While valid, let me offer something to add to this.
6-6 USF in the AAC, a nice step for us, but not turning any heads.
Then a 1 - 2 punch.
USF as underdogs, route Syracuse in the Boca Bowl, and people say, "USF is better than I thought."
Then, USF signs the top G5 recruiting class, and people say, "And getting better"
That double hit of postive USF news opened some eyes.