ESPN's Phil Steele was quick to point out one thing when he predicted his top surprises for 2016: several of his predictions have worked out in the past, including when he picked Florida State as his top surprise team in 2013.
That means you should take his words seriously when he predicts Washington as a College Football Playoff contender in 2016.
Some people are probably thinking, "Washington? Didn't they go 7-6 last year?" Indeed they did. However, Steele isn't the only one high on the Huskies for this upcoming season, as many expect head coach Chris Petersen and company to finally get over the hump in the Pac-12 North.
Here's what Steele had to say on why he expects Washington to rise:
The Huskies were very young last year (nine returning starters, No. 107 on my experience ratings chart). They had a true freshman QB and a tough schedule. They got a key road win over a ranked USC and later won the Apple Cup to get to six wins. This year they are much more experienced with 15 returning starters. They lose only six lettermen off a defense that allowed 18.8 points per game in 2015.
Essentially, Steele expects the offense to improve with some gained experience, and the defense should stand pat after a great performance in 2015.
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We will get a good idea if Washington is up to par early in the year. After a game against Portland State — who is not a pushover even as an FCS team — Washington gets at Arizona, Stanford, and at Oregon in the next three games. If they start off 4-0, or even 3-1, then that will be enough to show that they are a force to be reckoned with.
How confident is Steele with his pick? He is already picking the Huskies to win the Pac-12.
Of course, winning the Pac-12 would put Washington squarely in the Playoff hunt. That's a far-cry from a 7-6 season in 2015.
Also making Steele's "surprise" list were TCU and Iowa. TCU should look to reload after losing quarterback Trevone Boykin and wide receiver Josh Doctson. Iowa, on the other hand, is hoping to respond after their embarrassing loss to Stanford in last year's Rose Bowl.
You can view Steele's full list here.
