As you can infer from the above "2014" graphic, we are calling for 4 conference champions to earn bids to the first-ever College Football Playoff. The defending National Champion Florida State Seminoles are reloaded and look to run the table again in an even easier ACC. We also see Ohio State finishing undefeated again, but this time earning revenge on Michigan State (in November) and then closing the deal in the early December Big Ten Championship game. Alabama has the talent to return to its 2009/2011/2012 championship form, and is our pick to win the SEC. Even with a loss, the SEC champion will most likely earn a spot in the Playoff. Lastly, Oregon is primed for a breakthrough season in their second year under coach Mark Helfrich. The Pac-12 is loaded from top to bottom, and we feel that even with a loss to one of the upper-tier teams, a 12-1 Oregon would still earn a bid - when comparing to the other one or two loss teams they would certainly deserve the bid.
Oklahoma is a trendy pick as well, but we see them dropping a game, maybe two, placing them below the stronger 1-loss teams from the SEC and Pac-12. Some darkhorse teams to keep an eye on: Southern Cal, Georgia, Ole Miss, Baylor.
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2014 PREVIEW
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