College football end-of-year accountability: The good, bad and ugly of predictions for 2023 season

Florida State's success wasn't surprising, but Michigan's national title run was a shock to the system

By Barrett Sallee Jan 12, 2024 at 12:20 pm ET• 5 min read

Fans around the country demand accountability for preseason predictions that, at the time, insult your team, your coach and your intelligence. Well, that's what we hear on social media anyway. If you are one of those fans who have that reaction to preseason predictions, this column is for you.

Accountability seems like a lost cause these days, but it's that time of the year to bring it back, pat myself on the back and make fun of myself for many of the stupid things that I said prior to and during the 2023 college football season.

It was a wild year in the greatest sport on Earth that included twists, turns, surprising wins and devastating losses. It's that time of year when I look in the mirror, grade myself and give college football fans what they demand -- end of the season accountability. 

The ugly: Michigan's run to the national title

Come at me, Michigan fans. I deserve it. I picked your rival, Ohio State, to win the Big Ten East, Big Ten championship and CFP National Championship. To make matters worse, I picked Alabama to beat Michigan by double digits in the Rose Bowl and Washington to upset your beloved Wolverines in the national championship.