Boom or Bust: Teams Fighting for Respect | Birmingham News

Birmingham AL News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 20, 2026 · 1m

When the spotlight fades from playoff favorites, these overlooked teams are quietly plotting their futures—some with new coaches and QBs, others clinging to flashes of past glory. Kentucky’s gamble on Will Stein and Kenny Minchey could spark a 7-win turnaround or spiral into a 3-win disaster. Mississippi State’s Jeff Lebby might start 4-0 before fading to 3-9—or ride a bowl win into job security. Vanderbilt’s freshman QB Jared Curtis could be a Heisman darling or sink them to 4-8. And Arkansas? Ryan Silverfield might pull off upsets and sneak into a bowl—or become the scapegoat by October…