As we move past the quarter mark of the 2014 season, it's a good time to examine which upstart teams have legit staying power. There have been lots of unexpected risers, from Mississippi State to BYU to East Carolina. But which early-season surprise team is most likely to sustain its success?
Insider's panel of experts debates that as well as other key questions: Which team -- outside of Michigan -- has been the biggest disappointment? Who's the leading candidate for comeback player of the year? And which Week 6 favorite should be on upset alert?
1. Which early-season surprise team can sustain its success?
Travis Haney: Mississippi State. I'll couch this by saying I think Alabama and Auburn are still the superior teams in the SEC West, but the Bulldogs have the physical girth up front to compete in every remaining game. Plus, Dak Prescott is the real deal at quarterback. If coach Dan Mullen's team will ever have a chance in the SEC West, as wild and deep as it is, this is the year.
If it can manage to go 6-2 in the league, it would be a real sign of success. I doubt there's an Auburn 2013 in the field, but Mississippi State can make a lot of noise and, as I said in the preseason, at least shape the division race. This is a huge week. To validate what's happening, the Bulldogs have to follow up the euphoria of Baton Rouge with a win at home against Texas A&M.