So here is my unnaturally early Playoff picks for the 2017 College Football Season. First I'll list the teams I like, and then I'll list the four I think have the best shot
Florida StateThey bring back Francois, but they lose Cook. They have the schedule in place to make a serious run at a National Championship. Miami and Louisville at home, a Watson-less Clemson on the road. If the defense can play like they were playing in the last part of the season, they're set.
AlabamaWhen was the last time you heard that the Alabama offense might be better than the D?? They lose a ton of key players, and a lot of that great D will head to the NFL...BUT they bring back Hurts, and Sarkison will be calling the offensive plays. I think Ridley comes back, not sure about Scarborough. The Alabama D just reloads every year...it might take them a little time to gel, but the schedule is set up for a championship run.
Ohio StateJ.T. Barrett comes back with a chip on his shoulder. I'm sure Urban Meyer will be spurred on to put that Clemson blow out quickly behind the Buckeyes. I know they have a young team, and they'll be the favorite to win the B1G. I worry about that schedule though...too many tricky road games, including road trips to Iowa, Nebraska, and Michigan.
OklahomaBaker Mayfield is back....The offense should be rolling in typical Big XII fashion. But what about the D? Their schedule gets tricky down the road as well, with road games at Ohio State, Kansas State, and Oklahoma State.
LouisvilleEnter year 2 of Lamar Jackson. How is the rest of the team though? They have serious issues to address, like maybe shoring up the O. Line and getting the D to play at a higher level. They get Clemson at home early, and no Hurricanes or Hokies on the schedule. They do have a trip down to Tallahassee though later in the season.
MiamiI think the "U" will start "being back" this season. The D they are building there is a future top 10 Defense. They were young last year, but they'll be even better this year. We'll have to see what Miami can do at QB with Kaaya leaving. If Richt can create a decent offense, Miami will soar up. They have an early test against FSU in week through in Tallahassee, but the rest of the schedule is somewhat friendly, with five of their last 7 games at home.
LSUI think we're about to see LSU back in a big way....gone is Les Miles and inept offenses. Now they've got a Cajun guy as head coach, and two excellent coordinators running the offense and defense. The problem is the schedule, which includes road trips to Florida, Ole Miss, Alabama, and Tennessee. They'll be good, but maybe a year away??
I don't have any thought or insight to Clemson or most of the PAC 12. Texas is an unknown as well.
But....based on what I do know, here are my picks for the playoff:
1. Florida State
2. Alabama
3. Louisville
4. Ohio State1 FSU vs. 4 Ohio State
2 Alabama vs. LouisvilleFSU vs. Alabama in a rematch from week 1 for the National Championship