5 College Football Programs That Could Emerge In 2016 and Beyond Following Bowl Wins

By Andrew Frosceno

5 College Football Programs That Could Emerge In 2016 and Beyond Following Bowl Wins

College football — Teams use bowl appearances for the extra practice sessions and getting their players some extra experience in bigger games. Bowl wins can be used as springboards for the future that can aid recruiting and help the current roster gain confidence going forward. These five "down" programs could use their bowl wins to emerge towards the top of the sport.

5. Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech football

5. Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech football — The Hokies were able to close out the storied Frank Beamer era with a 55-52 win over Tulsa in the Independence Bowl. They lose QB Michael Brewer but bring back play-makers like WR Isiah Ford and gain head coach Justin Fuente. Virginia Tech could be on their way back to emerging as an ACC power again.

4. Washington

Washington football

4. Washington

Washington football — The Huskies won the Heart of Dallas Bowl over Southern Miss 44-31. They continue to have a great defense as they have for years. Now, they may have a QB as true freshman Jake Browning got better and better as the year went on. Chris Petersen could be building a contending program in Seattle.

3. Washington State

Washington State football

3. Washington State

Washington State football — The Cougars took down Miami 20-14 in the Sun Bowl, and the win got Mike Leach an extension as head coach. With Luke Falk coming back and now stability at coach, the Cougars could join Washington as potential future Pac-12 contenders at a high level. They have a fun brand of offense to play for.

2. Houston

Houston football

2. Houston

Houston football — The Cougars got perhaps their biggest win in school history as they won the Peach Bowl over Florida State. Greg Ward Jr. is coming back and they currently have what some sites say is a better recruiting class than Texas coming in. If they can keep recruiting the state strong, look out. They would have been undefeated this year if Ward hadn't been hurt for the UConn game.

1. Tennessee

Tennessee football

1. Tennessee

Tennessee football — The Vols have to be the favorite in the SEC East next season after they dismantled Northwestern in the Outback Bowl. QB Josh Dobbs and running back Jalen Hurd will lead the charge next year in Knoxville. We could finally be seeing the emergence of the Vols football program that has been down for the last decade.

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