We’re just days away from Week 1 kicking off, putting over 100 college football teams in action, all in the same Labor Day weekend. We recently highlighted five teams set to surprise the college football community in 2022, so it’s only natural for us to come back to the topic, only now we’re focusing on teams who could disappoint their fanbases this season.

Let’s dive in.

 

Clemson Tigers fail to meet expectations

The Clemson Tigers are coming off a 10-3 season that included an unexpected loss to North Carolina State a year ago. They hope to do even better in 2022, yet will have to do so without their offensive and defensive coordinators from last season. The biggest change will be the departure of Brent Venables, who accepted a head coaching role with Oklahoma. So, after six seasons of Tony Elliott coordinating the offense, and nine more from Venables on defense, this staff will be under new direction.

Brandon Streeter returns to run the offense, and Wes Goodwin will handle defensive duties. These are big changes for a team hoping to reach the College Football Playoff after falling just short a year ago.

Making matters worse is D.J. Uiagalelei may not ever live up to his status as a former five-star recruit. Throwing more interceptions than touchdown passes is never a good look. While he may be entrenched as the starter for now, freshman five-star recruit Cade Klubnik could force his way onto the field if Uiagalelei struggles again in his junior year. Despite having a talented roster, there’s too much uncertainty to buy into the fourth-ranked team in the nation at this point in the season.

 

Notre Dame takes time to click under Marcus Freeman

Speaking of change, there’s a whole of that going on in South Bend this year. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish were forced to find a new head coach after Brian Kelly packed his bags to take the vacant LSU job. Now Marcus Freeman gets a chance at the full-time role after being promoted from defensive coordinator.