By John Sarianides

Each and every year, there is one program in each conference that surprises people and exceeds expectations. Here is one team in each conference that could surprise in 2017.

America East

SMU Mustangs: Chad Morris is one of the best recruiters in Texas. He is re-stocking the roster with some talented players. SMU won’t make it to a bowl game this season but a five win season is not out of the question.

ACC

Syracuse Orange: The Orange shocked Virginia Tech last October, beating them 31-17. Dino Babers is getting this program closer to respectability. A six win season and a bowl bid is not out of the question.

Big Ten

Illinois Fighting Illini: Illinois finished 3-9 last season but Lovie Smith and his staff have done well on the recruiting trail. Factor in a manageable schedule and it is not out of the realm of possibility that the Illini win six games and get to a bowl. 

Big 12

Kansas State Wildcats: Bill Synder’s club is always in contention. They also always fly under the radar. With quarterback Jesse Ertz back and an easy schedule, the Wildcats will be a favorite to contend for a Big 12 title. 

Conference USA

Florida Atlantic Owls: Yes. I am jumping on the Lane Kiffin bandwagon. Kiffin has assembled a great staff and they have recruited well thus far. The Owls haven’t had a winning season since in 2008. That will change this season. 

MAC

Akron Zips: The Zips were the sexy pick in the MAC last season but injuries derailed their season and they finished 5-7. Terry Bowden’s squad will meet expectations this season. Don’t be surprised if the Zips end up in a bowl game.

Mountain West

Nevada Wolf Pack: New head coach Jay Norvell has cache and west coast in-roads. That should help on the recruiting trail. He also brings a high flying spread offense with him to Reno. The Pack will score points. If they can stop teams, they could find themselves in a bowl game.

PAC-12

Oregon Ducks: After a tumultuous start to his tenure, Willie Taggert and his staff are looking forward to the regular season. Taggert has assembled a great staff and the talent is in place for a quick turnaround in Eugene. 

SEC

South Carolina Gamecocks: Will Muschamp knows how to build a program. The Gamecocks struggled last season but in the process, Muschamp found his quarterback in Jake Bentley. With Bentley as the centerpiece, the Gamecocks will turn things around. 

Sun Belt

Georgia State Panthers: New coach Shawn Elliot inherits a talented roster in Atlanta. The Panthers won the 2015 Cure Bowl so there is no question that this program knows how to win. This could be a quick turnaround for Elliot and his experienced staff.