, seventh in the nation. This includes limiting then-No. 16 Nebraska to 17 points on Nov. 19.
I expect Michigan to defeat Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 3.
2. Houston (No. 19)
Houston rattled off 12 straight wins, but after falling to Southern Miss in the final game of the regular season, they plummeted down the rankings.
But this team still has the No. 1 offense in the country, averaging 50.8 points per game.
Quarterback Case Keenum has been fantastic this season, throwing for over 5,000 yards and 45 touchdowns to just five interceptions.
His game against Southern Miss was only the second time all season he had thrown more than one interception in a single game.
No. 22 Penn State, on the other hand, has allowed 15.7 points per game this season, but have gotten blown out by Alabama and Wisconsin.
Their defense is good, but not good enough to stop Keenum and the Cougars in the TicketCity Bowl.
1. Clemson (No. 15)
Clemson heads into the Orange Bowl against No. 23 West Virginia having lost three of its last five games, but the Tigers just beat then-No. 5 Virginia Tech, 38-10.
In that game, quarterback Tajh Boyd broke out of his late-season slump, going 20-of-29 for 240 yards and three touchdowns, while rushing for one touchdown.
Junior running back Andre Ellington also exploded, rushing for 125 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries.
Although West Virginia won the Big East, that isn't exactly saying much. The Mountaineers beat Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and South Florida by a combined seven points, and lost to Syracuse and Louisville.
West Virginia will be no match for Clemson in the Orange Bowl.
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